Partnerships Manager, Global Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Partnerships Manager, Global Partnerships

🔹 Company: IMG

🔹 Location: London - Chiswick Park, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Sports, Esports, Partnerships

🔹 Date Posted: July 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Serving as the primary contact for key Esports clients, building strong relationships, and ensuring high-quality delivery of partnership activities.
• Leading regular meetings and calls with clients, proactively managing timelines, expectations, and deliverables.
• Representing IMG professionally at partner activations and events.
• Supporting the sales director in the development of sales proposals and prospecting strategy.
• Coordinating Esports sales process, ensuring global sales teams are focused and delivering against priority asset classes.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strong client management skills, sales operations support, and strategic thinking to drive growth and success for both IMG and its clients.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serve as the main day-to-day contact for key Esports clients, building strong, trusted relationships and ensuring best-in-class delivery of all partnership activity.

✅ Lead regular meetings and calls with clients, proactively managing timelines, expectations, and deliverables.

✅ Represent IMG professionally at partner activations and events.

✅ Coordinate internal workflows to ensure timely delivery of contracted rights and high-quality client servicing, ensuring internal and external alignment across all activations.

✅ Work closely with the Partnerships Director to ensure clients are supported strategically and consistently across all regions and functions.

✅ Support the Sales Director in the development of sales proposals and prospecting strategy.

✅ Coordinate Esports sales process, ensuring global sales teams are focused and delivering against priority asset classes.

✅ Track and manage brand outreach, prospecting documentation, and CRM updates to ensure visibility across commercial efforts both within IMG and with clients.

✅ Assist with contract workflows, invoicing processes, and deal documentation in coordination with Legal and Finance teams.

✅ Contribute to renewal planning by consolidating relevant commercial, strategic, and creative inputs.

✅ Work with the Partnerships Director to evolve and streamline processes that support scalable, high-quality client servicing.

✅ Own the sales pipeline reporting process for the Esports team, preparing regular updates for both internal leadership and clients.

✅ Manage client-facing reporting processes, including sales pipeline updates, quarterly partnership reviews, and post-activation summaries where applicable.

✅ Deliver internal reporting on revenue status, invoicing, and budget tracking to support business visibility and accountability.

✅ Ensure all reporting is accurate, timely, and actionable, with clear narrative and insights built in.

✅ Work closely with the Analytics team to extract audience, valuation, and engagement insights.

✅ Apply insights to enhance sales materials and generate strategic client conversations.

✅ Track industry trends and Esports/Partnerships market developments to identify opportunities and inform proactive recommendations.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of client-facing, sales operations, and analytical responsibilities, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience: Proven experience in client servicing, account management, or partnerships within the sports, entertainment, or Esports industries.

Required Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and credibility with clients and internal teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including meeting leadership and the ability to deliver a variety of information sets confidently.
• Highly organized with strong project coordination skills and attention to detail. Ability to prioritize and think strategically.
• Commercially astute and able to contribute strategically to client servicing and sales activity.
• Proactive and solutions-focused with a collaborative mindset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint); confident using CRM and reporting systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with CRM systems, sales process from prospect identification through to delivery, and reporting tools.
• Experience in managing client meetings and representing a business at events or activations.
• Comfortable navigating contract, finance, and operational workflows.
• Experience working across different countries, cultures, and time zones.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong understanding of commercial partnership structures and how rights are delivered in practice. Experience in the sports or entertainment industries is preferred.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (based on experience and industry standards for a mid-level partnerships manager role in London)

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Global work environment with exposure to international clients and colleagues

Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for event travel and client meetings)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level partnerships manager role in London. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: IMG is a leading global sports marketing agency specializing in media rights management and sales, multi-channel content production and distribution, brand partnerships, strategic consulting, digital services, and events management. It powers growth of revenues, fanbases, and IP for more than 200 federations, associations, events, and teams across various sports and entertainment verticals.

Company Size: IMG has 501-1,000 employees globally, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: IMG was founded in 1960 and has since grown into a premium sports and entertainment company, acquired by TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) in 2021.

Company Description:

• IMG is a global leader in sports marketing, with a strong focus on client servicing, partnerships, and strategic growth.
• The company works with high-profile clients across various sports and entertainment industries, providing innovative solutions and driving success for both clients and partners.
• IMG's global presence and extensive client portfolio offer unique opportunities for professional development and exposure to international markets.

Company Specialties:

• Media rights management and sales
• Multi-channel content production and distribution
• Brand partnerships and strategic consulting
• Digital services and events management
• Esports and gaming

Company Website: www.imgarena.com

ASSUMPTION: IMG's extensive industry experience and global presence provide a strong foundation for candidates seeking to grow their careers in sports marketing and partnerships.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in client servicing, account management, or partnerships within the sports, entertainment, or Esports industries. It offers an opportunity for mid-career professionals to expand their skills and take on increased responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Partnerships Manager reports directly to the Partnerships Director and works closely with the Sales Director, as well as internal teams across various functions and regions.

