Partnerships Development Manager

Nottingham Forest; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

Salary: Please state your expectations within your application

Contract: Full Time, 37.5 hours a week

Location: The City Ground, Nottingham, NG2 5FJ

Department: Partnerships

Reporting to: Head of Partnerships

Closing Date For Applications: 18th April 2025

About The Role

We are looking for a dynamic and results-driven Partnership Development Manager to drive lead generation and secure new commercial partnerships. This role is critical in expanding our sponsorship portfolio, identifying high-value prospects, and converting them into long-term partners. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in business development, sales, or sponsorship, with a strong ability to build and nurture relationships with senior stakeholders.

The Perks Of The Job

• Opportunity to access tickets for events at The City Ground.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to high street and gym discounts.
• Discount within our Club shop.
• Free on-site parking.

Key Tasks And Responsibilities

• Lead Generation & Prospecting: Identify, research, and qualify potential partners across multiple industries to build a robust pipeline of sponsorship opportunities.
• Sales & Negotiation: Develop and execute tailored proposals and pitches to secure high-value partnerships. Manage negotiations from initial contact through to contract signing.
• Market Research: Stay ahead of industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging sponsorship opportunities to refine targeting strategies.
• Relationship Management: Cultivate relationships with key decision-makers at potential partner brands, leveraging insights to align their objectives with our commercial assets.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the wider partnerships, marketing, and commercial teams to create compelling sales materials to pitch to senior leaders (C-Suite) within organisations.
• Performance Tracking: Set and meet ambitious revenue targets, providing regular updates on pipeline progress and deal performance.

What Are We Looking For

• Proven experience in delivering against sales targets – ideally within sports at a rights owner or agency.
• Proven track record in partnership development, sponsorship sales, or business development, ideally within sports, entertainment, or media.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and capitalise on revenue-generating opportunities.
• Exceptional communication & negotiation skills, capable of influencing senior stakeholders and closing high-value deals.
• Experience in CRM & sales tools to manage and track leads effectively.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Passion for sports & entertainment sponsorships and a deep understanding of brand marketing objectives.

Forest For Everyone
We aim to create a culture which embraces and celebrates our differences, enables individuals to feel comfortable, maximise their potential and eliminate discrimination.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital / civil partnership status, pregnancy / maternity leave, race, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is a signatory of the FA’s Football Leadership Diversity Code. We are committed to developing policies to promote equal opportunities and diversity within our workforce. To monitor our progress against these commitments, we require all applicants to provide accurate diversity data during the application process.
Disability Confident Committed Employer
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. We encourage applications from people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. If you need disability-related adjustments to the recruitment process, please indicate this in your application.
If you are likely to meet the definition of being a "disabled person" according to the Equality Act 2010, you may be eligible to apply for an interview via the Disability Confident Scheme - please indicate this in your application form below. The information you share with us about your health or disability will not be used in recruitment selections.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
As part of the Club’s commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant may be required to undergo a Disclosure Barring Service (“DBS”) check or an enhanced DBS check. The results of a DBS check will be considered on an individual basis, and the Club will act in a proportionate manner when deciding whether or not to proceed with the appointment.
An FA Enhanced DBS disclosure is required for all relevant new appointments to the Club. Individuals will be asked to declare any convictions, cautions or reprimands, warnings or bind-overs that may have been incurred. The Club reserves the right to carry out risk assessments where content has been disclosed on a DBS disclosure if it feels that it is relevant to the job requirements. Failure to satisfy the Club and the PL's safeguarding requirements may lead to the job offer being withdrawn or, if they have already started employment, summary termination of the employment.