Senior Manager, Commercial Development

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.   We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success. 

The Senior Manager, Commercial Development supports the leadership and effective running of Manchester United’s Sales and Partnerships function, combining commercial strategy, business development, analysis and cross-functional delivery to drive sponsorship revenue growth and wider strategic priorities. Acting as a senior, trusted partner to the Commercial Development Director, Commercial Director - Global Partnerships and Chief Business Officer, the role anticipates priorities, identifies and resolves issues, improves how the team operates and translates market and business insight into clear recommendations and actions. It provides a connected view across current sales and partnerships activities while helping build the strategies, capabilities and ways of working required to enable future growth.  

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Commercial Development Director, Commercial Director - Global Partnerships and CBO in the effective running of the Sales and Partnerships function, anticipating priorities, identifying issues early and coordinating solutions across the team 
• Maintain a clear, connected view of the sales pipeline, key partnership priorities and strategic initiatives, ensuring accountability and providing concise, decision-useful updates to the CBO, CEO and Ownership 
• Proactively analyse the sponsorship sales process, identifying barriers, dependencies and opportunities to improve pace, quality and conversion 
• Help set the direction for sales prospecting and go-to-market activity, ensuring effort is focused on the sectors, brands and opportunities most likely to deliver against the club’s priorities 
• Partner closely with the Commercial Director - Global Partnerships to improve the efficiency, quality, alignment and forward planning of the Sales and Partnerships teams 
• Establish and maintain practical operating rhythms, parameters and management information that help the Sales and Partnerships teams work as one function, make decisions efficiently and escalate the right issues at the right time 
• Track delivery against sales and partnership strategies, surfacing risks, gaps and interdependencies early and coordinating action to keep priorities on track 
• Support the Commercial Director - Global Partnerships in providing the CBO and wider commercial leadership with confidence that agreed sales and partnership priorities are progressing, decisions are being followed through and emerging issues are being addressed 
• Build strong relationships across the club and act as a trusted source of insight on developments, decisions and dependencies that may affect the commercial agenda 
• Translate lessons from live deals, partner delivery and the wider market into longer-term commercial strategies, capabilities and opportunities for future growth 
• Oversee the team managing competitor analysis and market research to identify trends, opportunities and challenges within the wider sports sponsorship industry and suggest where Manchester United can remain best in class  
• Supporting on management of the club’s sponsorship assets/inventory, including analysis on valuations and ROI  
• Asset valuations (e.g. how we should price Training Kit vs. Sleeve – and what the market/different sectors/companies can bear) 
• Partner closely with the sales team to provide a birds-eye view of what is required to progress and close priority deals, improving the quality and effectiveness of pitches, internal coordination and follow-through 
• Support deal strategy as opportunities progress, including negotiation planning, stakeholder alignment, risk identification and the production of clear internal approval documents 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Significant relevant experience in commercial growth, strategy, consulting, chief of staff comparable commercial environment. 
• Strong strategic judgement and organisational awareness, with the ability to anticipate requirements, connect activity across teams, resolve issues pragmatically and support senior leaders with discretion 
• Demonstrable experience developing and delivering go-to-market plans, commercial propositions or business development programmes that contribute to revenue growth. 
• Strong knowledge of sponsorship sales and partnership development, including prospecting, category strategy, rights packaging, valuation, negotiation support and commercial integration. 
• Advanced analytical/financial modelling capability, with experience converting analysis into clear commercial recommendations. 
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to scope work, coordinate cross-functional contributors, manage external agencies and deliver to demanding deadlines. 
• Experience producing high-quality executive reports, presentations, business cases and briefing materials for senior leadership and decision makers 
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to contribute in meetings with senior colleagues, agencies and prospective partners. 
• Experience guiding, coaching or supervising analysts or executives, including workload prioritisation, quality assurance and constructive feedback. 
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word; experience with Salesforce and commercial research or intelligence platforms is desirable. 
• A degree or equivalent professional experience in business, marketing, economics, finance, management or a related discipline. 
• Experience in sport, media, entertainment, consumer brands or another rights-led industry is desirable but not essential. 
• High standards of accuracy, commercial judgement, discretion and accountability, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. 

What we offer

At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme
• Health Cash Plan: Supporting you with your everyday healthcare needs 
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth