Commercial Partnerships Manager

SportAccord is seeking an experienced Commercial Partnerships Manager to drive partnership and exhibition sales across its international events and activities.

Working closely with the CEO and a small, international team, the Commercial Partnerships Manager will be responsible for developing commercial opportunities, securing new business and managing relationships with partners and exhibitors.

The immediate focus will be the SportAccord Convention 2027 in Baku, alongside commercial development for the SportAccord Forum and opportunities for longer-term partnerships.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys developing relationships, turning opportunities into agreements and ensuring that commercial commitments are delivered.

Commercial sales and business development

• Identify and pursue new sponsorship, partnership and exhibition opportunities.
• Develop relationships with prospective partners, exhibitors, host cities and organisations across the international sports industry.
• Prepare tailored commercial proposals, negotiate terms and secure agreements.
• Manage prospects through the sales process, from initial contact to contracting and follow-up.
• Work alongside the CEO on Global Partnership opportunities, supporting prospect development, proposals and negotiations.

Partner and exhibitor management

• Act as a principal contact for assigned commercial partners and exhibitors.
• Coordinate contractual benefits and deliverables with colleagues and external suppliers.
• Maintain regular contact with partners, ensuring their objectives and expectations are understood.
• Identify opportunities for renewals, expanded partnerships and longer-term collaboration.
• Support partner and exhibitor engagement before, during and after SportAccord events.

Commercial coordination and reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of opportunities, agreements and commercial activity in SportAccord’s CRM system (Odoo).
• Monitor the sales pipeline, revenue forecasts and progress against agreed objectives.
• Coordinate with colleagues responsible for finance, contracts, events and communications.
• Contribute to the development of more effective commercial processes and account management practices.
• Use digital and AI-supported tools where appropriate to improve research, preparation and efficiency.

We are looking for a commercially minded professional who combines a proven ability to generate revenue with strong relationship management skills.

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in sponsorship, partnership or exhibition sales, including negotiating and closing commercial agreements.
• Good knowledge of the international sports industry, particularly International Federations, sporting events or the wider sports business sector.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to identify and develop opportunities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a sales pipeline independently and maintain a structured approach to follow-up and reporting.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively in a small team.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• An established network within international sport or the sports business industry.
• Experience working with host cities, destination organisations or major international events.
• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Odoo.
• Additional language skills, particularly French.

Contract

Initial six-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of longer-term employment.

Workload

60% (three days per week), with some flexibility around major events.

Location

Lausanne, Switzerland, with hybrid working arrangements.

Reporting

CEO, working closely with the Director of Operations and other SportAccord colleagues.

Travel

International travel as required, including attendance at the SportAccord Convention 2027 in Baku.

Remuneration

Salary and a performance-related bonus, subject to agreed objectives.