Commercial Partnerships Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Commercial Partnerships Manager

🔹 Company: Kickbase GmbH

🔹 Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Spectator Sports

🔹 Date Posted: July 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with remote work options)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing strategic sales plans to drive revenue and expand commercial partnerships.
• Securing high-value media bookings with direct clients and media agencies.
• Managing key partner relationships to ensure long-term retention, growth, and satisfaction.
• Collaborating cross-functionally to deliver seamless partnership execution and activation.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong sales background, preferably in digital media or ad sales, with a proven track record of securing high-value media bookings and driving commercial success.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Developing and executing strategic sales plans to drive revenue and expand commercial partnerships.

✅ Identifying, engaging, and securing high-value media bookings with direct clients and media agencies.

✅ Owning the full deal cycle, from prospecting through negotiation and contract closure, ensuring alignment with Kickbase’s commercial goals and brand positioning.

✅ Consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets and revenue goals.

✅ Aligning closely with Campaign, Community, and Product departments to develop innovative media proposals and activation opportunities.

✅ Managing key partner relationships to ensure long-term retention, growth, and satisfaction.

✅ Working cross-functionally within the entire organization to deliver seamless partnership execution and activation.

✅ Collaborating with the Research department to leverage market insights, competitor analysis, and audience engagement metrics to refine prospects.

✅ Representing Kickbase at industry conferences, trade fairs, and networking events, positioning the brand as a premier advertising opportunity.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Sports Management, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in digital media or ad sales, ideally within sports, entertainment, or media industries.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to secure high-value media bookings, negotiate deals, and drive commercial success.
• Fluent German and English.
• Established network and relationships with both direct clients and media agencies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a startup environment.
• Knowledge of the football industry and its key players.

ASSUMPTION: While a background in sports or entertainment is preferred, candidates with relevant experience in other industries may also be considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €45,000 - €60,000 per year (based on experience and performance)

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package
• Company-funded pension plan
• Continuous training possibilities
• Additional vacation day for each year of service
• X-Mas closing week
• Remote work and flextime options
• Healthy work-life balance

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours and remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in Munich. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Kickbase operates in the spectator sports industry, focusing on football (soccer) and its digital fan experience.

Company Size: Kickbase is a small company with 11-50 employees, offering a dynamic and agile work environment.

Founded: Kickbase was founded in 2013, with a mission to revolutionize the way fans experience football.

Company Description:

• Kickbase is a football (soccer) fan engagement platform that offers immersive and exciting experiences for fans to connect with the sport they love.
• The company provides two main products: Kickbase Manager and Kickbase Challenges, catering to both hardcore fans and those seeking occasional challenges.
• Kickbase is committed to pushing the boundaries in the football industry and fostering strategic, long-term partnerships with amazing brands.

Company Specialties:

• Football fan engagement
• Digital media and advertising sales
• Strategic partnerships
• Cross-team collaboration

Company Website: http://kickbase.com

ASSUMPTION: Kickbase's small size allows for a more agile and innovative work environment, with opportunities for employees to make a significant impact on the company's growth and success.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-level sales professionals looking to grow their career in the digital media or sports industry.

Reporting Structure: The Commercial Partnerships Manager will report directly to the CEO and work closely with various departments, including Campaign, Community, Product, and Research.

Work Arrangement: This role offers a combination of on-site work at the Munich office and remote work options, providing flexibility for employees.

Growth Opportunities:

• As a small and growing company, Kickbase offers ample opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Employees can expect to take on increased responsibilities and leadership roles as the company expands.
• The company's transparent career paths and people-first management approach foster a supportive environment for growth.

ASSUMPTION: Given Kickbase's focus on employee growth and development, candidates can expect a strong emphasis on training and mentorship opportunities.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Kickbase's office is located in Munich, offering a modern and collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): Rosenheimerstr. 145d, München, Bayern 81671, DE

Geographic Context:

• Munich is the capital of Bavaria and the third-largest city in Germany, offering a high quality of life and a vibrant cultural scene.
• The city is home to several major football clubs, including Bayern Munich, providing ample opportunities for networking and industry engagement.
• Munich's central location in Europe makes it an ideal hub for international travel and collaboration.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, with core hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and the option to work remotely.

ASSUMPTION: Munich's vibrant sports scene and central location in Europe make it an attractive location for football enthusiasts and digital media professionals alike.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call interview to discuss the role and assess cultural fit
• On-site or virtual interview with the CEO and relevant team members
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales and negotiation skills
• Industry knowledge and passion for football
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Kickbase's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the football industry and Kickbase's unique value proposition.
• Prepare examples of your past sales successes and how you've overcome challenges to secure high-value media bookings.

ATS Keywords: Digital media, ad sales, sports, entertainment, media agencies, client engagement, revenue growth, partnership management, cross-team collaboration, market insights, audience engagement

ASSUMPTION: Kickbase's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' sales skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on finding the right long-term fit for the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate's preferences and the company's evolving needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Empathy
• Motivation
• Drive
• Collaboration
• Innovation

Work Style:

• Agile and dynamic
• Results-driven
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and open to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment?
• Are you passionate about football and eager to engage with the sport's fans?
• Do you possess strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills?
• Are you comfortable working cross-functionally and collaborating with diverse teams?

ASSUMPTION: Kickbase values candidates who are passionate about football, driven, and able to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a high volume of prospects and maintaining a strong pipeline
• Adapting to the unique culture and dynamics of the football industry
• Balancing the demands of on-site work and remote work arrangements
• Navigating the competitive landscape of digital media and advertising sales

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome through strong sales skills, industry knowledge, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional media sales roles, this position focuses specifically on the football industry and its digital fan experience.
• Candidates should expect a more dynamic and agile work environment, given Kickbase's small size and startup culture.
• This role offers significant growth opportunities, as the company expands and takes on new challenges in the football industry.

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other digital media sales positions, its focus on the football industry and unique company culture set it apart.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic sales plan to secure high-value media bookings with direct clients and media agencies
• Managing a key partner relationship to ensure long-term retention, growth, and satisfaction, resulting in a 20% increase in revenue
• Collaborating cross-functionally to deliver seamless partnership execution and activation, leading to a successful brand campaign that generated significant buzz and engagement

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the candidate's ability to develop and execute strategic sales plans, manage key partner relationships, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does Kickbase support the growth and development of its employees?
• What is the company's long-term vision for the football industry, and how does this role contribute to that vision?
• How does Kickbase approach cross-functional collaboration and partnership management?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in the football industry, and how does Kickbase address those challenges?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the role, the company's values, and the football industry, as well as their ability to think strategically and plan for long-term success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role
• Prepare examples of your past sales successes and how you've overcome challenges to secure high-value media bookings
• Follow up with Kickbase one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.