Senior Partnerships Manager

Stormers Rugby; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 850 000; Full time

Job summary

A premier rugby club in Cape Town seeks a Senior Partnerships Manager to enhance partner relationships within its growing commercial program. This on-site role demands strong client service, stakeholder management, and engagement during match days. Candidates should have 6-8 years of relevant experience, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to identifying partner opportunities.

Qualifications

• 6–8 years' experience in a client-facing account role within sport or sponsorship.
• Proven ability to deliver value within sponsorship environments.
• Exemplary professionalism and engagement with senior executives.

Responsibilities

• Onboard new partners and guide them through sponsorship objectives.
• Translate rights into activation plans and track delivery.
• Host partners on match days and at events.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Client relationship management

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Job description

Senior Partnerships ManagerStormers Rugby is Cape Town's premier rugby club, managing the Stormers — the club's elite senior men's team — who have competed in top-tier international competitions for nearly 30 years.

The team currently plays in the United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup.

The club also oversees the Currie Cup team and junior professional teams, including the Under-21 and Under-19s.Eighteen months ago, the club was acquired by a private consortium and has since undergone significant positive changes, including a rebrand, which marked the beginning of a new era, positioning the club with a modern and contemporary identity that reflects how we present ourselves on match days and beyond.

Why this role, why now

The Stormers' commercial programme is expanding, with ambitious partners eager to connect meaningfully with our supporters.

We're seeking a client-service-focused Senior Partnerships Manager to serve as the trusted point of contact for our sponsorship portfolio — someone who strengthens relationships with our most valued partners, leads day-to-day delivery with internal teams, and helps partners realise the full value of their rights.This role will form an integral part of a small team that puts on big, exciting events.

No two days are ever the same as we continuously evolve and enhance the on-field and off-field experiences for our fans and partners.

You will get a wide range of experience working for a world-class clubWhere the role sitsYou'll be part of the Commercial team and report to the Chief Commercial Officer.

This is an on-site role based at Cape Town Stadium, with regular weekend commitments during the season for match day hosting and partner engagement.

Purpose of the role

Own the partner relationships from onboarding through to renewal support.

You'll translate contractual rights into clear activation plans, coordinate delivery alongside a Partnerships Manager and a team of internal specialists (content & comms, ticketing, events, hospitality, etc.), host partners on match days, and present the value created through simple, compelling reporting.

What you'll do

• Onboard new partners to ensure a smooth and seamless entry into sponsoring the Stormers.
• Guide partners in bringing their business objectives to life through sponsorship touchpoints.
• Translate rights schedules into activation calendars and creative briefs, collaborating with internal teams to deliver on time and to specification.
• Lead status meetings, capture actions, manage approvals, and keep all stakeholders aligned.
• Track delivery against contracted rights and compile reporting packs with outcomes, insights, and next steps.
• Oversee coordination of player appearances, content usage, and brand assets in line with agreed objectives and processes.
• Plan and facilitate partner workshops, strategy sessions, and seasonal reviews.
• Host key partners on match days and at club events, ensuring a best-in-class experience.
• Identify opportunities within existing rights to enhance partner ROI.
• Manage and support the Partnerships Manager.
• Support renewal conversations with the Chief Commercial Officer.
• Resolve issues proactively, coordinate solutions, and communicate updates.

What you'll bring

• 6–8 years' experience in a client-facing account role within sport, sponsorships, brand partnerships, or agency account management.
• Ability to proactively identify opportunities within a sponsorship environment to deliver greater value for partners and for Stormers Rugby.
• Strong stakeholder management and organisational skills.
• Confident written and visual communication — clear emails, high-quality presentations, and reporting.
• Comfort translating contracts into action : rights schedules, timelines, approvals, and proof of delivery.
• Exemplary professionalism on match days — a composed host who can engage with senior executives.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter to by Monday, 18 November.

Stormers Rugby is an equal opportunity employer.

We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees.

South African work authorisation is required.