Commercial Manager

AFC Fylde; Preston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

AFC Fylde is seeking a commercially driven Commercial Manager to generate revenue and build strong relationships across the local business community. This role involves securing sponsorships, managing partners, and driving hospitality and advertising revenue for the Club.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will actively represent AFC Fylde, network with local organisations, and identify new opportunities to maximise commercial income.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in sponsorship sales and revenue growth.
• Experience in business development or commercial partnerships.
• Strong networking and relationship management skills.
• Excellent negotiation and presentation abilities.
• Experience within sport, hospitality or events is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop and secure new sponsorship opportunities.
• Manage and grow relationships with existing commercial partners.
• Drive advertising, branding and sponsorship revenue across assets.
• Sell and manage hospitality packages and corporate experiences.
• Actively represent AFC Fylde in the local business community and develop new revenue streams.
• Coordinate matchday guest experience and sponsor communications.

Skills

Sponsorship sales

Business development

Relationship management

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Networking

Hospitality/events experience

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Opportunity

AFC Fylde is seeking an ambitious and commercially driven Commercial Manager to play a pivotal role in generating revenue and building strong relationships across the local business community. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this is a proactive, client facing role focused on developing new business opportunities, growing existing partnerships and maximising commercial income streams for the Club. This is not a desk based position. We are looking for someone who enjoys networking, building relationships and representing AFC Fylde within the local business community, helping to drive the Club's continued growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

Sponsorship & Partnership Sales

• Identify, develop and secure new sponsorship opportunities across the Club.
• Manage and grow relationships with existing commercial partners.
• Drive sales across:
• First Team and training kit sponsorships.
• Stadium and stand sponsorship opportunities.
• Player sponsorship packages.
• Matchday sponsorship packages including match, ball and programme sponsorships.
• Develop long-term business partnerships with local and regional organisations.

Advertising & Commercial Revenue

• Generate revenue through pitch side advertising and branding opportunities.
• Promote advertising opportunities across the Club website, matchday programme and stadium facilities.
• Maximise all available commercial assets across AFC Fylde and Mill Farm.

Corporate Hospitality Sales

• Sell and manage hospitality packages including:
• Sky Business Club memberships.
• Executive Boxes.
• Premium hospitality experiences.
• Matchday hospitality packages.
• Drive occupancy and revenue across all hospitality areas.
• Develop relationships with corporate clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.

Business Development

• Actively represent AFC Fylde within the local business community.
• Spend significant time meeting prospective and existing clients.
• Build relationships with local companies and encourage engagement with the Club through sponsorship, hospitality and supplier partnerships.
• Identify new revenue opportunities and innovative ways to enhance commercial performance.

Matchday Responsibilities

As a key ambassador for the Club, you will play a central role in delivering an outstanding matchday experience for sponsors and corporate guests.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating guest attendance lists and hospitality requirements.
• Managing sponsor communications and matchday itineraries.
• Preparing matchday gifts and sponsor presentations.
• Welcoming sponsors and VIP guests on arrival.
• Hosting guests throughout the matchday experience.
• Coordinating Man of the Match presentations and sponsor activities.
• Working closely with hospitality, ticketing and operational teams to ensure seamless service delivery.

About You

The successful candidate will be an energetic and results driven commercial professional with a passion for relationship building and business development.

• Experience in sponsorship sales, business development or commercial partnerships.
• A proven track record of achieving revenue targets.
• Excellent networking and relationship management skills.
• Experience within sport, hospitality or events would be advantageous.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing to wider organisational goals.
• A willingness to work evenings and weekends to support Club events and matchdays.

Personal Attributes

• Is highly motivated and commercially focused.
• Builds credibility and trust with clients quickly.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is organised and proactive in their approach.
• Thrives in a target driven environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity and attention to detail.
• Takes pride in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Why Join AFC Fylde?

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the region's most ambitious football clubs and play a key role in its commercial growth. You'll have the opportunity to build meaningful business relationships, contribute directly to the Club's success and become an influential figure within the local business community.

If you're a confident relationship builder with a passion for sales, partnerships and sport, we'd love to hear from you.