Commercial Director
1 day ago
Darlington
Hartlepool United Football Club is entering an exciting new chapter under ambitious ownership, with a clear vision to build a sustainable, high-performing football club both on and off the pitch. Alongside its sporting ambitions, the club is investing in its commercial operation, strengthening relationships within the local business community and creating new opportunities for long‑term growth. Hartlepool United is looking for a commercially driven leader to develop and grow the club's commercial operation during an exciting period of investment and transformation. This role will take ownership of the club's commercial strategy, driving revenue growth through sponsorship, partnerships and wider business development, while working closely with ownership and the existing commercial team to build a modern, sustainable commercial function. Depending on your experience, you will have the opportunity to shape the role around your strengths, whether that is leading the commercial department or taking broader responsibility across the club's business operations. The common goal is finding someone who combines strategic thinking with a willingness to remain close to delivery, leading partnership sales, developing long‑term commercial relationships and ensuring partners receive genuine value from working with the club. • Develop and deliver the club's commercial growth strategy across sponsorship, partnerships and business development, • Identify, secure and grow new commercial partnerships that generate sustainable revenue, • Lead commercial negotiations and build long‑term relationships with partners and stakeholders, • Develop innovative commercial propositions that create value for both partners and the club, • Support the continued growth and development of the club's partnership activation approach, ensuring strong delivery and long‑term partner retention, • Work closely with ownership to shape the club's long‑term commercial direction, • Support and develop the existing commercial function, creating a collaborative and high‑performing culture, • Identify opportunities to grow revenue across hospitality, conferencing, events, ticketing and wider commercial activity, • Build strong relationships across local, regional and national business communities, • Contribute to the continued evolution of the club's wider business operations and long‑term strategic projects, • Proven experience driving commercial growth within sport, entertainment or another rights‑holder environment, • Strong track record of securing sponsorships, commercial partnerships and new business opportunities, • Excellent understanding of partnership sales, activation and long‑term relationship management, • Ability to develop commercial strategies while remaining hands‑on in delivery, • Strong commercial acumen with excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills, • Experience leading, mentoring or developing commercial teams is advantageous, • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and unlock new revenue opportunities, • Excellent communication and presentation skills, • Whether you've operated as a Commercial Director, Head of Commercial, Chief Business Officer or in another senior commercial leadership role, we're interested in speaking with individuals who have a proven track record of building commercial success. #J-18808-Ljbffr