What will you be involved in?
Our Graduate Sponsorship Programme is designed for graduates who are passionate about marketing and partnerships, and curious about how sponsorship drives business growth. You will join Sage’s UK Sponsorship team in a broad role sitting across all aspects of our EFL sponsorship activation: an opportunity to learn how sponsorship contributes to the commercial outcomes of the business, as well as gain an understanding of the fundamentals of sports sponsorship and working with a major rights holder. You will be supported by a dedicated manager throughout the programme.
During your time on the programme, you will be involved in:
Taking ownership of key workstreams in the EFL activation, such as internal communications and engagement activities
Overseeing the day-to-day running of the sponsorship function, including budget management and fulfilling merchandise requests
Closely shadowing external partners, including agencies and the rights holder, to understand the dynamics and delivery mechanics of sponsorship
Working with production and performance management teams to ensure that activations are delivered on time and linked to outcomes
Supporting reporting and measurement of sponsorship activities
Assisting with event planning, campaign execution and stakeholder engagement
Helping ensure sponsorship activity is aligned to commercial and brand objectives
This programme is designed to give you meaningful, hands-on experience from day one, with structured onboarding, regular coaching and feedback, ongoing mentorship from an experienced sponsorship professional, a personalised development plan, and the support and space to learn, ask questions and grow. By the end of the programme, you will have built experience delivering real sponsorship activations and campaigns, developed project management, stakeholder engagement and commercial marketing skills, and gained a strong understanding of how sponsorship contributes to business objectives and brand reputation.
What we’re looking for:
To be eligible for this role, you’ll need to hold a degree in Marketing, Communications, PR or Media Studies. Previous sponsorship experience is not required. Relevant experience from education, placements, volunteering, societies, sporting organisations or part-time work is beneficial, but enthusiasm, initiative and potential are most important.
A curious mindset and eagerness to learn
A genuine passion for sport, marketing and sponsorship
An organised, detail-oriented approach, comfortable working across multiple projects and deadlines
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
A proactive attitude and willingness to take ownership of tasks
A collaborative, team-oriented working style
Confidence interacting with a range of internal and external stakeholders
An interest in understanding how sponsorship delivers commercial value
What you can expect from the process:
Apply online with your CV
Complete screening, cognitive testing and video interview
If successful at video interview stage, you will be invited to attend a final stage assessment
Successful candidates will join us in October 2026
Please note that due to the high volume of applications, there may be a delay in our response. We thank you for your patience.
Here at Sage, we are committed to inclusivity for all. If you need adjustments that would support you in the application process, please reach out to us at
[email protected]
Benefits of working at Sage include:
25 days holiday + bank holidays from day one
Paid time to learn (5 learning days a year)
Paid time to give back (5 volunteering days a year)
Private healthcare, digital GP & wellbeing support
Competitive pension with Sage contributions
Paid parental leave, inclusive from day one
Work from abroad for up to 10 weeks a year
Discounts on tech, travel, gyms and more
Cycle to Work and EV schemes