Senior Host Venue & Event Partnerships Manager

About

The Rolex SailGP Championship is the most exciting racing on water, where anything can happen in short, adrenaline-fueled battles between national teams at iconic stadium destinations worldwide. Top athletes fly in identical high-tech F50 catamarans faster than the wind, at speeds in excess of 100km/h (60mph). Founded in 2018, SailGP is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and entertainment properties, now in its sixth season.

SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. Underpinning the organization’s purpose-driven agenda is a diversification of the league, with the goal of immediately progressing gender equity and inclusivity.

Summary

SailGP is seeking a full-time Senior Host Venue & Event Partnerships Manager to join its team centrally in London to provide first class management and strategic development to SailGP Host Venue and Event Partners across the event calendar.

This role will lead a team of full time and contracted local partner managers across the SailGP Season, and work closely with the Head of Host Venue Relations at SailGP to ensure continued success and growth of Host Venue and Event Partners.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in leading on relationship management and rights delivery for host venue agreements across the calendar and ensuring strategic development to support commercial growth for future seasons.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone that is looking to grow their career in an exciting international organization, working in a fast-paced, demanding, and dynamic environment where they will work with a wide range of key stakeholders and drive forward an area of the business with exciting growth potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Report to SailGP Head of Partnerships, working collaboratively with the Head of Host Venue Relations and SailGP Partnership Managers.
• Strategically plan resourcing requirements and regional strategy for Host Venue Partners and Event Partnerships throughout the season. Lead Partnership Managers and freelancer support in local markets to ensure integration within the global process and ensuring consistently high standards of global partnership management
• Lead team to ensure that all partnership rights are activated to the best standard with all KPIs met, with proactive support and development of promotional campaigns and creative activations offered to partners by SailGP. Supported by efficient onboarding processes, status management and effective reporting.
• Work with the internal team to prepare end of event reports and case studies that illustrate Host Venue and Event Partner ROI, KPIs & ROO have been met and lead on presenting back to the partners to ensure future development of partnership.
• Oversee and deliver all Host Venue’s branding on-event and across digital inventory
• Manage the requirements and day-to-day requests from Host Venue partners, build strong relationships with key stakeholders and main contacts and work closely with internal SailGP departments on planning and delivery.
• Ensure best-in-class hosting of Host Event and Event Partner contacts and guests at SailGP events - working closely with the experiences team to ensure detailed communications and impressive guest experiences.
• Support in the development of guest programs for Host Venue prospects at Events, working closely with the Host Venue Sales and Commercial Sales Team.
• Explore on an on-going basis, opportunities to create and deliver further value to SailGP Host Venues and Event Partners where appropriate
• Creation and management of Host Venue and Event Partner toolkit for consistent and professional delivery throughout the season.
• Other duties as reasonably required by SailGP for the successful performance of the role.

Background Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years relevant commercial and rights holder experience within a client-focused environment (preferably in the international sporting industry) with proven experience in partnerships and brand collaborations.
• Experience in working with public sector and government stakeholders preferred.
• Strong marketing mindset with a deep understanding of brand strategy, audience engagement, and integrated campaign planning.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualise and deliver creative, high impact activations that drive awareness, engagement and ROI.
• Strong team leader with experience of managing global level partnerships and/or government relationships.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and partners alike.
• Highly creative thinker, with the ability to translate brand objectives into innovative, culturally relevant ideas and experiences.
• Strong project management capabilities, able to manage multiple partnerships and development workstreams whilst still meeting deadlines and goals.
• Outstanding organisational skills and attention to detail with ability to create high level partner facing documents.

Attributes

• Impeccable attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Self-reliant, driven, energetic, innovative, creative, and a real passion for delivering excellent partner service and a desire to exceed expectations.
• Ability to operate both independently and in a collaborative, team environment whilst working effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Works comfortably under pressure and meets tight deadlines.
• Values and respects others, builds relationships and collaborates.
• A passion for the sports and entertainment industry.
• Readiness to travel - the 2027 Season features 14 events, with an expectation that at least 60% of events would be attended.

Location

Based in the UK with a requirement of at least 3 days per week in the London office.