Manager, Partnerships

Canadian Hockey League; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is seeking a Manager, Partnerships to manage partner relationships, develop activations and deliver contractual commitments. The role blends strategic relationship management with hands-on activation across national, regional and local platforms.

You will collaborate with Sales, Events, Communications and CHL member leagues to grow partner value, deliver reports, and contribute to the commercial growth of the department.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in marketing, business, sports management or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Three to five years of relevant experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorship activation, account management or marketing.
• Previous sponsorship or client-management experience is preferred.
• Experience in sports, entertainment, live events or an agency environment is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned corporate partner relationships, ensuring strong communication, effective account management and delivery of contractual commitments.
• Develop and execute partner activation plans aligned with marketing objectives and CHL priorities.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance existing partnerships, introduce new activation ideas and support upselling and revenue growth.
• Build a strong understanding of partner business objectives to identify opportunities that create additional value.
• Plan and execute sponsorship programs across national, regional and local platforms, including in-arena, broadcast, digital, social media, fan engagement, promotions and hospitality.
• Coordinate with internal departments, member leagues, teams, suppliers and external agencies to deliver programs on time and within budget.
• Manage partner budgets, vendors, project timelines and contractual fulfillment.
• Take ownership of challenges, develop solutions and ensure projects move forward effectively.

Skills

Partnership management

Account management

Sponsorship activation

Client service

Project management

Communication skills

Presentation skills

CRM platforms

Excel

Canva

Education

Post-secondary degree in marketing or related field

Tools

CRM platforms

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Canva

Job description

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

WORK MODEL: Hybrid — minimum 3 days/week in office

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) represents 61 teams across the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Through our corporate partnerships, we connect brands with passionate hockey fans and communities across Canada and the United States.

The Manager, Partnerships is responsible for managing assigned partner relationships, developing and executing marketing activations, and ensuring the successful delivery of contractual commitments. Beyond day-to-day account management, this role is expected to proactively identify opportunities to enhance partnerships, develop creative ideas and contribute to the commercial growth of the department.

We are looking for a proactive, organized and commercially minded individual who takes ownership, brings forward solutions and works collaboratively to deliver value for our partners and the CHL.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Partnership Management & Growth

• Manage assigned corporate partner relationships, ensuring strong communication, effective account management and delivery of contractual commitments.
• Develop and execute partner activation plans aligned with marketing objectives and CHL priorities.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance existing partnerships, introduce new activation ideas and support upselling and revenue growth.
• Build a strong understanding of partner business objectives to identify opportunities that create additional value

Activation & Execution

• Plan and execute sponsorship programs across national, regional and local platforms, including in-arena, broadcast, digital, social media, fan engagement, promotions and hospitality.
• Coordinate with internal departments, member leagues, teams, suppliers and external agencies to deliver programs on time and within budget.
• Manage partner budgets, vendors, project timelines and contractual fulfillment.
• Take ownership of challenges, develop solutions and ensure projects move forward effectively.

Measurement & Reporting

• Prepare partner recaps, year-end reports and performance summaries that demonstrate partnership value.
• Track deliverables, program results and partner feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Incorporate research, audience insights and measurement tools into partner reporting and recommendations.

Commercial Development & Teamwork

• Bring forward creative ideas that improve existing programs, develop new partnership opportunities and increase the value of CHL assets.
• Work closely with Sales, Events, Communications and other departments to maximize partnership opportunities and deliver successful programs.
• Build effective relationships with the WHL, OHL, QMJHL and their member clubs, recognizing their different priorities and operating environments.
• Contribute to team initiatives, share ideas and best practices, and support colleagues when needed.
• Assist with partner hospitality, event operations and CHL national events, including the Memorial Cup.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in marketing, business, sports management or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Three to five years of relevant experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorship activation, account management or marketing.
• Previous sponsorship or client-management experience is preferred.
• Experience in sports, entertainment, live events or an agency environment is an asset.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of corporate sponsorship, marketing and client service.
• Excellent communication, relationship-management and presentation skills.
• Strong project management, organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Commercial mindset, creative thinking and the ability to identify opportunities and recommend solutions.
• Collaborative approach, sound judgment, adaptability and a willingness to contribute beyond assigned responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Experience with CRM platforms, reporting tools and Canva is an asset.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Availability to work occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Some travel may be required.
• Valid G driver's license with access to a vehicle is preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This is a hybrid role. The successful candidate must be available to work from our Etobicoke ON office a minimum of three days per week.
• Able to work flexible and/or overtime hours as needed (including evenings and weekends).

WHY JOIN US

• Build meaningful relationships with league and team partners across Canadian junior hockey.
• Work directly with a senior leader who values initiative, growth, and getting things done.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

• Sunday, November 15th, 2026, 5:00pm ET.

WE SINCERELY THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR THEIR INTEREST IN THIS OPPORTUNITY. PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY CANDIDATES SHORTLISTED FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED.