ECB: Commercial Director (Deadline – June 12)

The role is accountable to the Chief Revenue Officer for growing and diversifying the revenues of the ECB via brand partnerships, licensing and other integrated business development programmes across England Cricket (women, men and disability), The Vitality T20 Blast, The Hundred, the County Championship, other domestic cricket and the recreational game. The role will also lead on overseeing partnership management and operations across events and matches, supporting commercial frameworks with players and agencies.

The ‘day‑to‑day’ of the role includes overseeing:

• sales, renewals, relationship management, servicing and partnership operations of brands/partners
• agency and supplier management
• venue management

Other responsibilities include:

• PCA & TEPP management
• Licensing
• Budget ownership

The role also needs to lead across strategy, influence and/or support execution of:

• development and commercialisation of the brand of women’s cricket / England Women
• development of digital, data and tech architecture that can lead to monetisation campaigns, content and programmes that can integrate a brand authentically and editorially

Who We Are

The England and Wales Cricket Board is the national governing body for all cricket in England and Wales, supporting the game at every level – from grassroots to professional. We believe cricket is a force for good that can have an enduring impact on everyone’s lives and we have an ambitious strategy to inspire a generation to say ‘cricket is a game for me’. It provides great entertainment. It teaches important skills, both physical and social. It can help inclusion and social cohesion, bringing communities together. The ECB welcomes applications from all backgrounds to ensure we deliver our Inspiring Generations strategy and fulfil our purpose to connect communities and improve lives through cricket.

Our Values

• Run on respect. We ensure our game is based on fairness, respect and decency.
• Embrace enjoyment. We make sure everyone finds fun in the game.
• Build belonging. We actively include so everyone can find a place in the game.
• Progress with purpose. We stay open to change to keep the game moving forward.

You’ll Love This Job If

• You are passionate about building collaborative relationships across a network of key stakeholders.
• You want to have a positive impact on the game by growing and diversifying revenues and attracting new fans to cricket.
• You have excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence.
• You love leading a team and inspiring them with your vision, drive and care.

You’ll Be Doing

• Develop the strategy, planning and execution of ECB’s sales activities to achieve annual sales targets in excess of £30 million per annum.
• Lead (alongside the Two Circles representative) the day‑to‑day operations of the Cricket Partnerships venture, collaborating closely with Two Circles for successful delivery.
• Lead the Commercial Partnerships team and direct ECB’s relationships with key commercial partners.
• Oversee the management of intersections between commercial and operational activities across ECB departments, counties, the digital and data portfolio and agency partners.
• Direct the ECB’s relationship with various agencies across all competitions and events.
• Identify and secure strategic partners (e.g., Lego, Universal Films, Topps) to build the long‑term brand and value of English cricket.
• Develop and oversee the execution of integrated brand partnership and activation programmes across ECB content, digital, data and technology, to grow fans and audiences for the brand and English cricket.
• Lead licensing, merchandise and retail strategies for England Cricket and The Hundred, aligning with brand and revenue ambitions.
• Explore and recommend new revenue generation opportunities for English cricket.
• Manage commercial relationships with the PCA, Team England Player Partnership and the Counties, negotiating and delivering key commercial rights trading agreements.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Commercial department, The Hundred team and the ECB’s wider Leadership Group to ensure commercial views are represented and supported, aligning to grow the brand of English cricket and its fanbase.
• Build cooperative relationships with senior level colleagues in the First‑Class Counties and the MCC.
• Maintain an office‑based presence for a minimum of three days per week.

You’ll Have

• Strong industry experience ideally at rights holder, brand or agency, ideally 12‑15 years.
• Strong relationships across sport, brand marketing and broadcast.
• Knowledge in sales, marketing, sports sponsorship, partnership operations, content, data and digital.
• Understanding of conventional and digital media platforms and their role in the modern marketing mix, particularly with multinational and global brands.
• Deep understanding of audiences and consumer brands.
• Outstanding sales, problem‑solving and negotiating skills.
• Good understanding of data, analytics and market research.
• Analytical and creative nature.
• Familiarity with legal agreements and contract negotiation.
• Deadline‑driven and high‑achieving in sales delivery.
• Proven track record of successful client relationships and strategic account management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate at all levels.
• Excellent planning, organisational and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and adaptability in a frequently evolving professional environment.

You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary
• Holiday – 25 days a year
• Volunteering – 2 days a year
• Pension Scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Employee health cashback plan
• Long‑term sickness insurance
• Life assurance – a multiple of your annual basic salary
• Enhanced family leave and pay
• OpenBlend – an innovative coaching and performance management tool
• Learning and Development – a range of programmes and initiatives to help you develop and reach your potential
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential access to expert services including counselling, wellbeing, and independent legal and financial advice
• Cycle 2 Work Scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Preferential access to tickets to England games
• Opportunities to be part of and involved in our Employee Resource groups: Women in Cricket Employee Network, Race in Cricket Employee Network, Social Equality in Cricket Employee Network, Cricketability Employee Network (formerly Disability in Cricket Employee Network) and LGBTQ+ Community in Cricket Employee Network