Commercial Partnership Lead (Sports)

The Commercial Partnerships Lead is responsible for driving revenue growth across Crowd’s portfolio of shows:

• For The Love Of Rugby – Ben Youngs & Dan Cole

• Long Story Short – Jill Scott & Karen Carney

• For The Love Of Cricket – Stuart Broad & Jos Buttler

• For The Love Of Cycling – Ned Boulting, David Millar, Pete Kennaugh & Lizzie Deignan

This will be done by developing and managing strategic brand partnerships. They identify new business opportunities, build strong relationships with brands, and create commercially compelling campaigns that align with Crowd’s content and audience.

This role combines business development, relationship management, and creative thinking. The Commercial Partnerships Lead owns the full partnership lifecycle, from pitching and negotiation through to onboarding and delivery, ensuring partnerships deliver value for both clients and the business.

They play a key role in shaping Crowd’s commercial strategy, increasing market presence, and ensuring the business remains competitive within the evolving media and content landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Revenue Growth

• Drive new business growth across Crowd’s portfolio of shows

• Identify and secure new commercial opportunities with brands and agencies

• Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with audience, content, and market opportunities

• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of potential partners

• Increase awareness of Crowd’s value proposition within the market

Partnership Management

• Build and maintain relationships with key brands, agencies, and partners

• Manage the full partnership lifecycle from pitch and negotiation to onboarding and delivery

• Ensure partnerships are structured to deliver strong commercial and creative outcomes

• Work closely with Account Managers to ensure smooth campaign delivery

Commercial Strategy & Campaign Development

• Develop creative partnership ideas, including branded content and integrated campaigns

• Collaborate with Producers and content teams to align partnerships with shows

• Ensure commercial activity supports both audience engagement and revenue goals

• Contribute to the development of scalable commercial formats and offerings

Market & Performance Insight

• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities

• Maintain accurate forecasting, pipeline tracking, and revenue reporting

• Use performance data and campaign results to refine commercial strategy

• Identify opportunities to grow and optimise existing partnerships

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Working

• Work closely with production, editorial, and creative teams to deliver partnerships

• Collaborate with Account Managers on campaign execution and client management

• Align with leadership on commercial priorities and business growth

• Contribute to cross-departmental planning and decision-making

Company-Wide Responsibilities

• Act as a collaborative and proactive senior team member across the business

• Contribute to company-wide strategy, planning, and growth initiatives

• Support tasks outside of immediate remit where required in a growing SME

• Represent Crowd’s values and standards internally and externally

Skills & Experience

• Strong experience in media sales, brand partnerships, or business development

• Proven track record of driving revenue growth

• Strong network of brand and agency contacts

• Ability to develop creative commercial concepts and campaigns

• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills

• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of media and content landscapes

• Experience working in sport or related industries is beneficial

Qualifications

• Relevant professional experience in media, advertising, or commercial roles

• Formal qualifications welcomed but not essential

Behaviours & Ways of Working

• Commercially driven and results-focused

• Proactive and entrepreneurial, with a self-starter mindset

• Strong relationship builder and communicator

• Creative and strategic in approach

• Collaborative and adaptable

PACKAGE & BENEFITS

This role can be based anywhere in the UK, however, travel to the Crowd offices in Manchester will be required from time-to-time as will on-location shooting.

The salary for the role is £45,000 - £55,000, depending on experience. You will also get -

• Holidays: 25 days per year, plus an extra day for your birthday after two years’ service.

• Flexible & hybrid working with regular collaboration in our Manchester offices.

• Actively managed pension scheme .

• Life Assurance, Income Protection and Health Cash Plan.

• Training and development opportunities and the chance to work on award-winning podcasts and branded partnerships.