Sales Director

Manchester United; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester United seeks a dynamic Sales Director to spearhead its commercial growth initiatives and forge high-value partnerships worldwide. This pivotal role demands extensive B2B sales experience, exceptional leadership, and the ability to cultivate relationships at the highest levels. As a part of a global brand, the successful candidate will navigate a fast-paced environment while contributing to Manchester United's ambitious objectives.

Benefits

Annual incentive scheme

Wellness support services

Exclusive discounts through United Rewards

Onsite gym facilities

Enhanced family leave benefits

Career development access

Supportive work environment valuing diversity

Qualifications

• Proven ability to secure high-value partnerships.
• Experience leading teams in performance-led environments.
• International sales experience with a global network.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver strategic sales plans.
• Manage full sales lifecycle from lead generation to execution.
• Develop compelling, insight-driven proposals.

Skills

B2B sales

business development

relationship management

C-suite negotiation skills

storytelling

data-led proposal development

entrepreneurial thinking

cultural fluency

Education

Extensive experience in sport, media, or entertainment

Multilingual skills valued

Job description

Location: Old Trafford Stadium

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

The Role

We are looking for a passionate Sales Director who will play a pivotal role in driving Manchester United’s commercial growth by leading the acquisition and development of high-value global partnerships. This strategic position is central to delivering the club’s ambitious commercial objectives by unlocking new revenue opportunities and building long-term value with global brands.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Sales Director will lead innovative partnership strategies, shape data-led proposals, and cultivate relationships that enhance Manchester United’s global presence. This is a high-impact role that combines commercial acumen, creative deal-making, and leadership in a fast-paced, international environment.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Strategy & Leadership

• Create and deliver strategic sales plans aligned with the club’s commercial goals.
• Identify and develop innovative partnership models, new categories, and emerging revenue streams.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across internal departments and international offices.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to maintain commercial agility and relevance.
• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team of sales professionals.
  
  
  

Partner Acquisition & Pipeline Development

• Manage the full sales lifecycle, from lead generation to contract execution.
• Identify and target prospective partners aligned with Manchester United’s brand and global reach.
• Execute global partner acquisition strategies with a focus on key growth markets including North America, Asia-Pacific, and MENA.
• Develop market-specific strategies tailored to brand goals and consumer behaviours.
• Collaborate with regional specialists and external agencies to maximise outreach.
  
  
  

Proposal Development & Deal Execution

• Create compelling, insight-driven proposals that highlight Manchester United’s unique value proposition.
• Utilise internal and third-party data to build persuasive ROI narratives.
• Work closely with Legal, Marketing, and Partnership Management teams to ensure commercially sound, scalable agreements.
• Deliver innovative, non-traditional partnerships with a focus on digital, co-branded, and culturally relevant activations.
  
  
  

Relationship Management & Representation

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior decision-makers and C-suite stakeholders.
• Ensure strategic alignment and long-term value for both Manchester United and its partners.
• Represent the club at industry events, forums, and global summits to enhance visibility and drive engagement.
• Travel internationally as needed to support business development and partner relations in priority markets.
  
  
  

The Person

We are looking for someone who:

• Has extensive B2B sales and business development experience, ideally within sport, media, or entertainment.
• Demonstrates a proven ability to secure and grow long-term, high-value commercial partnerships.
• Possesses exceptional relationship management and C-suite negotiation skills.
• Has experience leading and mentoring a team in a fast-paced, performance-led environment.
• Is highly skilled in storytelling, presentations, and data-led, persuasive proposal development.
• Thinks entrepreneurially with a keen eye for new revenue opportunities.
• Has international sales experience with cultural fluency across key regions such as North America, APAC, and MENA.
• Holds a global network across sectors like tech, finance, FMCG, travel, and automotive.
• Has experience with rights-holders, agencies, or major commercial sports properties.
• Multilingual or has worked extensively in international markets.
  
  
  

What We Offer

At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Annual incentive scheme
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth
  
  
  

Our Commitment to You:

At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Ready to Join Us?

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by 25th June 2025.

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles. Your personal data will be processed on MU’s behalf by Korn Ferry