General Manager

Lead the delivery of Australia's most exciting sports partnerships portfolio

About Us:

The National Basketball League (NBL) is a world-renowned basketball organisation, home to some of the globe's best players. As a leader in sports entertainment, we operate an innovative media platform and are dedicated to achieving new heights of success and growth. Our vision is to be the most entertaining sports experience for fans, through bold innovation and partnerships, and to become the fastest growing league globally.

Our Values

• Always Think Big: Be courageous, be open to new ideas, learn and grow - no limits.
• Be Accountable: Own it Ask for help. The scoreboard matters.
• Integrity is Key: Act ethically, act honestly, keep our word.
• Show Respect: Show care, listen and seek to understand, value opinions.
• We are Fans Too: Have fun, always consider the fan, share the love of the game.
• One Team: Communicate, trust each other, celebrate the wins, build relationships.

About This Opportunity

The National Basketball League is seeking an exceptional General Manager Partnerships to lead the operational management and execution of our commercial partnerships portfolio. Reporting to the Chief Partnerships Officer, this is a critical leadership role where you'll ensure partnership programs are delivered flawlessly, commercial value is maximized, and our partners achieve measurable success.

As GM Partnerships, you'll lead a talented team, oversee multimillion-dollar partnership agreements, and be the operational force behind some of Australia's biggest sports sponsorships. This is your opportunity to shape how major brands connect with basketball fans across the country.

What You'll Do

Drive Partnership Excellence

• Oversee day-to-day management and fulfillment of all commercial partnership agreements
• Ensure flawless delivery of partner entitlements including activations, marketing campaigns, hospitality, ticketing, and event integrations
• Monitor partnership KPIs and provide strategic performance reporting to the CPO
• Develop and execute account plans that translate strategic objectives into operational excellence
• Identify opportunities to optimize partner value and drive growth within existing partnerships

Lead High-Performing Teams

• Lead, coach, and mentor the Commercial Partnerships team including Operations and Media & Marketing Coordinators
• Set clear priorities, objectives, and KPIs that drive accountability and results
• Foster a collaborative, innovative culture aligned with NBL values
• Support recruitment, performance management, and professional development initiatives

Deliver Strategic Insights

• Provide operational insights and recommendations to inform commercial strategy
• Track and analyze partnership performance, delivering actionable post-activation reports
• Support preparation of business cases, partner proposals, and compelling presentations
• Research global and domestic best practices to drive innovation in partnership operations

Build Strong Relationships

• Maintain exceptional relationships with partners, clubs, agencies, and internal stakeholders
• Act as the primary operational point of contact for partnership execution matters
• Coordinate seamlessly with NBL media, marketing, events, clubs, and broadcast teams
• Deliver professional, proactive, and solution-focused service that exceeds partner expectations

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience:

• Significant experience in partnership management, sponsorship, or commercial operations
• Proven track record leading and developing high-performing teams
• Strong organizational and project management skills managing multiple priorities
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities
• Deep knowledge of partnership operations, activations, marketing, and media integration
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into operational plans and measurable outcomes
• Strong problem-solving skills with solutions-focused mindset and attention to detail
• Experience with CRM, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office proficiency

Bonus Points For:

• Sports, media, or events industry experience
• Track record in fast-paced, high-growth environments
• Understanding of sports broadcasting and digital media landscape
• Passion for basketball and the NBL

Why Join the NBL?

• Leadership Impact: Oversee Australia's premier basketball partnerships portfolio
• Strategic Role: Partner directly with the CPO to shape commercial strategy
• Team Development: Build and mentor a talented partnerships team
• Industry Prestige: Work with major brands and high-profile activations
• Culture: Join a team that lives by values of thinking big, accountability, integrity, and respect
• Location: Brand new Cremorne office with incredible amenities and views
• Growth: Be part of the NBL's exciting expansion as Australia's fastest-growing sports league

Ready to Lead?

If you're an experienced partnerships professional who thrives on operational excellence, team leadership, and delivering exceptional results for major brands, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and take the next step in your partnerships career with the NBL.

The National Basketball League is dedicated to championing diversity and inclusion. We wholeheartedly embrace individual differences and warmly welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations peoples.