Senior Sports Sponsorship Manager

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a Senior Sports Sponsorship Manager to lead high-value corporate partnerships in a hybrid role. You will identify opportunities, negotiate agreements, and activate sponsor benefits with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in sports sponsorship sales, exceptional negotiation and relationship skills, and deep knowledge of the South African sports and business landscape. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Sports Management, or related field.
• MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in sports sponsorship sales and account management.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing significant corporate partnerships.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong business acumen and strategic approach to partnership development.
• Proficiency in CRM software and other sales/marketing tools.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients at senior levels.
• Understanding of the South African sports and business landscape.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for client meetings and events.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sponsorship strategies to achieve revenue targets.
• Identify, prospect, and secure new corporate sponsors for sports properties and events.
• Negotiate sponsorship contracts with favorable terms.
• Manage existing sponsor relationships and fulfill obligations.
• Develop activation plans with sponsors to maximize ROI and brand visibility.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities.
• Prepare proposals and presentations for sponsors.
• Collaborate with marketing, events, and communications teams for activations.
• Track and report sponsorship revenue and KPIs.

Skills

Sponsorship sales

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Relationship management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA (advantageous)

Tools

CRM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a premier organization in the sports and entertainment sector seeking an experienced Senior Sports Sponsorship Manager . This hybrid role, based in the vibrant hub of Sandton, Gauteng , demands a strategic leader who can cultivate and manage high-value corporate partnerships. You will be responsible for identifying new sponsorship opportunities, negotiating complex agreements, and ensuring successful activation and delivery of sponsor benefits. The ideal candidate possesses a proven track record in sponsorship sales and management, exceptional negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the sports landscape. This is a key role with significant responsibility and the opportunity to shape major commercial relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive sponsorship strategies to achieve revenue targets.
• Identify, prospect, and secure new corporate sponsors for sports properties and events.
• Negotiate sponsorship contracts, ensuring favorable terms and conditions.
• Manage existing sponsor relationships, providing exceptional service and ensuring fulfillment of all contractual obligations.
• Develop creative activation plans in collaboration with sponsors to maximize ROI and brand visibility.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify new opportunities and inform strategy.
• Prepare compelling proposals and presentations for prospective and existing sponsors.
• Collaborate with internal marketing, events, and communications teams to ensure seamless execution of sponsorship activations.
• Track and report on sponsorship revenue, key performance indicators, and overall program effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field.
• An MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in sports sponsorship sales and account management.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing significant corporate partnerships.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong business acumen and a strategic approach to partnership development.
• Proficiency in CRM software and other sales/marketing tools.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients at senior levels.
• Understanding of the South African sports and business landscape.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for client meetings and events.

Benefits

• This senior role offers a highly competitive salary package, including a base salary of R per annum , with significant performance-based bonuses.
• The hybrid work model provides a balance between office-based collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Employees are eligible for top-tier medical aid, a generous provident fund, and ample opportunities for professional development.
• You will work with a leading organization and have a tangible impact on its commercial success.