Work Arrangement: This role is based at IMG's headquarters in London, with a hybrid work arrangement that includes on-site work and flexibility for remote work as needed.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanding client portfolio and taking on increased responsibility
• Developing expertise in specific sports or entertainment verticals
• Gaining experience working with international clients and colleagues
• Advancing to senior roles within the partnerships or sales functions

ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong potential for career growth and development within IMG's global organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: IMG's London office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation.

Office Location(s): London - Chiswick Park, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

• London is a major global hub for sports, entertainment, and business, providing ample opportunities for networking and professional development.
• The Chiswick Park area offers a mix of urban and suburban amenities, with easy access to public transportation and nearby attractions.
• IMG's London office is located in a vibrant business park with numerous on-site facilities and nearby dining options.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for event travel and client meetings as needed.

ASSUMPTION: IMG's London office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with opportunities for collaboration and growth within the global sports marketing industry.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission and review
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• First-round interview with the hiring manager (Partnerships Director)
• Second-round interview with the Sales Director and/or other relevant stakeholders
• Final interview with the Global Head of Partnerships or another senior leader
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Client management and relationship-building skills
• Sales operations and process management
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Communication and presentation skills
• Industry knowledge and understanding of Esports/Partnerships market

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of IMG's business and the Esports/Partnerships market
• Prepare examples of your client management, sales operations, and strategic thinking skills
• Research IMG's clients and partners to show your familiarity with the company's portfolio

ATS Keywords: Client Servicing, Account Management, Partnerships, Sales Operations, Reporting, Analytics, Interpersonal Skills, Communication, Project Coordination, Strategic Thinking, Commercial Acumen, Proactive Mindset, Microsoft Office, CRM Systems, Contract Management, Cultural Awareness, Esports, Sports Marketing, Client Relationships

ASSUMPTION: IMG's interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit, with a focus on client management, sales operations, and strategic thinking.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Esports-specific platforms and software (e.g., Twitch, Discord, Esports data providers)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems is essential for this role, while experience with other tools and technologies may be beneficial depending on the specific needs of the client portfolio.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for sports and entertainment
• Commitment to client success
• Global mindset and collaboration
• Innovation and continuous improvement
• Integrity and respect for all

Work Style:

• Client-focused and results-driven
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• Data-driven and analytical

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships?
• Can you describe a time when you had to manage a complex sales process or project, and how did you ensure its successful delivery?
• How do you stay organized and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you used data or insights to drive strategic decision-making or improve client outcomes?
• How do you approach working with diverse teams and stakeholders across different regions and cultures?

ASSUMPTION: IMG values candidates who demonstrate a strong passion for sports and entertainment, a commitment to client success, and a global mindset. Successful candidates will be able to thrive in a collaborative, dynamic, and data-driven work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple client relationships and priorities simultaneously
• Navigating a global work environment with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Adapting to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the Esports and sports marketing industries
• Balancing client servicing, sales operations, and analytical responsibilities
• Meeting the high expectations of IMG's global client portfolio

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth within the global sports marketing industry. Successful candidates will be able to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and thrive in a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from traditional account management or client servicing roles in its focus on Esports and the unique dynamics of the Esports market.
• Compared to other sports marketing or partnerships roles, this position offers a more specialized focus on Esports and the opportunity to work with a diverse global client portfolio.
• Career progression in this role may involve expanding into senior roles within the partnerships or sales functions, or specializing in specific sports or entertainment verticals.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of client management, sales operations, and strategic thinking responsibilities, with a focus on the dynamic and growing Esports market.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic client servicing plan for a major Esports organization, including regular check-ins, performance reviews, and proactive recommendations for partnership growth.
• Collaborating with the Analytics team to extract and analyze audience, valuation, and engagement insights, and using these insights to inform sales materials and client conversations.
• Managing the end-to-end sales process for a high-priority Esports client, including prospecting, proposal development, contract negotiation, and deal closure.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, from strategic client management to sales operations and analytical tasks.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical client portfolio for this role and how it has evolved over time?
• How does IMG support the growth and development of its partnerships team members?
• Can you provide an example of a successful client servicing or sales initiative led by the partnerships team, and what made it successful?
• How does IMG approach the unique dynamics of the Esports market, and how does this role contribute to that strategy?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, and how does IMG support the development of those qualities and skills in its team members?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role's responsibilities, the company's culture, and the opportunities for growth and development within the partnerships team.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the linked job posting
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, including specific examples of your client management, sales operations, and strategic thinking abilities
• Prepare for your interviews by researching IMG's business, clients, and the Esports/Partnerships market, and by practicing your responses to common interview questions
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team after your interviews to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

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