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- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships with football clubs and governing bodies to drive revenue growth.
- Company: Join Fanatics Commerce, a leader in licensed sports merchandise with a passion for fans.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, hybrid working, and a culture of collaboration and support.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the sports industry while working with top-tier talent.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in partnerships or business development, preferably in sports retail.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At Fanatics Commerce, we’re more than just a leader in licensed sports merchandise – we’re a team united by a relentless passion for our fans and a commitment to innovation. We live by our BOLD Leadership principles: We Build Championship Teams, we’re Obsessed with Fans, we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and we approach every challenge with a Determined and Relentless Mindset. If you’re ready to contribute to a dynamic, fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and growth, we want you to be part of our team.
Role Profile
The Director, Partnerships will lead and develop strategic relationships with key partners, including National Federations, Premier League, League 1, and Championship clubs, as well as global governing bodies and football associations. As the primary strategic contact, you will nurture relationships and maximise commercial opportunities. Collaborating closely with internal teams, you will drive revenue growth, elevate brand presence, and deliver exceptional value to our partners retail business.
Strategic Partnership Growth
- Lead senior-level relationships with associations, leagues, and clubs, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Develop and execute strategies to grow and commercially enhance partnerships.
- Proactively identify renewal and new commercialization opportunities.
- Monitor and analyze performance metrics to optimize financial returns for Fanatics and partners.
Leadership & Management
- Provide strong leadership to inspire confidence, and drive effective change.
- Manage the full partnership lifecycle: onboarding, ongoing reviews, escalations, and relationship nurturing.
- Oversee internal teams, ensuring seamless communication and delivery of commitments.
Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with senior leadership, ecommerce, product development, licensing, new business, buying, marketing, and operations to align on launches and partner goals.
- Drive revenue growth through partner activations and joint marketing initiatives.
- Hold teams accountable to deliver on time and within plan.
Innovation, Marketing & Best Practices
- Stay current with industry trends, competitor activities, and developments in sports retail.
- Introduce innovative ideas and best practices to enhance partnership value and fan engagement.
Relationship Management & Retention
- Build and maintain trusted advisor-level relationships with senior stakeholders in partner organizations, ensuring mutual satisfaction.
- Represent Fanatics as the face of the brand within the sports community.
- Ensure ongoing partner satisfaction.
Strategic Business Reviews
- Lead performance reviews against contracts and business plans with partners, involving internal teams to present relevant data.
What You Bring To The Team
- Experience: 8+ years in partnerships, account management, or business development, preferably in sports.
- Retail & Ecommerce: Proven experience in a sports retail-focused or ecommerce business.
- Leadership: Demonstrated ability managing senior client relationships; strong negotiation and strategic thinking skills.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of football club operations, league structures, and fan engagement strategies.
- Commercial Acumen: Track record of driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to influence at all levels.
- Analytical Skills: Skilled in analysing complex data and market trends to inform strategy.
- Problem-Solving: Capable of managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Highly Desirable: Background in ecommerce and retail environments.
- Travel: Willingness to travel internationally as required.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Sports Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Work Ethic: Driven to meet goals and exceed partner expectations.
- Personable: Team-oriented, able to build relationships at all levels.
Where you will be based
Manchester, hybrid working 3 days per week
At Fanatics, we value transparency and honesty. If you don’t meet every single requirement, that’s okay – we still want to hear from you! We believe in the power of diverse experiences and talents. If you’re excited about the role and confident that you can contribute, don’t hesitate to apply. We’re genuinely interested in how your unique skills and perspective can help us build something amazing together.
Culture: Join a team where you’re surrounded by top-tier talent, driven by a shared passion to relentlessly enhance the fan experience. With a focus on collaboration, support, and continuous development, you’ll be empowered to help shape our culture that celebrates both individual and team successes.
Benefits: At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life; as such we offer a range of competitive benefits tailored to each country in which we operate. Specific details regarding the benefits package applicable to your location will be shared and discussed during the interview process.
Partnerships Director - Football in Manchester employer: GamblingCareers.com
Contact Detail:
GamblingCareers.com Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnerships Director - Football in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners on LinkedIn. Building relationships is key to landing that Partnerships Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for football! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, let your love for the game shine through. Share your insights on current trends and how they could impact partnerships – it’ll show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets the sport.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tough questions! Think about how you would handle specific partnership challenges or how you’ve driven revenue growth in the past. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Fanatics. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships Director - Football in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Football: When writing your application, let your love for football shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our commitment to fans and innovation. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for the sport.
Highlight Your Strategic Thinking: As a Partnerships Director, strategic thinking is key. Make sure to showcase your experience in developing and executing successful partnership strategies. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven revenue growth and enhanced partnerships in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the job description. Mention how your skills and experiences match the requirements, especially in areas like relationship management and commercial acumen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GamblingCareers.com
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the key partnerships Fanatics has with football clubs and associations. Familiarise yourself with their current collaborations and think about how you can enhance these relationships. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing senior client relationships. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired teams and driven effective change in previous roles. This aligns perfectly with the role's emphasis on strong leadership.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Bring data-driven examples of how you've successfully driven revenue growth through partnerships in the past. Discuss specific strategies you've implemented and the results achieved. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone with a solid commercial mindset.
✨Engage with Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in sports retail and fan engagement strategies. Be prepared to share your insights during the interview, as this demonstrates your passion for the industry and your proactive approach to innovation.
