Relevent Football Partners

Head of Partnerships, Sponsorship & Licensing
London, UK

Reports to Director of Commercial Strategy & Partnerships

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About Relevent Football Partners

Relevent Football Partners (RFP) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Relevent, purpose-built to commercialise the UEFA men’s club competitions globally. An independent entity, RFP is tasked with providing UC3 — the joint venture between UEFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC) — strategic and sales support in the worldwide marketing and sale of media, sponsorship, and licensing rights for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Youth League, and the UEFA Futsal Champions League. 

Following the UC3 tender process, RFP was awarded the commercial rights to the UEFA men’s club competitions (Champions League, Europa League and Conference League) on a global basis for the 2027 to 2033 cycle.? 

As such, RFP is now seeking to build a truly world-class business focused on the monetisation of these commercial rights.

Position Summary

The Head of Partnerships, Sponsorship & Licensing is responsible for leading world class partnership management and servicing for UC3’s commercial partners. Reporting to the Director of Commercial Strategy & Partnerships, they will bring a fresh approach to the delivery of contracted rights for the entire partner family, acting as an innovator and facilitator.  They will build, develop and lead a talented and diverse team that are focused on enabling partners to achieve their brand and business objectives through global multi-channel marketing campaigns.

Crucially, the Head of Partnerships and their team will be responsible for the end to end experience commercial partners have with UC3’s assets, providing best in class servicing, communication and reporting. They will be focused on ensuring long-term value creation for UC3 and its partners.  

The Head of Partnerships will develop, enhance and facilitate trusted relationships with key stakeholders that include UC3, European Football Clubs, UEFA, and partner agencies.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Management

• Build and develop best-in-class partnership management processes and procedures that delight clients and deliver against objectives.

• Oversee the delivery of all of UC3’s commercial rights, ensuring they maximise value for all parties. 
• Develop a trusted relationship with UC3 and all partners to become the primary liaison on all partner related matters.
• Manage all aspects of partner communication and reporting, delivering a ‘white-glove service’ that exceeds expectations.
• Act as a trusted advisor to commercial partners, providing strategic guidance on rights usage and marketing activations.
• Lead the onboarding of new partners.
• Ensure the appropriate protection and guardianship of UC3’s commercial rights.
• Support and lead the strategic approach, planning and negotiation of high value contract renewals with the wider commercial department.

Leadership & Team Development 

• Recruit, build and develop an industry leading partnerships team (14 in total, with 4 direct reports).
• Lead and inspire the team to provide world-class services to the entire partner family in the delivery of their contracted rights – acting as an innovator and facilitator.
• Create a client-centric culture across the department, where team members become an extension of each partner, and a conduit between internal and external by deeply understanding every partner’s objectives.
• Empower team members to work collaboratively internally across RFP’s departments for partner approvals and the alignment of initiatives.

Performance & Reporting 

• Management of the team’s P&L. 
• Design and establish communication, reporting, and relationships with partners, including planning   workshops and meetings throughout the season and opportunities for partners to meet, network and learn from each other.
• Oversee performance reporting, ROI analysis, and insights to drive continual improvement alongside the Strategy & Insights team
• Maintain awareness of market trends, competitor activity, and industry innovations to keep the organisation at the forefront of partnerships. 

Relationship Management 

• Facilitate strong personal relationships with key stakeholders including commercial partners, UC3, European Football Clubs, UEFA, partner agencies, talent agents and clubs.
• Serve as the senior contact for key partners and commercial stakeholders. 
• Be the trusted and respected figure for any partner issues that could arise.
• When required, act as an ambassador for RFP externally at partner events and with UC3.
• Work with sponsors, UC3 and the wider RFP organisation and other stakeholders to find solutions and deliver outcomes that deliver the desired outcomes for all parties.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven track record of leading a high performing partnerships team to deliver results.
• Experience of partnering with global brands to achieve their commercial objectives.
• Exceptional relationship management, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Track record of supporting or leading high value contractual negotiations and renewals.
• Client centric mindset, focused on delivering mutually beneficial outcomes. 
• Experience of building and leading a high performing team whilst developing and nurturing its individual members to achieve their potential.  
• Equally high emotional intelligence and IQ.
• Proven leader, with natural presence and deep industry expertise.
• International mindset, experience working across cultures and regions.
• Hard working, driven and results orientated.
• Commercially astute and creative problem solver. 

Why Join Us

At Relevent Football Partners, you’ll be part of a passionate, global team committed to shaping the future of football in innovative and impactful ways. We offer a collaborative culture, exciting growth opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference in one of the world’s most beloved sports.