Partnership Sales Executive - London (Remote)

At Sunderland AFC, you’re not just becoming part of a football club; you’re entering a vibrant community fuelled by passion and pride. Our commitment to making a difference means you’ll engage with local initiatives that truly matter, allowing you to leave a positive impact right here at home. You’ll thrive in an exciting, dynamic atmosphere where every day is a new adventure filled with the thrill of football and teamwork. We believe in nurturing talent, so you’ll have access to training programs and mentorship opportunities. Our diverse and inclusive culture celebrates individuality, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. You’ll be part of a team that unites in the spirit of collaboration and respect, making your work environment both rewarding and inspiring.

About the Commercial Team

The Commercial Team at Sunderland AFC is dedicated to driving the club’s growth beyond the pitch. We are a passionate group focused on forging meaningful partnerships, enhancing fan experiences, and maximising commercial opportunities through sponsorship, marketing, and merchandise. With a diverse set of skills and backgrounds, our team collaborates closely with local businesses and global brands to create innovative solutions that benefit both the club and our community. Our mission is to build a sustainable future for Sunderland AFC while ensuring our fans feel valued every step of the way.

The Opportunity

SAFC’s Partnership Sales Executive is a commercially driven role, focused on generating new revenue by securing high-value partnerships for the club. Reporting directly to the Partnership Sales Manager, you will be responsible for building and managing a strong pipeline of prospective partners, converting opportunities into long‑term commercial agreements. This is a hands‑on sales role where success will be measured by your ability to meet and exceed revenue targets. Using research, networking, and proactive outreach, you will identify potential partners across key sectors, prepare compelling proposals, and deliver persuasive sales presentations. Working closely with the wider commercial team, you will ensure that Sunderland AFC continues to attract brands that share our values and vision. By creating tailored partnership solutions, you will play a key role in enhancing the club’s visibility, driving revenue growth, and building meaningful relationships with new partners.

What We Ask For

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual for the role of Partnership Sales Executive at Sunderland AFC. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field and possess a minimum of 3 years of experience in sponsorship sales or partnership management. An enthusiastic and results‑driven professional with a genuine passion for football and the sports business is essential for this role. The successful candidate will demonstrate proven sales experience, ideally within a sports or entertainment setting, showcasing a solid track record of achieving financial targets. A robust network of contacts in industries relevant to sponsorship will enable the identification and acquisition of new partnership opportunities. Additionally, the ability to build and maintain high‑value relationships with stakeholders at all levels is crucial for ensuring exceptional service and engagement. Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills are necessary, along with proven negotiation capabilities to influence and secure partnerships effectively. The ideal candidate will be results‑oriented, committed to meeting or exceeding financial targets, and will possess a proactive approach to driving revenue growth. Furthermore, creative thinking is a must, allowing the candidate to design bespoke sponsorship packages that appeal to a wide range of industries and demonstrate innovative solutions to meet partner needs. A Basic DBS from Sunderland AFC is required.

Remote Permanent - Full-time

Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally. Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying. Sunderland AFC recognises that the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance within the organisation. Sunderland AFC owes a duty of care to safeguard all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities organised by the football club. Sunderland AFC will ensure that safety and protection is given to all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities through adherence to the Safeguarding guidelines adopted by the Club. Importantly, safeguarding is not the responsibility of a single individual or team; it is a collective responsibility that involves everyone associated with the club. From staff and volunteers to players and supporters, each person has a crucial role in creating a safe and welcoming environment. All members of the Sunderland AFC community are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow safeguarding procedures, and report any concerns promptly, knowing that safeguarding is a shared responsibility that helps protect those most vulnerable.

As a standard offering, we proudly provide a range of benefits for our permanent SAFC employees, with additional perks available for specific roles to enhance your experience even further.

• Annual Leave: Employee Offering 25 days leave (in addition to public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years’ service.
• Death in Service Employee Benefit: The Death in Service benefit provides peace of mind for you and your family, offering a safety net of four times the basic annual salary in the unfortunate event of a loss.
• Salary Exchange Schemes: Agree to reduce your salary through our Salary Exchange Schemes to enjoy benefits like tax savings, increased pension contributions for a larger retirement fund, eco‑friendly travel with EV Salary Sacrifice, and healthier commutes with Cycle 2 Work.
• Complimentary Season Tickets: Score two free tickets for all home fixtures, so you can kick back, cheer on the club, and enjoy all the Premier League action!
• Enhanced Family and Parental Pay: Enhanced Paternity, Maternity, and Adoption pay provide new parents with more than just statutory pay, offering additional financial support to embrace your time with your families!
• Employee Assistance Programs: Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer confidential support services that go beyond just workplace wellness, providing you with access to counselling, resources, and tools to tackle personal challenges and enhance your overall well‑being!
• Free Parking: Free parking at both the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light.
• Discounts: SAFC employees enjoy various discount packages from our partners, including exclusive offers at the Club Store.