Director, Partnership Sales

Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE); Vancouver; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization in Vancouver is seeking a Director of Partnership Sales to drive corporate partnership revenue growth. The role involves strategic sales leadership, working closely with internal teams, and managing a high-performing sales team. Candidates should have a strong network in the industry, substantial sales experience, and proven negotiation skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of sales experience in sponsorship or related industries.
• Proven ability to lead high-value negotiations.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive sustainable corporate partnership revenue growth.
• Lead the Partnership Sales team and implement training programs.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans.

Skills

Sales experience

Negotiation skills

Team leadership

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

KORE Sponsorship Software

Job description

Overview

Position: Director, Partnership Sales

Department: Partnership Marketing & Sales

Reports to: VP, Partnership Sales & Marketing

Position Summary

The Director, Partnership Sales is a leadership role responsible for driving sustainable corporate partnership revenue growth—both personally and through a high-performing sales team - in a player/coach capacity.

This leader will identify, cultivate, and close new corporate partnerships for the Vancouver Canucks (NHL), Abbotsford Canucks (AHL), Vancouver Warriors (NLL), Rogers Arena, and Vancouver Surge (Call of Duty). Working closely with Partnership Strategy and other internal stakeholders, the Director will lead the development of solutions-driven, insight-backed proposals, communicate pipeline progress to Corporate Partnership (CP) leadership and CSE executives, and ensure consistent alignment between sales activities and organizational objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

(Other duties may be assigned as required)

• Strategic Sales Leadership
• Collaborate with Partnership leadership to build and execute a comprehensive sales strategy and process that targets the key categories, leverages major assets over multi-year terms, and aligns with long-term revenue goals.
• Partner with the Partnership Strategy team to ensure proposals are insight-driven, creatively packaged, and positioned to win business.
• Clearly communicate pipeline development, key opportunities, and deal status to CP leadership and CSE executives to ensure full organizational alignment.
• Revenue Generation
• Personally prospect, cultivate relationships with senior decision-makers, uncover business needs, and close six- and seven-figure partnerships.
• Lead category and brand targeting plans, ensuring consistent activity and progress toward annual sales goals.
• Team Development & Performance Management
• Hire, coach, and mentor the Partnership Sales team, fostering a consistent, relationship-driven sales style and culture of accountability.
• Implement a structured training program and set clear prospecting/meeting metrics to drive performance, reviewing regularly to provide actionable feedback.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work daily with Partnership Strategy on ideation, proposal development, and presentations, ensuring each opportunity is tailored to client objectives.
• Partner with Partnership Marketing to maximize the use of assets and inventory for new prospects and upsell opportunities, ensuring creativity and revenue optimization.
• Pipeline & Performance Management
• Maintain complete visibility of the sales pipeline through the Corporate Partnership CRM (KORE), ensuring timely updates, accurate forecasting, and alignment with the strategic plan.
• Present regular revenue performance updates to the Partnership Sales, Marketing, and Strategy teams, as well as organizational leadership.
• Leadership & Culture
• Serve as an engaged member of the CSE Leadership Team, contributing to organizational initiatives beyond the sales function.
• Model and reinforce the organization’s values of Discipline, Respect, Excellence, Attitude, and Mindset.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of sales experience (at least four in a leadership role) in sponsorship, broadcast, media, or related industries.
• Proven ability to lead high-value negotiations and close complex six- and seven-figure deals.
• Established network of senior-level business relationships.
• Experience building and executing strategic sales plans while maintaining focus on tactical execution.
• Demonstrated collaboration with strategy and marketing teams to create innovative, solutions-driven partnership proposals.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey pipeline status, opportunities, and challenges to senior leadership.
• Track record of leading, motivating, and developing high-performing sales teams.
• Strong conceptual and strategic thinking skills with a creative approach to client solutions.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools (experience with KORE Sponsorship Software preferred).
• Willingness to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Vancouver is one of the most diverse cities in the world and Canucks Sports & Entertainment strives to create a workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and represents our beautiful, unique community. We value unique perspectives, ideas, and creativity that support a diverse, inclusive, respectful, collaborative, and fun work environment. Canucks Sports & Entertainment is committed to building and supporting a diverse team.

This position will remain open until filled.