Partnerships Manager The Football Association

Partnerships Manager The Football Association

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Kick it Out

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage partnerships and drive impactful activation programmes for women's football.
  • Company: Join the Women’s Super League Football, transforming women's football in England.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Work in a vibrant office in Central London with a focus on innovation.
  • Why this job: Be part of a movement that champions female athletes and engages passionate fans.
  • Qualifications: Strong relationship management skills and experience in partnership strategies.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.

Overview

The incorporation of WSL Football marks the beginning of a new era for women's professional football in England. Led by our CEO, Nikki Doucet, the company is founded on a new vision and mission to transform women's football by building the most distinctive, competitive and entertaining women's football club competition in the world for the players and fans of today and tomorrow. Women's football in England has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, marked by increased fan engagement, rising attendance at matches, and a surge in participation at all levels. WSL Football is fiercely committed to building on this momentum by creating a thriving landscape that prioritises the welfare and development of players, fosters an engaging fan community, and nurtures the sport's growth.

Location

The Women’s Super League Football office is based in Farringdon in Central London.

Key Accountabilities

  • Overall responsibility for the management and delivery of a selection of WSL’s Football commercial partners.
  • Liaise with internal teams (Performance Development, League Operations, Broadcast, Partnerships, Marcomms and Content) and external teams (Clubs and agencies) to ensure successful rights delivery and troubleshoot any delivery issues.
  • Drive value through impactful activation programmes and ensure alignment with the strategic priorities of WSL Football.
  • Oversee liaison with BWSL and BWSL2 clubs on management and delivery of club‑led commercial rights for WSL Football partners.
  • Oversee the creation of ground‑dressing assets each season and approvals for Club and WSL Football Partners.
  • Manage the insights and research support for allotted partners to demonstrate the ongoing success of the partnership.
  • Support the Head of Commercial Partnerships in delivering partnership renewals with key partners as relevant within each partnership term.
  • Manage and oversee the budget requirements across allotted partners, liaising with other divisions and teams as required.
  • Champion world‑class service delivery of league and club services; obtain customer feedback and improve services as required.
  • Execute additional tasks as required to meet changing priorities.
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing.

Essential Skills

  • Excellent relationship and stakeholder management skills at all levels.
  • Ability to understand brand objectives to shape partnership strategies that deliver both Return on Investment (ROI) and Return on Objectives (ROO).
  • Proven experience in leading and developing partner activation plans and campaigns.
  • Proven experience in sponsorship programme creation and sale/negotiation.
  • Experience working with cross‑functional project teams.
  • Out‑of‑the‑box thinking and the ability to challenge convention to drive projects end‑to‑end from concept to creation.
  • Digital native.
  • Proven experience in working with commercial contracts and legal teams.
  • Ability to blend creativity with commerciality and prioritise key revenue‑driving or value‑additive activity for WSL Football and our Partners.
  • Proven experience in managing and supporting direct reports and channelling their professional growth.
  • Skills and experience of working alongside Marketing, Content, Brand and Communications.
  • Strategic thinker who can consider wider and longer‑term impacts.
  • A desire to learn and continuously improve, ensuring the Commercial Partnerships team is seen at the forefront of innovation.
  • Experience in sponsorship research and insight measurement.
  • Interest and knowledge of sport and sponsorship markets.

Desirable Skills

  • Relevant qualification/degree.
  • Interest and knowledge of women’s football.
  • Understanding of the digital marketing landscape.
  • Experience of working with broadcasters and the media.
  • Strong presentation and reporting skills.

Living the Values through Our Behaviours

  • FOR THE LOVE OF THE WOMEN’S GAME – Every decision drives the growth, quality, and impact of women’s football for future generations.
  • GREATNESS NEVER SETTLES – We have the relentless drive to keep the women’s game growing, and we reach for more, pushing boundaries, innovating boldly and continuously rewriting the playbook.
  • FIND A WAY TO WIN, TOGETHER – We move as one, lifting each other up and having each other’s backs, uniting players, clubs, fans and communities to achieve greatness.
  • CHAMPION THE FEMALE ATHLETE, ON AND OFF THE PITCH – We celebrate and support female athletes, empowering them to shine in their football careers and beyond.
  • PUT FANS IN THE FRONT ROW – Fans are the VIPs at the heart of our game; we thrill, inspire, and connect with them to build lifelong loyalty.

Equal Opportunity

Women’s Super League Football welcomes applications from everyone. Every employee will be required to complete a DBS check, with the level of the check based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

Partnerships Manager The Football Association employer: Kick it Out

The Football Association is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming women's football in England through a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Located in the heart of Central London, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that prioritises personal and professional growth, alongside a commitment to innovation and collaboration. With a focus on empowering female athletes and engaging fans, the company offers unique opportunities to contribute to a meaningful mission while enjoying a supportive and passionate team atmosphere.

Kick it Out

Contact Detail:

Kick it Out Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Partnerships Manager The Football Association

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show your passion for women’s football! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your thoughts on the growth of the game and how you can contribute to its future. They’ll love your energy!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its partners. Understand their values and recent initiatives, especially around WSL Football. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their mission.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and are keen to be part of the exciting journey in women’s football.

We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships Manager The Football Association

Relationship Management
Stakeholder Management
Partnership Strategy Development
Sponsorship Programme Creation
Negotiation Skills
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
Creative Problem Solving

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Women's Football:When you're writing your application, let your love for women's football shine through! We want to see how you connect with the sport and its growth. Share any experiences or insights that highlight your enthusiasm for the game.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key accountabilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've managed partnerships or driven value in previous roles. Show us why you're the perfect fit!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and fluff. Use bullet points where necessary to make your achievements stand out. Remember, less is often more!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kick it Out

Know Your Partnerships

Before the interview, dive deep into the partnerships that WSL Football has established. Understand their objectives and how they align with the growth of women's football. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to enhancing these relationships.

Showcase Your Creativity

Be prepared to discuss innovative ideas for partner activation plans. Think outside the box and come up with unique strategies that could drive engagement and ROI for both WSL Football and its partners. This will highlight your ability to blend creativity with commerciality.

Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills

Since the role involves liaising with various internal and external teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve navigated challenges to achieve common goals.

Passion for Women's Football

Express your genuine interest in women's football and its growth. Share any relevant experiences or insights you have about the sport. This passion will resonate with the interviewers and show that you're aligned with their mission to champion female athletes.