NFL Australia is looking for a Senior Manager of Commercial Partnerships to lead the management, growth and activation of its commercial partner portfolio, helping to drive revenue, brand impact and fan engagement across Australia and New Zealand. We are seeking a highly motivated, commercially minded self‑starter with strong relationship management skills and a proven ability to deliver best‑in‑class partnership outcomes.
The Commercial Partnerships Manager role is broad in scope and includes day‑to‑day management of key local partners, delivery of contractual rights and assets, development and execution of integrated partner activations, and close collaboration with internal teams across marketing, events, media and commercial strategy. The role will also support renewals, upsell opportunities, and the identification of new commercial growth opportunities within the market.
As a key member of the NFL Australia team, the successful candidate will bring a strong track record of working in a global sports or entertainment environment. A deep understanding of the Australian and New Zealand sponsorship landscape will also enable the role to lead priority partner relationships, deliver standout activations, and contribute meaningfully to the NFL’s long‑term commercial and fan growth objectives in the region.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Exceptional Partnership Management
- Lead day‑to‑day management of the NFL’s local partner portfolio across Australia and New Zealand.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local and global partners, proactively resolving issues and delivering creative, effective solutions.
- Own the local renewal process and support upsell opportunities to achieve revenue targets, working closely with global teams to maximise activation investments and funds.
- Oversee end‑to‑end partnership delivery to ensure contractual assets are available, optimised and effectively managed.
- Provide informed, market‑led feedback to drive continuous improvement in partnership execution and delivery standards.
- Maintain a strong understanding of sponsorship, marketing and industry trends to inform strategy and decision‑making.
Flawless In‑Market Activation Execution
- Manage local activation agencies to ensure delivery of sponsor activity is within scope, timeline and quality expectations.
- Lead the sponsor activation and development across including International Games and major in‑market tentpole moments such as Kickoff and Super Bowl watch parties.
Support Revenue Growth Through New Business
- Identify and develop new revenue opportunities across traditional sponsorship inventory and digital platforms.
- Oversee local sales agencies, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives and providing strategic support as required.
- Evaluate new growth areas, balancing revenue potential with risk through regular commercial analysis.
- Support commercial negotiations using sponsorship valuation and performance metrics.
- Develop innovative, tailored partnership propositions that attract and secure new sponsors.
- Take a proactive approach to driving incremental revenue, working closely with International, Marketing and Consumer Products teams.
Collaborate With and Manage Internal Stakeholders
- Provide regular updates to the GM, Australia & New Zealand, and Global Sponsorship team on partner performance, pipeline status and key issues.
- Manage the discretionary commercial budget, with regular reporting to NFL Finance, Global Sponsorship and the GM, Australia & New Zealand.
- Align local reporting and processes with international standards to ensure internal teams are engaged and supporting partner objectives.
- Build strong, trusted relationships with partners, agencies and internal stakeholders.
- Collaborate with finance, legal, marketing and public relations teams to ensure seamless contracting and delivery of new partnerships and programs.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 7+ years’ experience in commercial, sales, partnerships or with agency
- 3+ years' management experience
Terms /Expected Hours of Work:
- NFL employees are required to work 40 hours per week.
- Some weekend/global travel work for hosting clients.
- Up to 25% (within country/market & international)
Benefits Information
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits offerings, please visit: NFL BENEFITS
At the NFL, in-person work at our offices is a top priority because it allows us to collaborate more effectively, build stronger connections, and maintain the culture that drives our success. This role requires onsite presence at an NFL office or stadium location, and remote and/or hybrid working options are not offered.
NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED.
The NFL is committed to building an inclusive work environment that reflects our incredible fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.
WHO WE ARE:
NFL Core Values:
- Respect: Everyone matters. We celebrate diverse opinions, honor hard work, and value every contribution.
- Integrity: We do what's right, even when it's tough. We hold ourselves accountable and always follow through.
- Team Responsibility: We support each other and our communities. No one is bigger than the game, and every action impacts others.
- Resiliency: We set high standards, overcome adversity, and adapt to challenges, always striving for excellence.
NFL Leadership Attributes:
- Build Talent: We develop and nurture potential, empowering individuals to grow and succeed.
- Execute: We take action with precision, delivering results that drive our goals forward.
- Inspire: We motivate others through vision, energy, and a commitment to excellence.
- Live Our Values: We embody our core principles in every decision and action.
- Know the Business: We stay informed, understand our industry, and make decisions that strengthen our position.
- Think Big: We challenge the status quo, envision bold possibilities, and strive for transformative impact
WHO YOU ARE:
Talent Attributes: What we expect for our employees:
- Embody an enthusiastic, proactive can-do attitude
- Embrace grit, free from ego or entitlement
- Excel as a relationship builder, with the ability to influence
- Eager learner, driven by passion rather than just ambition
- Encompasses an incredible work ethic with an agile mindset
