Premium Partnership Sales Manager Detroit, MI 48226

Detroit Lions, Ltd.; Mississippi; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Detroit Lions, Ltd. is seeking a Premium Partnership Sales Manager to drive new business growth and ensure customer satisfaction. This role involves strategic prospecting, managing sales pipelines, and executing event-based sales strategies to enhance the premium customer base. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and have experience in professional sports sales, with strong communication and networking skills essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience.
• Experience working with a professional sports team preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and customer relationship building skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive new business growth by identifying and securing partnerships.
• Manage and grow existing client relationships.
• Ensure timely follow-ups and strategic alignment with team objectives.

Skills

Communication

Sales Strategy

Networking

Customer Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Sports Management or related field

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Archtics ticketing platform

Job description

The Premium Partnership Sales Manager will be responsible for meeting all Suite & Premium and Corporate Partnership sales goals and will directly impact the growth and expansion of our premium customer base. This position will work diligently to assure revenue generation and growth, customer satisfaction and long-term account goals that are in line with the company’s overall objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (including, but not limited to):
The Premium Partnership Sales Manager position will have daily responsibilities including, without limitation, the following:

• Drive new business growth by identifying, engaging, and securing premium suite and club seat partnerships through strategic prospecting, compelling presentations, and effective closing.
• Execute a proactive sales outreach strategy, making a minimum of 45 daily touchpoints (calls, emails, LinkedIn outreach, etc.) and conducting at least two face-to-face meetings per week to engage prospects, strengthen relationships, and drive sales.
• Develop and manage a strong sales pipeline, ensuring alignment with revenue goals, performance benchmarks, and forecasting targets.
• Leverage Ford Field events (Detroit Lions games, concerts, college football, Monster Jam, etc.) to implement event-based sales strategies that drive premium revenue.
• Manage and grow existing client relationships, ensuring a high retention rate while maximizing long-term value and driving year-over-year account growth.
• Sell and execute single-event suite rentals, aligning offerings with client needs to optimize sales opportunities.
• Host and entertain prospects and clients on game days, at Ford Field events, and external events, delivering premium experiences that foster long-term partnerships and strengthen business relationships.
• Consistently meet or exceed revenue targets for premium suites and ticketing, directly contributing to the success of the Premium Partnerships team while supporting broader departmental and organizational goals.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and sales tracking, ensuring timely follow-ups and strategic alignment with team objectives.
• Represent the Detroit Lions brand at networking events, industry functions, and client meetings to build strong relationships and increase market presence.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide detailed sales activity reports, including pipeline updates, prospecting efforts, and event recaps.
• Utilize networking skills and face-to-face presentations to drive premium sales opportunities.
• Troubleshoot client concerns and provide solutions to ensure satisfaction and continued business.
• Participate in sales meetings, training sessions, and development opportunities to continuously improve performance.
• Engage in strategic planning sessions, contributing ideas for new business development initiatives.
• Support other departments with premium-related initiatives, collaborating on marketing, game-day activations, and partner engagement strategies.
• Actively contribute to a positive and high-performing sales culture, mentoring teammates and sharing best practices.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, competitor offerings, and market insights to refine sales strategies.
• Assist in the execution of non-game day sales events, client meetings, and premium showcase opportunities (e.g., open houses, training camp, draft day events).
• Handle additional responsibilities as assigned to support business objectives and team success.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Sports Management or related field required
  Minimum of 3 years of professional experience
• Experience working with a professional sports team in a high volume and large investment product environment preferred
  Experience networking with key decision makers and C level executives
• Results driven and demonstrate a competitive nature regarding personal goal setting, achievement, and the ability to consistently deliver
• Highly motivated strategic leader who is a self-starter
• Exceptional organizational, planning, project and time management, and administrative ability
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, superior presentation/negotiating skills and ability to communicate effectively with prospects, customers and internal colleagues
• The ability to identify and resolve problems promptly and develop solutions effectively
• Shows persistence, overcomes obstacles and takes calculated risks to accomplish goals
• Excellent personal motivation with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment along with the ability to work in a team environment
• Meets challenges with resourcefulness and creativity
• Ability to assess the needs to potential clients and develop recommendations
• Proven ability to exercise good judgment and willingness to make decisions
• Working knowledge of sales and marketing techniques of entertainment venues preferred
• Strong interpersonal and customer relationship building skills
• Possess a high level of poise and professional demeanor
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM and Archtics ticketing platform preferred with the ability and willingness to learn new programs
• Will adjust schedule as needed to meet work goals and time constraints, including working nights, weekends, and holidays as football schedule directs
• May require work out of both the Ford Field Management Office and the Allen Park Training Facility

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