At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sponsorship growth and lead partnership sales strategy in cricket.
- Company: Join Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl, a leader in sports partnerships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Flexible hours for matchdays and major events; passion for sport is a plus.
- Why this job: Be part of historic events and create impactful partnerships in the world of cricket.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in sponsorship sales and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
- Head of Partnership Sales - Hants Cricket (Closes 11 July)
- Salary: Competitive and based on experience
- Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
- Department / Area: Commercial
- Reports to: Commercial Director
- Location: Utilita Bowl & Hilton Southampton SO30 3XH
The Role
This is a senior commercial role at Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl, focused on driving sponsorship growth and leading the partnerships sales strategy across both domestic and international cricket, while supporting opportunities around Southern Brave where appropriate.
With a major events calendar and the venue heading into a historic Ashes year in 2027, this is a unique opportunity to deliver high‑value partnerships for leading brands and maximise one of the biggest commercial moments in English cricket.
Working closely with the Commercial Director and senior leadership team, the successful candidate will lead new business activity, build long‑term partner relationships, and thrive in a fast‑paced, ambitious environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a partnership sales strategy to maximise sponsorship revenue site wide and across all formats of the International & Domestic game.
- Support where appropriate the partnership sales of Southern Brave.
- Lead the full sales process, from research and prospecting through to proposal development, pitching, negotiation and contract closure.
- Secure significant new commercial partnerships at local, national and global levels, creating bespoke packages tailored to partner objectives.
- Collaborate with the Partnerships Manager to ensure seamless delivery of rights and activation for new partners.
- Work closely with the community team to identify specific partnership opportunities across the recreational cricket sector.
- Build and manage strong relationships with senior decision-makers across multiple industries, ensuring a consultative approach to partnership development.
- Deliver accurate sales forecasting, set revenue targets and monitor performance against KPIs.
- Keep abreast of industry trends, marketing innovation and competitor activity to identify new opportunities.
- Represent Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl at key meetings, networking events and industry forums.
- Work with external agencies and third‑party sales partners where relevant to support lead generation and campaign delivery.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- Proven experience in sponsorship sales, business development or commercial partnerships within sport, live events or media.
- A strong track record of securing six‑ and seven‑figure partnerships with leading brands.
- Excellent negotiation and pitching skills, with the ability to build compelling commercial proposals.
- Experience of managing senior relationships and working with stakeholders across different sectors and geographies.
- Highly commercial mindset with the ability to identify and convert new revenue opportunities.
- A self‑starter, who can manage independently the entire end to end of the partnership sales process.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends for matchdays and major events.
Desirable / Preferable
- Previous experience in cricket, sport or live entertainment environments.
- Knowledge of sponsorship activation and delivery.
- Familiarity with CRM systems and sales tracking tools.
- A passion for sport and live events.
- Considerations
All applicants must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK.
Utilita Bowl is an equal opportunities employer.
We are committed to employment practices and behaviours that encourage diversity, promote equality of treatment and eliminate unlawful and or unfair discrimination.
We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our organisation.
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Head of Partnership Sales - Hants Cricket. Closes 11 July in Southampton employer: clubrugby
Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl offer an exciting opportunity for the Head of Partnership Sales to thrive in a dynamic and ambitious environment, particularly as we approach a historic Ashes year in 2027. With a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, employees benefit from competitive salaries, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to build meaningful partnerships with leading brands in the sports industry. Located at the Utilita Bowl & Hilton Southampton, this role not only promises a rewarding career but also the chance to be part of a vibrant community passionate about cricket and live events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Partnership Sales - Hants Cricket. Closes 11 July in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Partnership Sales - Hants Cricket. Closes 11 July in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining clubrugby aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at clubrugby
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with clubrugby, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
