Head of Sponsorship Sales - Europe

Overview

Job title: Head of Sponsorship Sales – Europe

Location: Stamford Bridge, London

Chelsea FC is one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, renowned for its winning legacy, global fanbase, and relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the pitch. With a culture rooted in ambition, innovation, and teamwork, Chelsea offers a dynamic environment where bold ideas are welcomed, and careers are built. From our state-of-the-art facilities at Stamford Bridge and Cobham, every role at Chelsea is part of a bigger mission: to inspire, lead, and shape the future of football.

Sitting within Chelsea FC’s Global Partnerships team, the Head of Sponsorship Sales – Europe will lead our commercial growth across key European markets. This high-impact role is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing high-value brand partnerships that align with the club’s global strategy and resonate with diverse audiences across the EU. You’ll work closely with our London headquarters and collaborate with internal teams, agencies, and brand partners to deliver world-class sponsorship solutions.

Closing date: 18th November

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

You’ll be:

• The Head of Sales (Europe) will be responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new sponsorship opportunities across the European market. The role will focus on delivering high-value brand partnerships that align with Chelsea FC’s commercial strategy, while building long-term relationships with regional and multinational brands.
• Building and managing a diverse pipeline of prospective partners across multiple brand sectors
• Ideating and implementing tailored, insight-led sponsorship proposals that deliver measurable ROI, working closely with the Commercial Planning team
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative, data-driven sponsorship proposals and activation plans that enhance partner value and fan engagement.
• Negotiating and closing high-value, multi-year sponsorship agreements with senior decision-makers
• Maintaining strong post-signature relationships to ensure delivery of rights and long-term value
• Conducting due diligence on prospective partners from legal, reputational, and financial perspectives
• Representing Chelsea FC at key industry events and networking opportunities across Europe
• Providing regular sales reporting, forecasting, and performance analysis to senior leadership
• Monitoring market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities across the European sponsorship landscape
• Leading, mentoring, and inspiring a high-performing sponsorship sales team
• Setting clear goals, KPIs, and performance standards aligned with Chelsea FC’s commercial objectives
• Creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Providing regular coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to nurture talent and drive growth
• Championing diversity of thought and fostering an inclusive team environment
• To be flexible and adaptable to the commercial landscape and the commercial requirements of the club.

You’ll have:

• A proven track record in sponsorship sales within the European sports, entertainment, or media industry
• A people focused approach with a history of scaling winning teams
• Deep understanding of the EU marketing landscape and brand decision-making processes
• Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills with senior executives
• Ability to develop compelling, insight-driven proposals that deliver commercial value
• Excellent communication and presentation skills across multiple languages and cultures
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and results-oriented mindset
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-performance environment
• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe and internationally as needed
• Prospect hosting at Stamford Bridge games match by match

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave (+ Bank Holidays) After three years’ service, AL days increase to 28.
• Pension Contribution (5%)
• Life Assurance (4 x base salary)
• Private healthcare through Vitality
• C2W (Cycle to Work scheme)
• Chelsea Ticket Membership Program – enables employees to purchase tickets for home games 49 days prior to the match
• Free staff lunches at Stamford Bridge (Mon-Fri)
• Discount on club and club-affiliated products (Megastore, Nike 25% discount, Stadium Tours, onsite bar/restaurant etc)
• Employee Assistance Program, Mental Health first aiders and a strong well-being community

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.

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