Network Account Manager

AFL; Australia; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra time off

Parental leave

Wellbeing program

Fitness facilities access

Discounted membership

Learning programs

Partner discounts

Flexi memberships

Onsite parking

Job summary

Essendon Football Club (AFL) seeks an energetic EFC Network Account Manager to drive membership growth, secure sponsorship revenue and expand the network's reach in Australia. You will nurture senior-level relationships, manage a portfolio of business members and partner with sponsors to deliver mutual value.

You’ll develop and execute sales strategies, build a strong pipeline, and connect executives to create meaningful B2B outcomes across the network.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development, sales, sponsorship, partnerships or account management.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving revenue and growth targets.
• Experience developing and implementing sales strategies and growth initiatives.
• Strong prospecting, networking and relationship-building capability.
• Confidence engaging with senior executives, business owners and decision-makers.
• Exceptional communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Ability to identify opportunities, connect people and create commercial value.
• Proactive, self-motivated and results-driven approach.
• Genuine passion for relationship building and helping businesses succeed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales and growth strategies for the EFC Network.
• Drive EFC Network business membership acquisition and sponsorship revenue through proactive business development.
• Build, manage and maintain a healthy sales pipeline of prospective members and partners.
• Identify, pitch and secure new sponsorship and commercial partnership opportunities for the EFC Network.
• Manage relationships with existing members, ensuring they receive exceptional value and service.
• Develop a deep understanding of member objectives and actively facilitate introductions and business opportunities that support their goals.
• Create compelling proposals, presentations and partnership recommendations.
• Connect executives, business owners and decision-makers to generate meaningful B2B outcomes across the network.
• Represent the Club and EFC Network at events, functions and networking opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to maximise commercial and relationship outcomes.

Skills

Business development

Sponsorship

Account management

Sales pipeline

Relationship building

Job description

As the EFC Network Account Manager, you will play a critical role in the growth and success of one of Australia’s most connected business communities.

This is a commercially focused role responsible for driving EFC Network business membership growth, securing sponsorship revenue and expanding the reach and impact of the EFC Network. You will develop and execute sales strategies, build a strong pipeline of prospective members and partners, and identify opportunities to grow revenue through both EFC Network membership and network sponsorship opportunities.

Beyond sales, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of EFC Network business members, building trusted relationships with senior executives and business leaders, and ensuring organisations maximise the value of their involvement in the EFC Network.

Working at the intersection of sales, partnerships and relationship management, you will facilitate meaningful introductions, create valuable business connections and help drive genuine B2B outcomes for our business members and partners.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys winning new business, building long-term relationships and helping others succeed through the power of connection.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute sales and growth strategies for the EFC Network.
• Drive EFC Network business membership acquisition and sponsorship revenue through proactive business development.
• Build, manage and maintain a healthy sales pipeline of prospective members and partners.
• Identify, pitch and secure new sponsorship and commercial partnership opportunities for the EFC Network.
• Manage relationships with existing members, ensuring they receive exceptional value and service.
• Develop a deep understanding of member objectives and actively facilitate introductions and business opportunities that support their goals.
• Create compelling proposals, presentations and partnership recommendations.
• Connect executives, business owners and decision-makers to generate meaningful B2B outcomes across the network.
• Represent the Club and EFC Network at events, functions and networking opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to maximise commercial and relationship outcomes.

About You

You are a commercially minded relationship builder who thrives on creating opportunities and delivering results. You have experience in sales, business development, sponsorship or account management and understand how to identify opportunities, build strong pipelines and convert prospects into long-term partners. At the same time, you appreciate that lasting success comes from relationships. You enjoy working with clients, understand their business challenges and are passionate about creating meaningful connections that help organisations grow. You are confident engaging with senior executives, naturally curious about people and motivated by achieving both commercial and relationship outcomes.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience in business development, sales, sponsorship, partnerships or account management.
• A demonstrated track record of achieving revenue and growth targets.
• Experience developing and implementing sales strategies and growth initiatives.
• Strong prospecting, networking and relationship-building capability.
• Confidence engaging with senior executives, business owners and decision-makers.
• Exceptional communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• The ability to identify opportunities, connect people and create commercial value.
• A proactive, self-motivated and results-driven approach.
• A genuine passion for relationship building and helping businesses succeed.

If you’re an ambitious sales professional who loves opening doors, building lasting relationships and creating opportunities for businesses to grow, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us in shaping the future of the EFC Network and one of the most influential business communities in Australian sport.

About us

The Essendon Football Club – “The Bombers” – are a professional sporting organisation in the Australian Football League, home to several teams, including AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and Wheelchair Football programs. But we’re more than the game. At Essendon, unity binds us. We firmly believe that our strength comes from standing together as One Club, embracing our rich diversity, and uniting around a shared purpose. Our passion fuels every kick, every play, and every decision.

The essence of the Essendon legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the Australian sporting calendar, through significant events such as the ANZAC Day and Dreamtime clashes, underscoring our commemoration and connection to national identity. Our heritage sets us apart, shaping our ethos and inspiring our journey. We strive to be better every day, pushing the boundaries and relentlessly pursuing excellence. But amidst the intensity of competition, respect remains paramount. We care about our impact on others, whether it’s our teammates, opponents, or our community. When we ‘Don the Sash’, we do so with unity, passion, excellence, and respect guiding our every move, Always Striving toward our next triumph on the premiership stage.

The Perks

• Extra Time Off? Absolutely! On top of standard leave, EFC People get up to 10 additional leave days each year, aligning with Footy Department mini-breaks or at the discretion of our Executive Team.
• Family Comes First. We know family is your priority, and it’s ours too. That’s why we offer generous paid parental leave for both primary and non-primary carers.
• Fitness & Wellbeing Perks. Take care of your mind and body with our Wellbeing program, run in partnership with Converge. Plus, enjoy access to our state-of-the‑art elite fitness facilities and heavily discounted access to Windy Hill Fitness Centre for you and your partner.
• Level Up Your Career. At EFC, we never stop learning! All team members have access to EFC Learning Programs , with face‑to‑face and online learning designed to support your professional growth.
• And That’s Not All! Enjoy exclusive discounts from our Commercial Partners, plus two Flexi Home & Away memberships giving you access to all Essendon home & away games at Marvel Stadium and the MCG . Add in free onsite parking at our state‑of‑the‑art HQ, The Hangar, and exclusive inner sanctum events and experiences!

Please keep reading…

Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalised folks tend to only apply when they tick every box. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don’t currently meet all the criterial, please still consider applying.

At the Essendon Football Club, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work.

With our commitment to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld. This includes ensuring all our people hold a valid employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

All applications will be treated with respect and confidentiality, and we endeavour to provide timely responses.