Relationship Manager

We are seeking a commercially driven and relationship-focused Relationship Manager with a strong sports industry background to lead engagement with national and regional governing bodies. This role is responsible for driving both new business acquisition and growth within existing accounts, building long-term partnerships that deliver mutual value.

The ideal candidate understands the structure, challenges, and opportunities within sports organisations and can navigate complex stakeholder environments with credibility and influence.

Competitive basic salary Plus commission

Hybrid working - London office

New Business Development

• Identify, target, and secure new partnerships with sports governing bodies
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to penetrate key accounts
• Build a robust pipeline through networking, industry events, and outreach
• Lead end-to-end sales cycles, from prospecting to negotiation and closing
• Tailor proposals that align with governing bodies' strategic priorities (e.g., participation growth, performance, governance, funding)

Account Management & Growth

• Manage and grow a portfolio of existing governing body relationships
• Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities within current accounts
• Deliver regular business reviews and performance insights to clients
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction, retention, and long-term value
• Act as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders

Relationship & Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders (e.g., CEOs, Performance Directors, Commercial Leads)
• Navigate complex organisational structures and decision-making processes
• Position yourself as a trusted advisor within the sports ecosystem
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and forums

Market & Industry Insight

• Maintain a deep understanding of the sports governance landscape
• Monitor trends in participation, funding, technology, and policy
• Provide feedback to internal teams on market needs and product development
• Leverage sports knowledge to create compelling, relevant solutions

Collaboration & Internal Alignment

• Work cross-functionally with marketing, product, and delivery teams
• Ensure seamless onboarding and delivery of solutions to clients
• Contribute to marketing campaigns and thought leadership initiatives

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in sales, account management, or partnerships
• Strong background within the sports industry (e.g., governing bodies, clubs, federations, or sports tech)
• Demonstrated success in winning new business and growing accounts
• Experience managing consultative sales cycles
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders

Desirable

• Existing network within sports governing bodies
• Understanding of public sector or non-profit environments
• Experience selling solutions related to data, technology, participation, or performance
• Knowledge of funding models and governance structures in sport

Key Competencies

• Relationship building & stakeholder management
• Strategic thinking & commercial acumen
• Resilience and self-motivation
• Consultative selling approach
• Passion for sport and its development

If your application is successful, you will be contact shortly.

The job title and description in this advertisement may differ from the client's official job description/contract .We appreciate your interest in this role. E-Personnel Recruitment aims to acknowledge all applications, but due to the high volume of CVs we receive, this may not always be feasible.

You can apply with the utmost confidence to E-Personnel Recruitment directly, experts in both Permanent and Temporary Recruitment, and a proud member of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), the professional body for the recruitment industry.