Commercial Director

Sport54; Riyadh; Hybrid; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports and entertainment agency is seeking a Commercial Director in Riyadh to drive growth and manage revenue-generating partnerships. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a proven track record in sports partnerships, and fluency in Arabic and English. The role entails defining the commercial strategy, leading negotiations, and managing the local sales team. Competitive salary, annual leave, and a hybrid work model offered.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Annual Discretionary Company Bonus

33 days annual leave (+ public holidays)

Qualifications

• Proven track record in sourcing and managing revenue partnerships in sports.
• Strong leadership and ability to inspire a team.
• Proficiency in Arabic and English preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage the commercial strategy in the Middle East.
• Identify and close revenue opportunities with clients.
• Lead negotiations and contract discussions.

Skills

Revenue generating partnerships

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Analytical mindset

Negotiation skills

Strategic thinking

Job description

Role Overview

54 is seeking a Commercial Director to lead the growth of the 54 business across the Middle East.

As the Commercial Director, you will be responsible for driving revenue through asset optimisation across our current portfolio of clients, as well as identifying new prospective partners for the agency.

The ideal candidate will have an extensive network of contacts across both rights holders and brands, as well as exceptional leadership skills, and a proven track record in developing successful partnerships and driving revenue, with a specific focus on the Middle East region.

Application Deadline September 12, 2025

Department Commercial

Employment Type Permanent - Full Time

Location KSA

Workplace type Hybrid

Reporting To George Quick

Key Roles And Responsibilities

1. Define, implement and manage 54’s commercial strategy in the Middle East, aligning with global commercial objectives
2. Identify, nurture and close revenue generating opportunities on behalf of existing and new rights holder clients – with a specific focus on brand sponsorships and host venue agreements
3. Lead negotiations and contract discussions with potential partners, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements
4. Build out local sales team with previous experience in representing major rights holders across the MENA region
5. Identify investors for new sports IP and start-up leagues that 54 is involved in
6. Stay updated on industry trends and competitor activities to identify new partnership opportunities and maintain a competitive edge
7. Identify and secure strategic partnership opportunities that align with the company's objectives and target market
8. Lead and mentor a team, providing guidance and support in executing partnership initiatives
9. Develop and manage the regional commercial budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources

Special Skills / Experience / Aptitudes Needed

• Proven track record in sourcing, delivering and managing revenue generating partnerships in sport on behalf of rights holders – either direct or in an agency
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify partnership opportunities and develop innovative solutions
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis and reporting
• Strong business acumen and understanding of market dynamics
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
• Arabic & English proficiency preferred

Salary And Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Discretionary Company Bonus – up to 8% - 3% Company & 5% Individual
• 33 days annual leave (+ public holidays), pro-rated
• Working hours will be from 09.00 to 17.30 Sunday to Thursday with an hour taken for lunch between 12.00 and 14.00

About We Are 54

54 is a sports and entertainment agency operating across five regions and eight offices: United Kingdom (London), Europe (Sotogrante, Spain), MENA (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), APAC (Singapore & Adelaide, Australia) and USA (West Palm Beach, Florida).

It works with rights holders, governing bodies, household brands and major investors who share its belief in the power of sport.

54 comprises three service areas each consisting of two divisions: 1. Strategic Advisory (Consultancy and Data & Insights), 2. Asset Optimisation (Operations and Commercial), 3. Activation & Engagement (Events and Marketing).

At its core, the company has an unwavering belief in embracing the opportunities offered by pushing at the edges of conventional wisdom to turn the improbable into the unignorable.

Apply Now

Candidates should have a proven track record in developing revenue-generating partnerships in sports, along with strong leadership and communication skills.

Proficiency in Arabic and English is preferred, and an analytical mindset is essential for identifying market opportunities.