Sales And Key Account Manager

Job Title: Sales and Key Account Manager

Location: HQ Abbottstown

Direct Reporting Line: Partnerships Manager

Commencement Date: ASAP

Duration: Permanent, Full Time

Introduction:

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the governing body for Association Football in the Republic of Ireland. The FAI has primary responsibility for all regulatory and footballing aspects of the game in Ireland.

Football is a sport that is woven into the fabric of the nation, and as the national governing body the FAI is at the heart of that – from inspiring and engaging legions of passionate fans who follow leading female and male Irish players and world class tournaments, through to supporting the grassroots of the sport which reach into local communities across Ireland to help get the nation active and deliver significant physical and mental health benefits to those involved.

The role:

Our Commercial Partners provide a very important revenue stream in the running of the Football Association of Ireland. In order to achieve our strategic objectives and foster the development of football in Ireland, we need strong investment to grow our grassroots programmes, increase participation, and support the League of Ireland and our International Teams. Our Partners support our football objectives through activation of their sponsorship rights and the promotion of the game domestically.

The Sales & Key Account Manager will work within the Commercial Team. The Sales & Key Account Manager will be responsible in the account management of our key Partners on a day-to-day basis,. Building positive business relationships, understanding and delivering key marketing objectives for our Partner and the Association will be some of the key priorities within this role. The successful candidate will focus on ensuring we have satisfied Partners who get a return on their investment through best practice activations.

The Sales & Key Account Manager will also lead on new business development, working with the Commercial Director and Partnerships Manager to implement a sales strategy which will include prospecting, outreach, proposal development and delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales

• Working with Commercial Director and Partnerships Manager on ongoing acquisition of new commercial partners.
• Conducting ongoing internal audit of available properties, and building sales packages based on this.
• Working with internal stakeholders to identify new opportunities and properties.
• Identifying potential partners and lead development.
• Ongoing industry research including sponsorship trends, key industry categories, active or new entrants into the Irish market.
• Establish a strong network within the Irish marketing industry and effectively demonstrate why Football is a good fit for corporate Ireland.
• Developing presentations and sales materials.

Account Management

• Develop and manage the relationship with allocated Partners on a day-to-day basis, meeting regularly and managing all requests and queries.
• Ensure all contracted rights are delivered for the Partner professionally and that all Partners’ activations are not in any conflict with Football values, including our partners FIFA and UEFA.
• Work with Partners on developing and planning partnership activations, marketing and promotional campaigns.
• Work with Partners on measuring and evaluating their partnership and activations and support them with any information requested.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders in relation to any requests from Partners and ensure that all activities are communicated and signed off in a timely manner.
• Plan and manage any events for the relevant Partners.
• Provide event management and operational support for Senior International match days and other selected events.

Other

• Support the Partnerships Manager with any additional duties requested.
• Support the Partnerships Team on all relevant administrative tasks.

Qualifications:

• Relevant 3rd Level Degree

Key Skills Required:

• Proven experience of relationship management and the ability to deal with varying levels of stakeholders
• Strong evidence of project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Good business acumen with knowledge of sponsorship industry and marketing best practices.
• Evidence of strong sales experience and the proven ability to grow revenue through new and existing streams.
• The ability to manage budgets accurately and effectively.
• Communications skills, including proficient presentation and negotiation skills.
• Strong skills in PowerPoint (or similar presentation programme).
• A team player with a pro-active, ‘can-do’ approach.
• Knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, sport.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to show attention to detail.
• Flexible working practices including weekend work.

Our Benefits

We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:

• Two premium level tickets to each home international game
• Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
• Opportunities to work at international matches
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Bike to work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Employee assistance programs
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements

Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on Friday, 18th July 2025.

Shortlisting and interviews will take place shortly afterwards.

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.