Next Athlete is looking for an ambitious and commercially driven International Partnership & Business Development Manager to lead the development of strategic partnerships and drive international business growth.
The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, establishing partnerships with sports organisations, academies, football clubs, pickleball clubs, schools, universities, corporate partners, and international agencies. You will play a key role in expanding Next Athlete's global presence by building strong relationships with partners who can support our athlete pathway programmes and international initiatives.
The role involves representing Next Athlete at networking events, sporting events, conferences, and business meetings, both within the UK and internationally. You will work closely with internal teams to develop new markets, negotiate partnership agreements, and contribute to the company's long-term growth strategy.
Salary: Competitive – As per the ongoing market rate, plus performance-related bonuses.
Skills Needed
The ideal candidate will have experience in business development, partnership management, sales, account management, or international business. Experience within the sports industry is desirable but not essential.
You should have excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders, sports organisations, educational institutions, and international partners. A proactive and commercially focused approach is essential, along with strong organisational and project management skills.
The successful applicant should be comfortable identifying new opportunities, managing multiple partnerships, and representing the company professionally in both domestic and international settings. A full UK driving licence is desirable, and a degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, International Business, or a related field would be advantageous but is not essential where relevant experience can be demonstrated.
This is a full-time, permanent position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility is required to meet business needs, including occasional evening and weekend work for networking events, business meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and sporting events.
The role is field-based working. Regular travel across the UK is expected to meet prospective and existing partners, together with international travel to establish new partnerships, attend industry events, and support the company's international growth. Flexible working arrangements may be considered where operational requirements allow.
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
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Work Location: Hybrid remote in London
