Senior Manager, Global Sponsorship & New Business Development (UK - External Agency Position)

The Senior Manager, Global Sponsorship & New Business Development is a key member of the NFL's Global Sponsorship Business Development team, responsible for driving revenue through the development and sale of integrated global marketing partnerships.

Working across the NFL's international business, this role will identify, develop, and secure strategic partnerships that support the league's key growth priorities, including NFL FLAG, international expansion, game innovation, and audience growth among youth, multicultural, and women’s audiences. The successful candidate will play a critical role in identifying new business opportunities, cultivating senior-level relationships, and delivering innovative partnership solutions that create value for both the NFL and its partners.

This position is with a third-party agency that provides services to the NFL. The selected candidate will be employed by the agency, not the NFL, and will be based at the NFL’s office in London, UK. The agency will be responsible for all compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. The assignment supporting the NFL will be for a defined period and may be extended by mutual agreement between the NFL and the agency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective global and regional partners to achieve sponsorship revenue targets.
• Identify and qualify new business opportunities through market research, category analysis, and strategic prospecting, with a particular focus on international markets where dedicated sales resources do not exist.
• Develop and maintain relationships with senior marketing executives, Fortune 500 decision-makers, agency leaders, and other key influencers across the sports marketing landscape.
• Lead the full sales process—from prospecting and outreach through pitch development, negotiation, and contract execution.
• Collaborate across the NFL to develop creative, integrated partnership opportunities that align with prospective partners' business objectives while supporting the league's strategic priorities.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Media, Technology, Football Operations, Social Responsibility, and other business units, to create customized sponsorship platforms that maximize commercial value.
• Develop compelling sales presentations, proposals, and partnership strategies tailored to individual prospects.
• Maintain accurate sales pipeline data, forecasts, and reporting while ensuring opportunities progress efficiently through the sales cycle.
• Partner with the Director to support and manage the Sponsorship Business Development Coordinator and contribute to the team's overall success.
• Contribute new ideas and commercial thinking that help unlock incremental sponsorship opportunities and drive long-term revenue growth.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Finance, Communications, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience within a sports league, team, rights holder, agency, media company, or global brand, including experience in areas such as partnership activation, account management, sponsorship, or business development.
• Demonstrated sponsorship sales and new business development experience, including prospecting, pitching, negotiation, and closing commercial partnerships.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, both internally and externally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Highly organized, with excellent project management, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Valid passport and willingness to travel internationally as required.

Key Attributes:

• Commercially driven, proactive, and motivated by opportunities to connect leading global brands with one of the world's most recognized sports properties.
• Deep understanding of sponsorship, sports marketing, and partnership landscape.
• Experience in prospecting, market research, outreach, pitch development, and strategic proposal creation.
• Confident storyteller with the ability to translate insights into compelling commercial narratives.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and builds credibility with stakeholders at all levels.
• Well-connected within the marketing and sponsorship industry, with experience developing relationships with senior marketing and brand leaders.