Senior Partnership Operations Manager

This is more than just a job in sport. It’s an opportunity to play a leading role at one of the most exciting football clubs in world football, helping shape unforgettable experiences for global partners while working at the heart of a passionate, ambitious and fast-moving organisation.

We’re looking for a Senior Partnership Operations Manager to lead the delivery of world-class commercial partnerships both on and off the pitch. From matchdays at St. James’ Park to high‑profile events, hospitality experiences and brand activations, you’ll be at the centre of bringing partnerships to life in ways that excite fans, engage partners and support the continued growth of the Club.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, loves building relationships and enjoys making big ideas happen. You’ll work closely with teams across the Club and with major commercial partners, ensuring every activation is delivered to the highest possible standard.

The successful candidate will have the chance to build and shape a dedicated Partnership Operations function, driving innovation, improving processes and creating exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impression.

If you’re passionate about sport, commercially minded and motivated by delivering outstanding work as part of an ambitious team, we’d love to hear from you.

As Senior Partnership Operations Manager, you’ll play a central role in delivering exceptional experiences for the Club’s commercial partners and helping bring some of the most exciting partnerships in football to life. Working at the heart of a fast‑paced and ambitious commercial team, you’ll lead the day‑to‑day delivery of partnership activations across matchdays, hospitality, events, branding and fan experiences.

No two days will be the same; one moment you could be coordinating a major stadium activation, the next working with internal teams and partners to create memorable experiences that strengthen relationships and elevate the Club’s global profile.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape and develop a dedicated Partnership Operations function, introducing new ideas, improving ways of working and setting the standard for best‑in‑class partnership delivery. You’ll collaborate with a wide range of departments across the Club, ensuring every commercial right is delivered seamlessly and every partner receives an outstanding level of service.

The role would suit someone who is highly organised, relationship‑focused and energised by working in a high‑profile sporting environment where attention to detail and creativity go hand in hand.

• Establish and lead the Club’s Partnership Operations function, setting high standards for operational delivery.
• Build out the Partnerships Operations function through the recruitment of a Partnership Operations Executive.
• Develop and implement efficient, scalable processes to deliver partner rights consistently and effectively.
• Oversee all matchday partnership operations, including ticketing, hospitality, branding and on‑site activations (home and away).
• Manage the delivery of partner branding and signage across Club venues and events.
• Plan and deliver high‑profile partner events, including the Partner Summit, gifting programmes, networking events and bespoke activations.
• Ensure partner events are delivered on time, within budget and to exceptional standards.
• Lead the delivery of away match hosting and VIP programmes, including European competition activity.
• Work collaboratively with Partnership Marketing, Football Operations and other departments to support access to players, coaches and facilities.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to align operational delivery with brand and commercial objectives.
• Recruit, manage and develop Partnership Operations Executives, providing leadership, coaching and performance management.
• Ensure all contractual rights are delivered in line with agreements and best‑in‑class standards, protecting partner trust and the Club’s reputation.

You’ll bring strong experience in leading partnership operations, sponsorship delivery or large‑scale event management, with a proven ability to deliver complex commercial rights and activations.

You will have:

• Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong leadership experience, with confidence managing and developing teams.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A calm, proactive and organised approach in fast‑paced, high‑profile environments.
• The ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends and matchdays.
• High levels of attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
• Strong commercial awareness, with a focus on partner satisfaction and retention.
• Confidence handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• A degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent industry experience is essential.
• Experience within elite sport and knowledge of commercial partnership contracts is desirable.

You’ll be part of a friendly, supportive and ambitious Commercial team, driven by collaboration, curiosity and a shared commitment to excellence. We work together to deliver exceptional experiences for our partners and fans.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and believe in equal opportunities for all. We recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. We work together to reflect the communities we serve and to maintain an inclusive environment where everyone can be their authentic self and achieve their full potential.

Newcastle United is committed to being a place where everyone is safe, heard, valued and able to thrive. We place high importance on safeguarding and welfare, and all roles require an understanding of, and commitment to, safeguarding best practice.

This position is UK based and requires proof of the right to live and work in the UK. All offers of employment are subject to background checks, including references and eligibility to work.