Commercial Partnership Manager (Sports)
The Commercial Partnerships Lead is responsible for driving revenue growth across Crowd’s portfolio of shows:
For The Love Of Rugby – Ben Youngs & Dan Cole
Long Story Short – Jill Scott & Karen Carney
For The Love Of Cricket – Stuart Broad & Jos Buttler
For The Love Of Cycling – Ned Boulting, David Millar, Pete Kennaugh & Lizzie Deignan
This will be done by developing and managing strategic brand partnerships. They identify new business opportunities, build strong relationships with brands, and create commercially compelling campaigns that align with Crowd’s content and audience.
This role combines business development, relationship management, and creative thinking. The Commercial Partnerships Lead owns the full partnership lifecycle, from pitching and negotiation through to onboarding and delivery, ensuring partnerships deliver value for both clients and the business.
They play a key role in shaping Crowd’s commercial strategy, increasing market presence, and ensuring the business remains competitive within the evolving media and content landscape.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Revenue Growth
Drive new business growth across Crowd’s portfolio of shows
Identify and secure new commercial opportunities with brands and agencies
Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with audience, content, and market opportunities
Build and maintain a strong pipeline of potential partners
Increase awareness of Crowd’s value proposition within the market
Partnership Management
Build and maintain relationships with key brands, agencies, and partners
Manage the full partnership lifecycle from pitch and negotiation to onboarding and delivery
Ensure partnerships are structured to deliver strong commercial and creative outcomes
Work closely with Account Managers to ensure smooth campaign delivery
Commercial Strategy & Campaign Development
Develop creative partnership ideas, including branded content and integrated campaigns
Collaborate with Producers and content teams to align partnerships with shows
Ensure commercial activity supports both audience engagement and revenue goals
Contribute to the development of scalable commercial formats and offerings
Market & Performance Insight
Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities
Maintain accurate forecasting, pipeline tracking, and revenue reporting
Use performance data and campaign results to refine commercial strategy
Identify opportunities to grow and optimise existing partnerships
Collaboration & Cross-Functional Working
Work closely with production, editorial, and creative teams to deliver partnerships
Collaborate with Account Managers on campaign execution and client management
Align with leadership on commercial priorities and business growth
Contribute to cross-departmental planning and decision-making
Company-Wide Responsibilities
Act as a collaborative and proactive senior team member across the business
Contribute to company-wide strategy, planning, and growth initiatives
Support tasks outside of immediate remit where required in a growing SME
Represent Crowd’s values and standards internally and externally
Skills & Experience
Strong experience in media sales, brand partnerships, or business development
Proven track record of driving revenue growth
Strong network of brand and agency contacts
Ability to develop creative commercial concepts and campaigns
Excellent negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of media and content landscapes
Experience working in sport or related industries is beneficial
Qualifications
Relevant professional experience in media, advertising, or commercial roles
Formal qualifications welcomed but not essential
Behaviours & Ways of Working
Commercially driven and results-focused
Proactive and entrepreneurial, with a self-starter mindset
Strong relationship builder and communicator
Creative and strategic in approach
Collaborative and adaptable
PACKAGE & BENEFITS
This role can be based anywhere in the UK, however, travel to the Crowd offices in Manchester will be required from time-to-time as will on-location shooting.
The salary for the role is £45,000 - £55,000, depending on experience. You will also get -
Holidays: 25 days per year, plus an extra day for your birthday after two years’ service.
Flexible & hybrid working with regular collaboration in our Manchester offices.
Actively managed pension scheme.
Life Assurance, Income Protection and Health Cash Plan.
Training and development opportunities and the chance to work on award-winning podcasts and branded partnerships.
- Department
- Commercial
- Role
- Sales Manager/Exec
- Locations
- London
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Yearly salary
- £45 - £55
About Crowd Network
We create trail-blazing video, audio and social media content that tell stories, reach engaged audiences, elevate brands, and revolutionise content strategies.