THE PERSON:

We are looking for someone who:

• Has extensive B2B sales and business development experience, ideally within sport, media, or entertainment.
• Demonstrates a proven ability to secure and grow long-term, high-value commercial partnerships.
• Possesses exceptional relationship management and C-suite negotiation skills.
• Has experience leading and mentoring a team in a fast-paced, performance-led environment.
• Is highly skilled in storytelling, presentations, and data-led, persuasive proposal development.
• Thinks entrepreneurially with a keen eye for new revenue opportunities.
• Has international sales experience with cultural fluency across key regions such as North America, APAC, and MENA.
• Holds a global network across sectors like tech, finance, FMCG, travel, and automotive.
• Has experience with rights-holders, agencies, or major commercial sports properties.
• Multilingual or has worked extensively in international markets.

THE ROLE:

We are looking for a passionate Sales Director who will play a pivotal role in driving Manchester United’s commercial growth by leading the acquisition and development of high-value global partnerships. This strategic position is central to delivering the club’s ambitious commercial objectives by unlocking new revenue opportunities and building long-term value with global brands.
Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Sales Director will lead innovative partnership strategies, shape data-led proposals, and cultivate relationships that enhance Manchester United’s global presence. This is a high-impact role that combines commercial acumen, creative deal-making, and leadership in a fast-paced, international environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales Strategy & Leadership

• Create and deliver strategic sales plans aligned with the club’s commercial goals.
• Identify and develop innovative partnership models, new categories, and emerging revenue streams.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across internal departments and international offices.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to maintain commercial agility and relevance.
• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team of sales professionals.

Partner Acquisition & Pipeline Development

• Manage the full sales lifecycle, from lead generation to contract execution.
• Identify and target prospective partners aligned with Manchester United’s brand and global reach.
• Execute global partner acquisition strategies with a focus on key growth markets including North America, Asia-Pacific, and MENA.
• Develop market-specific strategies tailored to brand goals and consumer behaviours.
• Collaborate with regional specialists and external agencies to maximise outreach.

Proposal Development & Deal Execution

• Create compelling, insight-driven proposals that highlight Manchester United’s unique value proposition.
• Utilise internal and third-party data to build persuasive ROI narratives.
• Work closely with Legal, Marketing, and Partnership Management teams to ensure commercially sound, scalable agreements.
• Deliver innovative, non-traditional partnerships with a focus on digital, co-branded, and culturally relevant activations.

Relationship Management & Representation

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior decision-makers and C-suite stakeholders.
• Ensure strategic alignment and long-term value for both Manchester United and its partners.
• Represent the club at industry events, forums, and global summits to enhance visibility and drive engagement.
• Travel internationally as needed to support business development and partner relations in priority markets.