Partnership Insights Manager in Manchester

Location: Manchester or London

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals. We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

The Role:

Manchester United is seeking a talented and driven individual to join our Commercial Division within the Commercial Operations department. The Partnership Insights Manager will report to the Head of Commercial Analytics & Insights, playing a key role in driving best-in-class partnership propositions through distinctive storytelling and the effective application of data, research and insights. You will work closely with the Sales & Partnerships team, supporting partnership sales, measurement, and retention through data-driven insights.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Sales team to understand prospect objectives and define how Manchester United delivers against business, brand and marketing goals.
• Develop customised, insight-led, brand-focused presentations aligned to prospect and partner business objectives.
• Translate consumer, brand, media and sponsorship intelligence into clear, compelling commercial presentations.
• Work alongside Sales and Partnerships teams, and with colleagues across Commercial Analytics & Insights, to continuously evolve how Manchester United positions itself in the market and articulates the business value it drives for commercial partners.
• Drive innovation in insights methodologies, recommending new data sources, measurement frameworks and analytical approaches, remaining ahead of industry trends.
• Shape and standardise best-in-class pitch frameworks, ensuring all partnership propositions are clear, compelling and aligned to business objectives.
• Lead the analysis of complex datasets to deliver strategic insights and clear, actionable recommendations that inform commercial decision-making.
• Drive thought leadership in sponsorship and sports marketing, proactively sharing intelligence and trends across the club.
• Anticipate shifts in consumer behaviour, media consumption and brand investment strategies, ensuring the club remains ahead of industry dynamics.
• Understand emerging sectors, growth categories and brand priorities, guiding the ongoing evolution of partnership propositions and use of research and insights.
• Input on the development of a suite of dashboards and reporting tools that deliver timely, accurate and relevant business and consumer intelligence.
• Promote the use of data-driven thinking across the organisation, championing best practices and raising data literacy.
• Manage and develop team members, elevating analytical capability, storytelling standards and overall team performance.

The Person:

Experience:

• Experience in an insights, research or strategy role, ideally within a brand, rights holder or agency environment.
• Proven track record supporting new business pitches, sponsorship strategy or brand partnerships with data, research and insights.
• Experience developing high-quality sales presentations and commercial materials.
• Strong understanding of the role of sponsorship within the marketing mix, why brands invest in sport and entertainment marketing, and how partnerships are evaluated and measured by brands.
• Familiarity with the key consumer, media and brand research, and sponsorship intelligence tools used across the industry.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects effectively.
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration, working across departments to achieve shared goals.
• Skilled in translating data insights into strategic recommendations that drive revenue, operational efficiency, and fan experience improvements.
• Confident presenting complex insights to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and compelling way.
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels, with a proven ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
• Highly numerate, with the ability to interpret and work with complex datasets including demographic, behavioural and transactional data.
• Strong expertise in conducting in-depth data analysis and producing high-quality, insight-led outputs.
• Experienced in building impactful data visualisations that communicate insights and tell meaningful stories.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Keynote (or PowerPoint).

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Analytical, strategic thinker with a problem-solving mindset.
• Self-starter who is resourceful, independent and takes initiative.
• Strong time management and prioritisation skills, able to handle competing demands.
• Hands-on, pragmatic approach to getting things done.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Skilled in managing relationships with senior stakeholders, building trust and credibility.

Our Values:

• Badge – Earn the badge, every day. Respect our history and heritage. Be best in class and deliver to the standards expected of Manchester United. No one is bigger than the club.
• Bravery – Be bold, be brave, and take calculated risks. Do things differently and innovate. Lead by example and do what’s right for the club, even when it’s hard.
• Spirit – Embody the spirit of Manchester United. Show strength of character, act with passion, and fight back, no matter what.

What We Offer:

• Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work.
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days.
• Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme.
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+.
• Workplace Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners.
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities.
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies.
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs.
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth.

Our Commitment to You:

We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion sit at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Ready to Join Us?

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks. If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.