Partnerships Manager

Location: London, Victoria (Hybrid)Salary: circa £40k-£45kContract: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (some work on weekends required) BackgroundIn a world turning inwards, it is the diversity of the United Rugby Championship - URC, that sets us apart from other rugby competitions. We are bigger, bolder and stronger.Each week, teams from five rugby powerhouse nations - Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa - cross hemispheres to compete for the right to be champion. Every match brings together contrasting rugby styles, cultures, languages, and identities.Our mission is to bring fans closer to this drama by using the power of rugby to unite people socially and emotionally. URC Seasons 1 to 4, delivered significant growth across broadcast audiences, first-party data, social media followers, and live attendances. Commercially, the league is stronger than ever, with global brands choosing URC as a platform to connect with consumers and amplify their message.The RoleWe're looking for a Partnerships Manager to join our Commercial Team. The Commercial team ensures that the league continues to thrive with the support of key sponsors. Delivering best in class partnership activation, marketing & servicing are central to the URC strategic plan In order to maintain and enhance the leagues revenue streams.Based in our London office with the opportunity to work on a hybrid basis, the candidate will be responsible for leading account management and overseeing the commercial delivery for select partners within the URC partnership portfolio. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in building strong relationships with partners, with the ability to identify needs and requirements to promote and deliver ROI.Key Responsibilities Account Leadership: Manage day-to-day relationships with assigned partners, serving as the primary point of contact and ensuring delivery against all contractual obligations.Commercial Delivery: Oversee all aspects of activation, fulfilment, and reporting to drive measurable value and maximise partner ROI.Strategic Value: Develop and execute partnership strategies aligned with both the client's objectives and URC's broader commercial goals.Campaign Management: Work with various internal stakeholders to coordinate the planning and execution of marketing, digital, and on-site sponsorship activations, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.Performance Reporting and Analysis: Track, measure and report on partnership performance through data, insights and post-campaign evaluations.Contract Management: Support the negotiation, administration and compliance of partnership agreements.Budget Oversight: Manage budgets for sponsorship activations and partner servicing, ensuring cost efficiency and effective resource allocation. Work closely with finance to ensure budgets are set accurately.Renewals and Growth: Drive account renewals, upsells and expansions while supporting new business development and brand partnership initiatives to deliver sustained commercial growth. Market Awareness: Stay informed on industry trends, competitor activities and emerging sponsorship opportunities to inform partnership activity.Occasional travel required for work commitments and weekend fixtures.The PersonProven track record in servicing and managing global partnerships, sponsors and agencies.Experienced in managing senior stakeholder relationships, both internally and externally.Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and events simultaneously.Able to work autonomously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and high standards or delivery.Commercially minded, with a strong ability to identify, develop and capitalise on new business opportunities.Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.Fluent in English, both verbal and written.Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.A genuine passion for sport and the sponsorship industry is an advantage.Please submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) to commercial@unitedrugby.com.Whilst we look for qualifications and experience, we also look for people who share the same values as our organisation – we aim to amaze, we are one team united, we lead from our position and we are brave in the actions take and decisions we make.Should you meet most of the criteria and share our values, please apply.*We reserve the right to close this application process, when we have found a suitable applicant.