Sports Business Development Manager

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual leave

Hybrid work model

International travel

Sandton office location

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Sports Business Development Manager for its Sandton, Gauteng offices in a hybrid role. You will identify opportunities, build partnerships, and drive revenue growth in the sports sector, leading market research, lead generation, negotiations, and deal closures with clients and sponsors.

Regular on-site collaboration and strategic remote work will shape the commercial future of SA sports.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in business development, sales, or partnerships, preferably in sports.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation abilities.
• Strong financial modeling and market analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and strategic partnerships in the sports industry.
• Develop and implement business development strategies to achieve revenue growth targets.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends and opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with potential clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations and close deals for new contracts, sponsorships, and collaborations.
• Develop compelling business proposals and presentations.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and legal teams to ensure deal execution.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Marketing/Finance or related field

MBA

Tools

CRM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading organization in the leisure and sports sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Sports Business Development Manager to join their team in Sandton, Gauteng . This hybrid role requires a strategic thinker who can identify and cultivate new business opportunities, forge partnerships, and drive revenue growth within the sports market. You will be responsible for market research, lead generation, negotiation, and closing deals, contributing directly to the company's expansion. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of the sports business landscape, exceptional negotiation skills, and a proven track record in business development. While significant work will involve strategic planning and remote communication, regular on-site presence in our Sandton office will be essential for team collaboration and key stakeholder meetings. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the commercial future of sports in South Africa from a premier business hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and strategic partnerships within the sports industry.
• Develop and implement comprehensive business development strategies to achieve revenue growth targets.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify market trends and opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with potential clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Lead negotiation processes and close deals for new contracts, sponsorships, and collaborations.
• Develop compelling business proposals and presentations.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing, sales, and legal, to ensure successful deal execution.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and networking functions.
• Monitor and report on business development activities, pipeline, and key performance indicators.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the sports business and leisure industries.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or a related field. An MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, sales, or partnership management, with a strong focus on the sports industry.
• Proven track record of successfully identifying opportunities and closing significant deals.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of financial modeling and market analysis.
• Ability to build and nurture strategic relationships.
• Proficiency in CRM software and business development tools.
• Strategic thinking and analytical capabilities.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment and willingness to work on-site in Sandton.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of ZAR, plus performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, provident fund, and other benefits.
• Generous annual leave.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance of remote and on-site work.
• Opportunities for extensive professional development and international travel.
• Prime office location in Sandton , a leading business district.
• Significant impact on the growth and strategic direction of the company.