Partnerships Manager

Partnerships Manager
Location: Old Trafford / Carrington

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals. 
  
We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success. 
 
 
The Role:
The Partnerships Manager role is a key role in delivering partner rights and activations that drive effectiveness. They will report directly to the Partnership Director, as part of team working on a portfolio of partners.  This role multi-disciplined and is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of rights, collaborating with teams across the club to ensure we deliver measurably effective activations to the highest standard. This person will be a self-starter and energizer across the team who excels in getting things done.  
 
Responsibilities: 
Partner Relationships:  
 

• Partner Contact: regular point of contact on the day-to-day activation plans for the partner team and their agencies, and key in-market leads who are focused on activating the partnership, driving high standards of execution and performance
• Lead the creative approval process for any partner/agency-originated content 
• Renewal Strategy: Awareness of the renewal strategy with the Partnerships Director and ensure we are working towards achieving goals that will drive renewal  
• Portfolio Management: Be fully invested in the delivery of a portfolio of global partnerships. 

 
Strategic Planning:  
 

• Be part of for planning workshops and the designing of Activation Plans for the season to maximise use of rights across the club’s media channels and physical experiences.
• Design and manage the task management plan with the Performance Lead to ensure activations and campaigns are delivered as per the agreed season plan. Keep plan update where changes occur.  
• Develop an understanding and POV on trends across the sports marketing and media landscape to inform creativity and fan connection. 
• Prepare compelling case studies in a timely manner for the sales team (ie. no later than 1 month after results are available).
• Measurement: Input into campaign reporting and presentation of results to Partners.  

 
Activation:  
 

• Manage the transition from ‘planning to execution”; this role is responsible for creating master project planning documents and tracking daily/weekly task management.
• Campaign delivery and activation support: managing the approvals process for inbound creative from partners. Support the Performance Lead in the planning and delivery of campaign specific activities/content capture.  
• Coordinate with specialist teams (Content, Talent and Experiential) to ensure smooth execution of partner content, matchday/international/events and experiences (OT/CTC/ internationally) and campaigns – on time, on budget, and aligned with club protocols. 
• Partner project management: establish and maintain strong and regular cadence with Partner teams and agencies regarding project delivery.
• Share specific partner comms as agreed with PD (fixture updates etc). Escalate issues, feedback, and requests accurately and in a timely manner to the Performance Lead and Partner Director 
• Responsible for booking contractual rights such Museum & Stadium Tours, delivery of merchandise and gifts, and coordinating guests lists for ticketing. 
• Be available for match days, tours and other Partner events to be on-the-ground support to ensure a smooth delivery 

 
Operations:  
 

• Salesforce management: log all rights delivery (and contractual over delivery) to ensure Salesforce is up to date (tracking rights utilisation)
• Financial control: strictly follow the Club’s finance process with regards all financial controls (P/Os, invoices, recharges etc). Raise P/Os, invoices and recharges in a timely manner. Keep partner budgets up to date on salesforce ensuring budgets not exceeded. Ensure approval of any planned budget overspend. Identify opportunities for cost optimisation. 
• Responsible for contact reports and notes as part of regular Partner status meetings, including management of the task plan 
• Legal awareness: have visibility of the partner’s contract to be aware of and flag any potential breach of contract situations (from MU or partner side). Check promotional t&cs with legal for any required campaigns. 

 
The Person:  
We are looking for someone who has: 

Experience:  

• 2+ years of experience in an activation-focused role ,ideally within the sports, media, entertainment, or other large-scale consumer-facing industry. 
• Proven experience driving and delivering high-performing projects.
• Strong experience of partner-facing work and stakeholder management.
• Experience of working within a team to deliver complex, multi-faceted projects at a world -class standard 

Personal Attributes:  

• The successful candidate will be a high-energy, supremely organised and driven individual, who understands all the critical elements of world class events experiences & delivery.
• Excellent collaboration, communication skills and stakeholder management
• First-hand experience in delivering not only physical events but new innovations in online and digital event delivery.
• Multi-functional expertise and project management experience
• Experience of managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Use of data, measurement, evaluation and feedback to drive continuous improvement
• Attention to detail within fast-moving environments
• Highly organised, great written & verbal communications 
• Good level of personal influence – capable of engaging, influencing and negotiating with key agency and day to day partner contacts, as well as colleagues across the club
• Energy and motivation to make an impact, to drive and support the team, and to take the initiative
• Having a positive, “can-do” mentality and being curious to find ways around obstacles
• Passion for sport and football helps, with a keen interest in winning 

 
 What We Offer: 
At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Annual incentive scheme
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth

Our Commitment to You:   
At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 
  
Ready to Join Us?   
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Monday 4th August
  

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks. 
 
If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you. 
 
It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.