Business Manager Planning Services

World Rugby is the world governing and law-making body for the sport of Rugby Union based in Dublin and London. In addition to its governance functions, World Rugby organises a number of international tournaments and events including the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, U20s Championship, WXV competition, World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup, and the annual HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

OBJECTIVE

World Rugby wishes to appoint a Business Solutions Manager, reporting to the Head of Business Solutions within the Partnerships department. Business Solutions will drive the commercial growth of World Rugby through ideation & design of ingenious solutions for our partner brands – across media, IP, digital, physical and other assets at our disposal. The Business Solutions Manager will work with the Business Development, Partnerships, Marketing & Events teams across ideation, business planning, sales processes and more to take our revenue driving activities to the next level.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Partnerships Sales Strategy & Planning: Support the category & territory specific sales processes to maximise our success in market, end-to-end from prospecting & valuations, to contact strategy & collateral, to rights packaging & negotiation. Mixing meticulous attention to detail and data with bold creative flare to give us the edge over the market and build world class, long term partnerships.
• The Playbook of ideas, rights & assets: Managing, scoping and drawing from our ‘war chest’ of ideas to match brand briefs brought in by Business Development & partnerships teams. Relentlessly improving and expanding on the playbook to make sure we can match market demand, and working with stakeholders both in Partnerships as well as the rest of World Rugby to bring new ideas to life.
• Business Requirements & Solutions: Liaising with the World Rugby departments outside of Partnerships to understand and gather requirements in key products & services categories such as insurance, telecoms, apparel, technology etc for inclusion in our sales processes and overall business planning. In addition, liaising with these other departments to plan new rights, programmes & activations which we can leverage in the market with brands.
• Partnerships Reporting: Steering the overall approach to partnerships & media data and post-event reporting, communicating requirements in terms of data and research to ensure we’re armed with the best possible insight to build our case in market & prove ROI to brands on an ongoing basis, particularly post Rugby World Cup 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 7+ years’ experience in a dynamic sports or media business environment, preferably close to the sponsorship and/or media rights sales process.
• Expert knowledge and feel for the sports industry with proven success in delivering world class sales outputs, processes & outcomes.
• The ability to quickly learn and adapt to deliver at a high level in a new environment.
• Strong presentation skills & some client facing experience, with a successful track record communicating with C-Suite stakeholders.
• Evidence of tenacious and action orientated approach, focused on achieving successful outcomes.
• Proven ability to manage time, resources and self under high pressure.

COMPETENCIES (KEY SKILLS & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Meticulous attention to detail, analytical ability with an eye for design.
• Commercially savvy.
• Solution oriented mindset with a knack for creative & lateral thinking linking different subject areas.
• Positive, outgoing personality. Persistent and resilient yet diplomatic.
• Experienced negotiator at ease under pressure.
• Passion for sports, consumer, entertainment and media brands a plus.
• Ability to forge strong relationships and a team player.
• A confident and articulate presenter with advanced ability in PowerPoint and other tools.

This role can be based out of either the London or Dublin office.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: World Rugby is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.

Flexible Working: Most of our roles offer hybrid working, with two core office days (Tuesday & Wednesday) and a third day of your choice to be with colleagues in the office. This applies to our Dublin & London offices. The remaining two days are flexible, so you can choose to work from home or be in the office.

Important information: Please note that the recruitment process for this position is being managed by JLB Search led by Hannah Cashell. By applying, you consent to sharing your information with JLB.