Hampshire Cricket

About us

Hampshire Cricket is one of England’s most historic and successful county clubs, with a proud legacy dating back to 1863. Based at the iconic Utilita Bowl in Southampton, the club has evolved into a modern powerhouse with a truly global outlook. The Utilita Bowl is not only a 15,000-seat international cricket venue but also a vibrant year-round destination that includes the Hilton hotel, an 18-hole golf course, and a state-of-the-art wellness centre — positioning Hampshire as one of the most diversified and commercially advanced sports organisations in the UK.

The Utilita Bowl continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier international venue, regularly hosting major global fixtures. The upcoming international calendar includes high-profile England men’s and women’s matches, ICC tournament fixtures, and marquee global events, affirming Hampshire’s status as a venue of choice for the world’s elite players and fans alike. It is also home to Southern Brave, one of the flagship franchises in The Hundred, reflecting the club’s deep connection to both the traditional and modern formats of the game.

Under the umbrella of Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Ltd, the organisation has been widely recognised for its innovation, commercial excellence, and commitment to performance development. Continued investment into elite pathways — including the construction of a new High-Performance Centre — underscores Hampshire’s ambition to develop world-class talent and strengthen its role in shaping the future of English and international cricket.

In 2024, Hampshire entered an exciting new era following its landmark acquisition by GMR Group, the global infrastructure and sports conglomerate that co-owns the IPL’s Delhi Capitals and several international franchises. This groundbreaking partnership — the first overseas ownership of an English county club — brings significant capital investment, operational expertise, and a far-reaching global network. It aligns Hampshire with some of the most dynamic cricket markets in the world, positioning the club as a central hub in an emerging global cricket ecosystem that spans the UK, India, and beyond.

With renewed ambition, strengthened leadership, and global backing, Hampshire Cricket is poised to expand its influence across the international stage — driving growth through innovation, inclusivity, elite performance, and world-class experiences both on and off the field.

Job Objective

The Managing Director (MD) is a newly established leadership role created as part of a strategic succession plan. Working closely with the CEO, the MD will gain comprehensive oversight across all aspects of Hampshire Cricket’s sporting, commercial, and operational activities, with the view of assuming full leadership responsibilities in the future.

The role will be instrumental in driving the organisation’s commercial growth, transforming the Utilita Bowl and its associated assets into a 365-day, multi-purpose destination for sport, entertainment, leisure, and corporate events. The Managing Director will be expected to leverage Hampshire’s diversified portfolio – including the stadium, Hilton hotel, golf course, and wellness centre – to deliver sustainable revenue streams and enhance the fan, partner, and player experience.

This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of England’s most historic county clubs during a period of transformation and growth, underpinned by the global backing of GMR Group. The Managing Director will play a critical role in positioning Hampshire Cricket as a leading domestic and international sports and entertainment organisation.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to shape and execute a long-term strategy for sporting excellence, commercial growth, and community impact.
• Act as a key advisor to the Chair and Board, ensuring business and cricketing strategies are aligned.
• Support succession planning and organisational development to prepare Hampshire Cricket for sustained growth.

2. Commercial Growth & Asset Optimisation

• Lead the evolution of Hampshire’s commercial strategy, driving revenue growth across ticketing, partnerships, hospitality, retail, and digital.
• Maximise the performance of the club’s diverse asset portfolio (stadium, hotel, golf course, spa, conferencing).
• Develop innovative commercial initiatives that transform the Utilita Bowl into a year-round destination.
• Expand international fanbases through Southern Brave, The Hundred, digital content, and overseas partnerships.

3. Brand, Marketing & Fan Engagement

• Oversee brand strategy and marketing campaigns to elevate Hampshire Cricket’s profile across domestic and global markets.
• Drive fan engagement initiatives that strengthen loyalty, broaden reach, and attract new audiences.
• Position Hampshire Cricket as a globally recognised sports and entertainment entity.

4. Operational & Venue Management

• Ensure the effective running of all non-cricket operations at the Utilita Bowl.
• Oversee delivery of world-class events, hospitality, conferencing, and leisure experiences.
• Champion infrastructure upgrades that enhance the fan, partner, and player journey while driving ROI.

5. Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with ECB, sponsors, broadcasters, local authorities, and community groups.
• Collaborate with the Hampshire Cricket Foundation to deliver impactful community programmes.
• Represent the club in external forums, negotiations, and industry bodies, reinforcing Hampshire’s reputation as an innovative and professional organisation.

6. Governance, Finance & Risk Management

• Support co-leadership of financial planning and P&L management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth.
• Implement KPIs and performance structures that drive accountability across the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, contracts, and governance standards.

7. Leadership & Culture

• Inspire and lead a high-performing executive team, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration.
• Champion Hampshire’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) strategy, embedding best practice across all operations.
• Lead with integrity and transparency, ensuring behaviours and decisions align with the club’s values.

Key Relationships

Internal: CEO, Chair, Board, senior management team, Director of Cricket.

External: ECB, GMR Group, commercial partners, media, local government, community stakeholders, sponsors, hospitality partners.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Delivery of sustainable revenue growth across all business units.
• Transformation of the Utilita Bowl into a recognised 365-day destination.
• Strengthening of the Hampshire Cricket brand domestically and internationally.
• Growth in fan engagement and community impact.
• Effective succession planning, preparing for transition to potential CEO role.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven senior leadership experience in sport, entertainment, hospitality, or venue management.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable success in driving revenue growth and asset optimisation.
• Track record in brand development, fan engagement, and international market expansion.
• Experienced in managing complex P&L, financial planning, and governance.
• Skilled stakeholder manager with experience working across governing bodies, commercial partners, and public institutions.
• Passion for cricket with a deep understanding of the sport’s culture and evolving landscape.

Personal Attributes

• Engaging, collaborative leader with inclusive values.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and lead change.
• Strong communicator with high levels of emotional intelligence.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.
• High integrity and professional standards; mission-driven and aligned to Hampshire’s values.
• Culturally sensitive with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.