At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a dynamic sports talent division while managing a team of Talent Managers.
- Company: A rapidly growing, digital-first talent agency with an exciting roster of athletes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of sports talent.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team and explore new revenue streams in the creator economy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the sports industry and work with top-tier talent and brands.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in talent management or sports marketing with proven negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A rapidly growing, digital-first talent agency is looking for an experienced Talent & Partnerships Director to lead and shape its dedicated sports division. Representing an exciting roster of Team GB athletes, former professional sports stars, sports-focused creators and established broadcasters, this is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a growing division and play a key role in its long-term strategy and success.
You’ll be responsible for driving commercial growth across the roster, developing long-term talent strategies and leading a team of Talent Managers and junior colleagues. Working closely with agency leadership, you’ll help shape the future direction of the sports division whilst identifying new opportunities across partnerships, media and talent acquisition.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and grow the agency's dedicated sports talent division
- Line manage, mentor and develop a team of Talent Managers and junior team members
- Devise and execute the overall talent strategy for the sports division
- Manage a roster of athletes, sports creators and broadcasters
- Secure and negotiate brand partnership opportunities for talent
- Develop long-term career strategies across broadcast, podcast, corporate, live events and IP opportunities
- Scout, attract and sign both established and emerging sports-focused talent
- Build relationships with brands, broadcasters, production companies, rights holders and commercial partners
- Identify new revenue streams and commercial opportunities across the roster
- Collaborate with agency leadership on divisional growth and business strategy
- Monitor industry trends and identify opportunities within sport, media and the creator economy
- 5+ years' experience within talent management, athlete representation, sports marketing or a related commercial role
- Proven track record managing athletes, sports broadcasters, creators or high-profile talent
- An established network across brands, athletes, rights holders, governing bodies, agencies and PR/influencer marketing partners
- Demonstrable experience securing and negotiating high-value brand partnerships, endorsements and commercial agreements
- Proven line management experience, with the ability to mentor, develop and oversee the day-to-day performance of junior team members
- Highly commercial and proactive, with a strong business development mindset and confidence generating new opportunities
- Strong negotiation skills and experience managing complex commercial discussions
- Deep understanding of the creator economy and digital media landscape
Talent & Partnerships Director - Sport employer: SUMO
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing digital-first talent agency that champions a diverse roster of Team GB athletes and sports creators. With a strong emphasis on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate team, shape innovative talent strategies, and drive commercial growth in a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration. Located in a thriving hub for sports and media, this role offers unique advantages such as access to industry leaders and exciting partnership opportunities, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Talent & Partnerships Director - Sport
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like SUMO. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including SUMO. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Talent & Partnerships Director - Sport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining SUMO aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at SUMO
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with SUMO, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
