At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and develop partnerships to enhance student experience at Warwick Sport.
- Company: Join the University of Warwick, a leader in education and sport.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, generous parental leave, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a Living Wage employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sports and student life while driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex organisations and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The purpose of this role is to lead the commercial strategy of Warwick Sport and development of strategic partnerships that drive mutual value across the breadth of the university. By formulating and executing strategies to expand sponsorship, foster partnerships, and revenue to enhance the student experience, this position plays a crucial role in elevating the profile of sport at Warwick through a commercial lens. The post's existence is fundamental to achieving ambitious commercial targets, maximising business growth through events and facility hires, and ensuring seamless collaboration with the Sport Delivery and Operations department. Through proactive engagement with stakeholders, market assessment, and strategic planning, the Assistant Director of Sport drives the success and sustainability of Warwick Sports commercial endeavours.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Commercial & Strategic Partnerships team, setting clear objectives and driving high performance against income and growth targets.
- Deliver commercial strategy aligned to organisational goals, contributing to the wider Active Wellness and Sport vision.
- Identify, develop, and secure new revenue-generating opportunities, including partnerships, sponsorships, memberships, and events.
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective partners through market analysis, outreach, and conversion activity.
- Develop innovative, tailored partnership and sponsorship packages aligned to brand values.
- Oversee all commercial contract negotiations, ensuring effective implementation and compliance.
- Lead marketing, digital, and engagement strategies to increase profile, participation, and income.
- Drive membership growth through targeted acquisition, retention, and engagement initiatives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, ensuring delivery of contractual obligations and maximising value.
- Monitor performance against KPIs, budgets, and targets, ensuring effective resource and financial management.
- Collaborate across departments to align commercial activity with operational delivery and user needs.
About You
We are looking for a commercial leader with extensive experience operating within large, complex organisations. Proven ability to lead, inspire, and influence high‑performing teams, including virtual environments, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and delivering strong commercial outcomes. Highly skilled in managing competing priorities with resilience, tenacity, and a results‑driven approach. Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships and represent organisational interests with credibility and strong commercial acumen. Innovative and entrepreneurial, with a track record of identifying and developing revenue‑generating opportunities and delivering value through effective commercial and contractual arrangements. Experienced in financial management, budget control, investment appraisal, and business planning within devolved structures. Excellent organisational, strategic, and communication skills, with a proven ability to develop evidence‑based business cases, influence decision‑making, and deliver impactful presentations.
Benefits
- An attractive pension scheme.
- 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
- Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
- On‑site childcare facilities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
We are a Living Wage Employer. We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
Commitment to Inclusion
To find out more about our commitments to equality, diversity, and inclusion, please see: Our Commitments | University of Warwick.
Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.
Closing Deadline
Closing Deadline: Sunday 26th July 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time).
Interview and Start Dates
Interview Date: Stage 1 – 21st August, Stage 2 – 27th August. Start Date: September/October 2026.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Sport – Commercial & Strategic Partnerships (111752-0626) in Coventry
✨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 University of Warwick. 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 University of Warwick. 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 Assistant Director of Sport – Commercial & Strategic Partnerships (111752-0626) in Coventry
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 University of Warwick 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 University of Warwick
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with University of Warwick, 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.
