At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive revenue growth through strategic brand partnerships and creative campaigns.
- Company: Join a dynamic media company focused on innovative sports content.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work remotely with occasional travel to Manchester for collaboration and on-location shoots.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sports media while building valuable relationships with top brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in media sales or brand partnerships; creativity and strong negotiation skills are key.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Commercial Partnerships Lead is responsible for driving revenue growth across Crowd’s portfolio of shows:
- For The Love Of Rugby – Ben Youngs & Dan Cole
- Long Story Short – Jill Scott & Karen Carney
- For The Love Of Cricket – Stuart Broad & Jos Buttler
- For The Love Of Cycling – Ned Boulting, David Millar, Pete Kennaugh & Lizzie Deignan
This will be done by developing and managing strategic brand partnerships.
They identify new business opportunities, build strong relationships with brands, and create commercially compelling campaigns that align with Crowd’s content and audience.
This role combines business development, relationship management, and creative thinking.
The Commercial Partnerships Lead owns the full partnership lifecycle, from pitching and negotiation through to onboarding and delivery, ensuring partnerships deliver value for both clients and the business.
They play a key role in shaping Crowd’s commercial strategy, increasing market presence, and ensuring the business remains competitive within the evolving media and content landscape.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Development & Revenue Growth
- Drive new business growth across Crowd’s portfolio of shows
- Identify and secure new commercial opportunities with brands and agencies
- Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with audience, content, and market opportunities
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of potential partners
- Increase awareness of Crowd’s value proposition within the market
- Partnership Management
- Build and maintain relationships with key brands, agencies, and partners
- Manage the full partnership lifecycle from pitch and negotiation to onboarding and delivery
- Ensure partnerships are structured to deliver strong commercial and creative outcomes
- Work closely with Account Managers to ensure smooth campaign delivery
- Commercial Strategy & Campaign Development
- Develop creative partnership ideas, including branded content and integrated campaigns
- Collaborate with Producers and content teams to align partnerships with shows
- Ensure commercial activity supports both audience engagement and revenue goals
- Contribute to the development of scalable commercial formats and offerings
- Market & Performance Insight
- Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities
- Maintain accurate forecasting, pipeline tracking, and revenue reporting
- Use performance data and campaign results to refine commercial strategy
- Identify opportunities to grow and optimise existing partnerships
- Collaboration & Cross-Functional Working
- Work closely with production, editorial, and creative teams to deliver partnerships
- Collaborate with Account Managers on campaign execution and client management
- Align with leadership on commercial priorities and business growth
- Contribute to cross-departmental planning and decision-making
- Company-Wide Responsibilities
- Act as a collaborative and proactive senior team member across the business
- Contribute to company-wide strategy, planning, and growth initiatives
- Support tasks outside of immediate remit where required in a growing SME
- Represent Crowd’s values and standards internally and externally
Skills & Experience
- Strong experience in media sales, brand partnerships, or business development
- Proven track record of driving revenue growth
- Strong network of brand and agency contacts
- Ability to develop creative commercial concepts and campaigns
- Excellent negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of media and content landscapes
- Experience working in sport or related industries is beneficial
Qualifications
- Relevant professional experience in media, advertising, or commercial roles
- Formal qualifications welcomed but not essential
- Behaviours & Ways of Working
- Commercially driven and results-focused
- Proactive and entrepreneurial, with a self-starter mindset
- Strong relationship builder and communicator
- Creative and strategic in approach
- Collaborative and adaptable
Package & Benefits
This role can be based anywhere in the UK, however, travel to the Crowd offices in Manchester will be required from time-to-time as will on-location shooting.
- The salary for the role is £45,000 - £55,000, depending on experience. You will also get :
- Holidays: 25 days per year, plus an extra day for your birthday after two years’ service.
- Flexible & hybrid working with regular collaboration in our Manchester offices.
- Actively managed pension scheme.
- Life Assurance, Income Protection and Health Cash Plan.
- Training and development opportunities and the chance to work on award-winning podcasts and branded partnerships.
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Commercial Partnership Lead (Sports) employer: Crowd Network
Crowd Network is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and creative work environment where innovation thrives. As a Senior Producer/Channel Lead for For the Love of Golf, you will have the unique opportunity to shape a new sports media brand from its inception, supported by a culture that values collaboration and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to employee development, Crowd Network is dedicated to fostering a rewarding career for those passionate about digital content and sports.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Partnership Lead (Sports)
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Crowd Network and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Crowd Network are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Crowd Network on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Crowd Network. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Partnership Lead (Sports)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Crowd Network. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Crowd Network:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Crowd Network’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crowd Network
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Crowd Network will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Crowd Network, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
