At a Glance
- Tasks: Create impactful brand partnerships in the sports industry and drive commercial success.
- Company: Rocket Sports, co-founded by Sir Elton John, is a leading sports consultancy.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Other info: Passion for sport and creativity is essential; thrive in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of sports partnerships.
- Qualifications: 8 years in sponsorship sales or brand marketing with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 € per year.
About Rocket Sports
Rocket Sports is a sports consultancy helping athletes, rights holders and brands navigate the commercial side of sport. Co-founded by Sir Elton John in 2012, today we work with some of the world’s best-known athletes, teams, clubs, federations and commissioners. We exist to create rocket-fuelled partnerships that elevate sport, inspire audiences and deliver genuine commercial impact. From global sponsorships to breakthrough content, we bring creativity, strategy and energy to everything we do.
The Role
This role is all about creating the kind of brand partnerships that make people stop, notice and care. You’ll take the lead in identifying opportunities, crafting propositions and building relationships with senior brand and marketing leaders who want to use sport as a platform for growth. Working closely with our CEO and client teams, you’ll help shape how rights holders take their story to market and ensure every partnership delivers real value to both sides.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver commercial partnerships for our rights holder clients. This includes shaping the commercial strategy, identifying brand prospects, designing outreach plans and managing the sales pipeline from first contact to signed agreement.
- Build and nurture relationships with senior brand and agency decision-makers who view sport as a meaningful part of their marketing mix. You will open doors, sustain dialogue and position Rocket Sports as a trusted, insight-led advisor.
- Create proposals and pitch materials that are strategically strong, insight-led and visually compelling. You will bring together data, storytelling and creative thinking to articulate clear value for both brand and rights holder.
- Lead negotiations and close deals that stand the test of time, ensuring that both sides feel proud of the partnership created. You will work closely with legal and finance colleagues to oversee contract terms, pricing structures and deliverables.
- Keep clients informed and confident throughout the process. You will provide clear communication, regular pipeline updates and well-structured recommendations that build trust and momentum.
- Mentor and support the partnership team, sharing knowledge, feedback and best practice. You will help shape the commercial culture of the business and ensure that everyone feels part of the same mission.
- Represent Rocket Sports externally with credibility, energy and authenticity. Whether at client meetings or at industry events, you will embody Rocket’s belief in creativity and collaboration.
- Champion continuous improvement in how we approach partnership development, including refining prospecting processes, improving collateral and driving smarter use of data and research tools.
Experience
- 8 years’ experience in sponsorship sales, partnerships or brand marketing.
- A strong track record of originating and closing major brand partnerships.
- A good grasp of how brands measure value and how rights holders create it.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills: clear, confident and engaging.
- Commercial instincts, creative thinking and a team-first mindset.
- Passion for sport, culture and the stories that connect the two.
Partnerships Development Director employer: Rocket Sports
Rocket Sports is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Vauxhall, London, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for mentorship and professional development, ensuring that our team members are equipped to excel in their roles. Our commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships in the sports industry not only inspires our employees but also allows them to make a genuine impact in the world of sport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnerships Development Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for sport! When chatting with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through. They want to see that you genuinely care about the industry and the partnerships you'll be building.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your pitch! When you're in discussions, make sure to highlight how your skills align with their needs. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your value and creativity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are proactive. It shows you're serious about joining us at Rocket Sports and ready to take those partnerships to new heights.
We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sport:When writing your application, let your love for sport shine through! We want to see how your passion connects with the role and how it drives you to create impactful partnerships.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in sponsorship sales and partnerships. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to close deals and build relationships with brands.
Craft a Compelling Narrative:Your application should tell a story. We want to see how your journey has led you to this point and how you can contribute to Rocket Sports. Use data and creativity to make your case!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Your application should reflect your communication skills and ability to engage with senior leaders in the industry. Don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rocket Sports
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Rocket Sports and their recent partnerships. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of successful partnerships you've developed in the past. Highlight your role in identifying opportunities, crafting proposals, and closing deals. Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work, as this will resonate with their focus on delivering genuine commercial impact.
✨Engage with Insightful Questions
During the interview, ask thoughtful questions about Rocket Sports' approach to partnership development. Inquire about their strategies for building relationships with brands and how they measure success. This shows your strategic thinking and interest in contributing to their mission.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sport
Let your enthusiasm for sport shine through in your conversation. Share stories about how you've connected brands with sports initiatives or events. This will not only highlight your passion but also align with Rocket Sports' culture of creativity and collaboration.
