Commercial Director

We are seeking an experienced commercial leader to drive regional revenue growth and strategic partnerships across the sports, media, and sponsorship landscape. This senior leadership role will be responsible for shaping the regional commercial strategy, securing high-value partnerships, and building strong relationships with brands, rights holders, governing bodies, investors, and other key stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings extensive sponsorship sales and commercial partnership experience, a strong industry network, and a proven ability to negotiate and close complex, high-value commercial agreements.

• Commercial Strategy: Develop and execute the regional commercial and sales strategy in alignment with global business objectives and revenue targets.
• Revenue Growth: Identify, develop, negotiate, and close high-value commercial opportunities, including brand sponsorships, media rights, and host venue agreements.
• Strategic Partnerships: Build and maintain long-term relationships with major brands, sports rights holders, governing bodies, investor networks, media partners, and other strategic stakeholders.
• Business Development: Develop a strong pipeline of prospective partners and identify new revenue streams and commercial opportunities across the region.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop regional commercial and account management teams, creating a high-performing and commercially driven culture.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead complex commercial negotiations and ensure partnership agreements deliver sustainable value for both the organisation and its partners.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor competitor activity, emerging sports properties, market developments, and industry trends to identify new opportunities and inform commercial strategy.
• Executive Stakeholder Management: Represent the organisation in senior-level meetings, presentations, negotiations, and industry engagements.
  

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, commercial partnerships, business development, or related commercial leadership roles.
• Demonstrated track record of securing and managing high-value sponsorships and strategic commercial partnerships.
• Previous experience leading and developing sponsorship, commercial, sales, or account management teams.
• Strong contract negotiation, commercial and financial acumen, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities.
• Established network of corporate decision-makers, brand marketers, media executives, and relevant industry stakeholders.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to engage and influence senior-level stakeholders across different markets and cultures.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong presentation and cross-cultural negotiation skills.
• Fluency in an additional major language would be a strong advantage.
• Experience within the sports, media, entertainment, events, or sponsorship industry would be highly advantageous.

Target onboarding: Q1 2027