Senior Partnership Manager

About Us:

A-Leagues is a team of people who are passionate about our vision to be the league of choice for modern Australians & New Zealanders, uniting communities through a shared love of football. Our team champions our leagues by empowering clubs to deliver football excellence and build lifelong connections with fans, to unlock our potential for growth within the global game.

The Opportunity:

We're looking for a Senior Partnerships Manager to play a key role in driving growth across our leagues and clubs. Reporting to the Head of Commercial, this pivotal role will lead day-to-day relationships with a portfolio of corporate partners, delivering best-in-class account management, deepening engagement, and growing long-term value. It will be responsible for the practical delivery of traditional and non-traditional assets which may include partner communications and collateral, digital media, ticketing/hospitality, signage and leverage and activations, while exceeding our partners objectives.

The Responsibilities:

• Coordinate execution of contract deliverables providing access to all benefits within the agreed contract in a timely and efficient manager to meet partner/s expectations and deliver upon the established objectives.
• Assist with the development of best practice partner success/account management processes including client on boarding, planning, communication, reporting, reviewing & renewals.
• Proactively build and maintain strong strategic relationships with partners, clubs, agencies, and suppliers, as well as internal departments & teams.
• Lead key client facing meetings and be responsible for building relationships at all levels across the clients' business to build high levels of engagement and satisfaction.
• Liaise with external agencies that support us to measure and evaluate our commercial program.
• Communication to clubs on our partnerships, ensuring engagement with APL clients and clarity on deliverables. Ensure Competition Regulations, policies and procedures are updated and communicated.
• Communicate the partner's objectives and contractual obligations to other members/teams of APL to promote information sharing and develop recommended strategies.
• Drive the development of bespoke leverage and activation strategies for partners, developing annual partnership plans.
• Work collaboratively with the marketing, digital product & content teams to develop and execute partner contractual deliverables, and up-sell across digital platforms where relevant.
• Develop creative partnership solutions & activation ideas for new & existing partners.
• Onboard new partners including development of implementation plan, internal and club briefing, PR and media announcements, setting up tracking, and taking the new client on a seamless transition.
• Work with the Head of Commercial to manage our client CRM and develop regular sponsor communications and reporting.
• Assist the Head of Commercial with the development of proposal material to assist with the partner renewal process where required.

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Know the gate keepers across the business.
• Develop strong & deep relationships with other departments.
• Develop close relationships with key contacts at all A-Leagues clubs – especially Commercial Staff.
• Lead A-Leagues to build quality relationships with our clients and build trust by demonstrating knowledge of our respective businesses & delivering on all commitments.

Our Values:

EVERY FAN IN MIND – We respect the privilege and responsibility that comes with our mission to unite, entertain and grow our game.

PLAY OUR OWN WAY – In order to get and stay ahead of the game, we create and innovate.

WIN TOGETHER – The only way to win is to win together; who makes the assist is as important as who scores the goal.

GET OFF THE BENCH – We don't sit on the bench – we expect everybody to get up and involved.

PLAY FAIR – Sport is all about competitiveness and fierce rivalry, but we always play fair

We believe in creating an inclusive environment, and we encourage anyone interested in this role to reach out and start a conversation, regardless of gender or the number of skills that match your profile. Join us on our journey to revolutionise the digital sports experience and let's make a difference together

About You:

• Degree in Business or Marketing – Preferred but not essential.
• 5+ years' experience in a client account management role.
• Experience in building and executing client solutions through sponsorships and/or digital media.
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, and very results oriented.
• Innovative thinker.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
• Stakeholder management skills; ability to influence and engage peers and clients.
• Effective collaboration with cross functional teams and project management skills that drive the successful implementation of partnership campaigns and initiatives.
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive; a team player who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical initiatives.
• Outstanding communicator, team player, ability to think through problems and achieve effective solutions, innovative and constantly seeking improvement for business and self.

Why work for us?

• You'll get to work as part of an elite team of passionate and like-minded individuals. On top of that, there's:
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous leave entitlements including company paid parental leave.
• Monthly mobile phone allowance.
• Employee Recognition Program.
• Plus benefits, discounts and tickets.

Above all, we love football and, if you do too, you'll love working with us. So if you're excited about this opportunity, please 'Apply now'.

APL does not accept unsolicited CVs from recruiters or employment agencies. Please note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Thanks for your understanding.