At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnership development and manage relationships with brands in the sports industry.
- Company: World Rugby, a global leader in promoting rugby and its values.
- Benefits: Flexible working, diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of sports while driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior partnerships role, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for sport.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
- (Fixed Term Contract – 31 December 2027)
- Based in London
- DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS - 5pm FRIDAY 31st JULY 2026
- Overview
World Rugby wishes to appoint a Head of Commercial Integration reporting to the Partnership Director.
Within their remit, the Head of Commercial Integration will be responsible for enabling partnership acquisition and renewals by managing the relationship with the World Rugby sponsorship/digital agency, lending strategic support, facilitating the delivery of new and existing rights through the business, and representing World Rugby toward brands as a senior spokesperson.
This role will require integration and coordination with all other departments of the Revenue division (including Media Sales, Ticketing, Product and Fan Experience…) as well other key divisions within World Rugby (Events, Marketing, Legal, Finance…) and/or World Rugby World Cup local teams.
The role will require many interactions with external stakeholders too.
Principal Accountabilities
The main function and accountabilities of this role will be to
- Oversee the end-to-end partnership development process from prospecting, through to negotiation and contract execution.
- Manage the day to day contractual, strategic and operational relationship with the World Rugby sponsorship agency (currently Two Circles), across the sponsorship and digital partnership development process.
This might include holding the World Rugby sponsorship agency accountable for agreed KPI, ways of working and regular senior management updates
- Represent World Rugby in meetings with prospective brands – bringing credibility, influence and knowledge to each partnership discussion
- Be the lead interface between sales teams and all World Rugby internal teams and Rugby World Cup local teams, ensuring deals can be brokered efficiently and effectively e. g. by confirming rights delivery possibilities, growth potential and operational implications across the business
- Facilitate internal buy-in on new partnerships and rights, problem-solving on new requirements that emerge from brand briefs
- Ensure the overall success of the sponsorship activity, with the ultimate ambition to reach the various targets and revenue contribution to our Events P&L
- Support partnerships acquisition strategy, including packages, pricing, go-to-market plan and narrative
- Oversee the tracking of partnership assets and available inventory as it pertains to new proposals
- Support partnerships renewal strategy and plan, including any up-sell/cross-sell opportunities
- Lead on contracting process for new partners, as well as on all financial matters related to new contracts being signed in conjunction with Legal and Finance
- Lead on onboarding process and handover for new partners, in close relationship with the Partnerships team
Skills & Experience
- 5+ years’ experience in a senior sponsorship/partnerships role in a global sports organisation,
- Partnership rights frameworks, with trusted relationships across a credible network of senior contacts across the brand, media, and agency landscape
- Brands and the value drivers within businesses, across sectors, including the impact of sport, entertainment, and media in enabling growth
- Marketing and media landscape (particularly in sports and entertainment) with awareness of key players within the industries
- Proven track record of securing high value commercial partnerships in sports and entertainment
- Experience leading complex negotiations with senior decision makers
- Creativity and desire to challenge status quo – delivering new rights and partnership ideas through effective management of and influencing World Rugby stakeholders
- Global mindset and appreciation – able to be credible in representing World Rugby across the world
- Track record of successfully contracting partnership rights agreements, with commercial and legal acumen to represent World Rugby with brands
- Demonstrable evidence of achieving and exceeding commercial and sales KPIs and revenue targets.
- Track record of managing major commercial relationships, including with c-suite-level stakeholders.
- Experience of navigating complex stakeholder groups and collaborating cross-functionally, seeking out opportunities and solutions.
- Personal Attributes
- Skilled communicator in a broad organisation, adept at connecting relevant people and managing several stakeholders to a common goal
- A flexible approach to working within an organisation that will grow and adapt to the needs of that time.
- A passion for sport and a desire to contribute to the further growth of Rugby.
- Takes positive action to build a diverse team and develop a culture of inclusion and belonging.
- Role-models World Rugby’s values of Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Passion, and Solidarity.
- A positive, ‘can-do’ attitude; someone who is resilient, flexible, curious, and delivery focused.
- A strategic and visionary mindset; someone who sees the big picture and thinks long-term.
- Adept at working under pressure in a fast-paced environment, delivering work to deadlines and honoring commitments.
- Ability to work flexibly and travel internationally when required to support partnership acquisition and negotiation
- A collaborative team player, who builds strong relationships with colleagues and a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Can navigate ambiguity and cut through complexity, taking a logical and creative approach to problem-solving.
- 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 and London offices.
The remaining two days are flexible, so you can choose to work from home or be in the office.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
The role holder will be expected to embrace the World Rugby mission to grow the global rugby family, support the vision of rugby being a sport for all, true to its values: discipline, respect, integrity, passion and solidarity – and to uphold these values while acting in a responsible and sustainable manner.
- For more see www. world. rugby/organisation/about-us/values
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Commercial Integration employer: World Rugby
World Rugby is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of the historic Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in York. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values passion for sport and personal growth. Employees benefit from engaging in a fast-paced environment while contributing to a significant global event, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Integration
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Integration
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 World Rugby 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 World Rugby
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with World Rugby, 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.
