Partnerships Strategy Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Partnerships Strategy Manager

🔹 Company: England Rugby

🔹 Location: United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Sports

🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Defining and implementing the RFU’s Commercial Partnerships strategy
• Supporting business development efforts and maximizing sponsorship revenue
• Working closely with a partnerships sales agency and managing key commercial inventory
• Analyzing data and using it for sales-oriented storytelling purposes

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong commercial acumen, and experience in sponsorship-related positions within the sports industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Define and implement the RFU’s Commercial Partnerships strategy

✅ Support business development efforts and maximize sponsorship revenue

✅ Work closely with the Partnerships Sales Agency to identify key opportunities and drive sponsorship revenue

✅ Manage and oversee key commercial inventory to drive maximum commercial yield

✅ Collaborate with internal stakeholders to create and package new rights and assets

✅ Lead the identification, curation, and analysis of data to inform partnerships business decisions

✅ Coordinate and lead Commercial Partnerships business process improvement initiatives

ASSUMPTION: The role requires a balance of strategic thinking, data analysis, and stakeholder management skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, or a related discipline)

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in a sponsorship-related role within the sports, media, or entertainment industry

Required Skills:

• Strong commercial acumen
• Significant experience working with partnerships sales agencies
• Experience in interpreting media valuations
• Ability to understand, visualize, and use data for sales-oriented storytelling purposes
• Structured and analytical approach to business challenges
• Commitment to embodying the RFU's core values

Preferred Skills:

• Good understanding of the sports industry
• Experience with sponsorship business intelligence tools
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the sports industry and familiarity with sponsorship business intelligence tools will have an advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 per annum

Benefits:

• Pension scheme
• Healthcare and dental insurance
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance program
• Season ticket loan
• Discounted gym membership

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, with some flexibility to work from home

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for similar roles within the sports industry in the United Kingdom.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The RFU is the governing body for grassroots and elite rugby in England, with a focus on enriching lives and introducing more people to rugby union.

Company Size: The RFU has 2,000 autonomous rugby clubs in its membership and employs around 1340 people.

Founded: 1871, with a rich history and strong traditions in English rugby.

Company Description:

• Responsible for the governance and development of rugby union in England
• Organizes and manages international and domestic rugby competitions, including the England national team and the Premiership
• Promotes the sport at grassroots level and supports the development of rugby in schools and communities

Company Specialties:

• Governing body for rugby union in England
• Event organization and management
• Grassroots sports development

Company Website: www.englandrugby.com

ASSUMPTION: The RFU's mission and values are central to its operations, and candidates should be aligned with these to succeed in the role.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the manager level, with responsibility for defining and implementing the RFU’s Commercial Partnerships strategy.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Commercial Partnerships Director.

Work Arrangement: The role is contractually based at the Allianz Stadium in London, with some flexibility to work from home.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to progress to a more senior role within the Commercial Partnerships team or the wider RFU organization
• Opportunity to gain experience working with high-profile partners and stakeholders
• Chance to contribute to the growth and development of rugby union in England

ASSUMPTION: The RFU offers opportunities for professional growth and development, with a focus on internal promotions and skill-building.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The RFU's headquarters is located at Rugby House in Twickenham, with a modern and collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): Twickenham, London

Geographic Context:

• The RFU is based in the Greater London area, with easy access to public transportation and amenities
• The office is located near the iconic Twickenham Stadium, the home of English rugby
• The area offers a mix of urban and green spaces, with numerous parks and recreational facilities nearby

Work Schedule: The role requires a standard full-time work schedule, with some flexibility to work from home.

ASSUMPTION: The RFU's work environment is collaborative and inclusive, with a strong focus on teamwork and communication.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with senior stakeholders

Key Assessment Areas:

• Commercial acumen and strategic thinking
• Data analysis and visualization skills
• Stakeholder management and communication
• Alignment with RFU values and culture

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of the sports industry and the RFU's mission
• Prepare examples of your data analysis and visualization work

ATS Keywords: Commercial Partnerships, Sponsorship Strategy, Data Analysis, Sales Storytelling, Sports Industry, Rugby Union, RFU

ASSUMPTION: The RFU's application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and experience throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Sponsorship business intelligence tools (e.g., Kantar)

ASSUMPTION: The RFU provides the necessary tools and technologies for employees to perform their jobs effectively.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Put The Team First
• Shape The Future
• Respect Each Other

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and analytical
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody the RFU's core values in your daily work?
• How do you approach working with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals?
• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and adapt your strategies accordingly?

ASSUMPTION: The RFU values a strong cultural fit, with candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to the organization's core values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires a strong understanding of the sports industry and the RFU's unique context
• The role involves managing multiple stakeholders and balancing competing priorities
• The role requires a high level of data analysis and visualization skills
• The role may require occasional travel to attend industry events or meet with partners

ASSUMPTION: The RFU offers support and resources to help employees overcome these challenges and succeed in their roles.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other sponsorship strategy roles, this position has a stronger focus on data analysis and visualization
• The role offers the opportunity to work with high-profile partners and stakeholders within the sports industry
• The role provides a unique insight into the governance and development of rugby union in England

ASSUMPTION: The RFU's sponsorship strategy role is unique, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and a strong connection to the organization's mission and values.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive data analysis and visualization dashboard to inform partnership decisions
• Conducting a market analysis to identify new sponsorship opportunities within the sports industry
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to create and package new rights and assets for commercial partners

ASSUMPTION: The RFU offers a range of projects that allow employees to develop their skills and contribute to the organization's success.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role contribute to the RFU's overall mission and strategy?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the RFU support the professional development of its employees?
• What is the RFU's approach to working with commercial partners, and how does this role fit into that strategy?
• How does the RFU foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within its Commercial Partnerships team?

ASSUMPTION: The RFU values candidates who ask thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your data analysis and visualization work
• Follow up with the RFU recruitment team one week after submitting your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.