At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnership development and manage relationships with brands in the sports industry.
- Company: Join World Rugby, a global leader in promoting rugby and its values.
- Benefits: Flexible working, diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the sports world while working with top brands and agencies.
- 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 in London 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 in London
✨Get Active in Local Sports Circles
Dive into local sports clubs and recreation centres where you'll find temporary opportunities popping up all the time. Join community events or volunteer at local tournaments to meet folks in the sports-recreation management scene and make a name for yourself!
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Keep an eye out for peak seasons in the sports world, like holidays or major events. Companies like World Rugby might ramp up hiring for those times, so get your name out there early by visiting their booths at career fairs or sports expos!
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Integration in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your CV and cover letter, we need to see your love for sports and recreation shining through! Mention any relevant experiences, like managing events, coaching, or even volunteering in local sports clubs. This is key for Head of Commercial Integration at World Rugby!
Tailor Your CV for Temporary Work:Given that this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to jump in and learn quickly. Include any past temporary roles or projects that showcase your ability to work in fast-paced environments, as it’ll show you can hit the ground running at World Rugby.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications relevant to sports management or health and safety (like first aid or sports coaching), make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These can set you apart from other candidates for Head of Commercial Integration at World Rugby.
Use Engaging Language and a Conversational Tone:When writing your cover letter, keep it friendly and engaging! We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to World Rugby's team in a fun, vibrant way.
How to prepare for a job interview at World Rugby
✨Show Off Your Event Management Skills
In the sports and recreation management field, being able to organise events is key. Come prepared with examples of events you've managed, whether in your studies or in past experiences. Highlight how you tackled challenges and kept everything running smoothly – this will show that you're ready for the fast-paced nature of potential roles at World Rugby.
✨Know the Latest Trends in Sports Management
Being in the know about current trends can give you a real edge. Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in sports management, like sustainability initiatives or digital engagement strategies. Dropping a few insights during your interview with World Rugby will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the field.
✨Focus on Your Adaptability
As a temporary role, adaptability is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've handled sudden changes or unexpected situations in previous jobs or projects. Emphasise your flexibility and willingness to learn quickly, as these traits will reassure World Rugby that you can handle whatever comes your way.
✨Pitch Your Unique Value
In a temporary position, companies want to know what unique skills you bring to the table. Make sure to highlight specific skills or experiences that set you apart, especially in relation to sports management, like knowledge of sports psychology or community engagement. Presenting yourself as a unique asset can help cement your position with World Rugby.
