Sponsorship Manager

Reporting to the Head of Commercial & Marketing, the Sponsorship Manager will be responsible for developing, managing, and optimising the Clubs commercial partnerships and sponsorship portfolio. This role plays a critical part in generating sustainable revenue streams through strategic sponsorship acquisition and retention. The position requires a blend of commercial acumen, relationship management, and creative activation skills to drive value for both the organisation and its sponsors.

Key responsibilities

Sponsorship Strategy & Acquisition

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sponsorship strategy aligned with the organisation’s commercial goals.
• Identify, prospect, and secure new sponsorship opportunities across a range of sectors.
• Conduct market research (desk), to understand industry trends and competitor activity, to inform our sponsorship propositions.
• Prepare tailored proposals, presentations, and commercial packages to attract new partners.

Financial & Contract Management

• Negotiate commercial terms, prepare agreements, and ensure compliance with sponsorship contracts.
• Manage sponsorship budgets, forecasts, and revenue targets.

Account Management & Partner Servicing

• Manage relationships (with sponsors), in conjunction with the Partner Services & Events Manager to ensure contractual obligations are met and exceeded.
• Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of sponsorship performance, providing reports and insights to stakeholders at key times of the year and as necessary.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with senior management, marketing, and the rest of the commercial team to align sponsorship strategies with organisational objectives.
• Provide regular and timely updates/reports on commercial revenues and performance to the CEO and Head of Commercial & Marketing.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, COMPETENCIES

Essential Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in sponsorship, commercial partnerships, sales, or business development within sport, entertainment, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing high-value sponsorships.
• Strong track record in negotiation and contract management.

A degree level qualification in Business, Marketing and Sales.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional relationship management and interpersonal skills.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and capitalise on revenue opportunities.
• Excellent presentation, pitching, and proposal-writing skills.

Working Location

Location: Connacht Rugby has adopted a hybrid working model, with a requirement to be in the office approx. three days/week. The successful candidate will be expected to work appropriate hours to fully carry out their responsibilities.  The nature of the work is such that these hours may be irregular or outside the norm i.e., during evenings and at weekends (including Sundays).

This is a very exciting time in Connacht Rugby and if you have meet the above criteria we would like to hear from you.  Pease send your CV to Bronagh McDonald, bmcdonald@trb.ie or email her for further information.

Closing date for applications is Friday 17^th October 2025.