Partnerships Manager - Operations Specialism

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Partnerships Manager - Operations Specialism

🔹 Company: Two Circles

🔹 Location: Bern, Switzerland (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Sports & Entertainment Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Occasional European travel)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing and activating partnerships for major brands within sports or entertainment
• Expertise in commercial operations, both on and off site
• Entrepreneurial approach to delivering value for sponsors
• Proactive account management and relationship building

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, can-do attitude and a strong understanding of the sports sponsorship industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Account manage key sponsors within a portfolio, initially on behalf of UEFA Women’s Football

✅ Build and manage day-to-day relationships with partners, including strategy, activation, analysis, and evaluation

✅ Lead on the relationship with the rightsholder’s Commercial Operations team, focusing on onsite delivery for partners, as well as projects such as accreditation, ticketing, and commercial events

✅ Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including agencies, social, digital, CRM, legal, and more

ASSUMPTION: The role may evolve based on the needs of the portfolio and the organization.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Business, or Sports Management)

Experience: Proven experience (5-10 years) managing and activating partnerships for major brands within sports or entertainment

Required Skills:

• Expertise in commercial operations – both on and off site
• New ideas and an entrepreneurial approach to delivering value for sponsors
• A proactive, can-do approach to account management
• An interest in building lasting relationships with clients, sponsors, and stakeholders
• Experience in delivering commercial or corporate events
• A thorough understanding of the sports sponsorship industry
• Excellent time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Fluent written and spoken English

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with UEFA or other major sports organizations
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sports marketing and a passion for the industry.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CHF 90,000 - 120,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefit package
• Renowned team days and summer away days
• 23 standard days of holiday, plus additional days for birthday, big life events, and admin
• Discretionary bonus based on company performance
• Performance reviews every 6 months with discretionary salary increases
• Private healthcare and/or health care plan
• Mobile phone contribution
• Sport challenge contribution
• Gym membership contribution
• Two annual kit drops

Working Hours: Full-time, with occasional European travel

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Two Circles operates in the sports and entertainment marketing industry, focusing on growing audiences and revenues for leading organizations by understanding fan behavior and desires.

Company Size: Two Circles is a mid-sized company with 501-1,000 employees, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Founded: Two Circles was founded in 2002 and has since grown to become a global leader in its field, with offices in 14 locations worldwide.

Company Description:

• Two Circles grows audiences and revenues for sports and entertainment organizations by knowing fans best
• Manages billions of fan data interactions on behalf of over 950 clients globally
• Works with organizations across the world of sport and entertainment, including the NFL, Premier League, Wimbledon, World Rugby, EA SPORTS, and UEFA

Company Specialties:

• Sports CRM
• Sports Marketing
• Commercial Strategy
• Digital Marketing
• Management Consultancy
• Customer Relationship Management
• Sports Data Management
• Data-driven insights
• Consumer Research
• Content creation
• Social media and production
• Creative and technology services

Company Website: http://www.twocircles.com

ASSUMPTION: Two Circles' global presence and extensive client list provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced professional with 5-10 years of relevant experience, seeking to advance their career in sports marketing.

Reporting Structure: The Partnerships Manager will report directly to the Head of Partnerships and work closely with various internal and external stakeholders.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a mix of remote work and occasional European travel required.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to work with high-profile clients and events
• Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from experienced professionals across various departments
• Possibility to progress within the organization as it continues to grow and expand

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have ample opportunities to develop their skills and advance their career within Two Circles.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Two Circles' Bern office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and productivity.

Office Location(s): Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, GB; Christoffelgasse 7, Bern, 3011, CH

Geographic Context:

• Bern is the capital and fourth-most populous city in Switzerland
• Known for its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and beautiful landscapes
• Offers a high quality of life, with excellent education, healthcare, and recreational opportunities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional European travel required

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and occasional travel provide a good balance between remote work and in-person collaboration.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call interview with the HR team
• In-person or video call interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Head of Partnerships or another senior team member
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Understanding of the sports sponsorship industry and Two Circles' business
• Experience in commercial operations and partnership management
• Problem-solving and strategic thinking skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of the sports sponsorship industry and Two Circles' business
• Prepare examples of your past achievements in partnership management and commercial operations
• Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships with clients and stakeholders

ATS Keywords: Partnership Management, Commercial Operations, Account Management, Relationship Building, Event Delivery, Time Management, Organizational Skills, Attention to Detail, Fluent English

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will be thorough and comprehensive, focusing on the candidate's experience, skills, and cultural fit.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable using common office tools and learning new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Know fans best
• Grow audiences and revenues
• Be curious and creative
• Work collaboratively
• Be accountable and deliver results

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and innovative
• Focused on delivering results and exceeding client expectations

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Two Circles' core values, particularly 'know fans best' and 'grow audiences and revenues'?
• How comfortable are you working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with occasional travel?
• How do you approach building lasting relationships with clients and stakeholders, and how does that fit with Two Circles' collaborative work style?

ASSUMPTION: Two Circles values candidates who are passionate about the sports industry, curious and creative, and committed to delivering results.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple partnerships and stakeholders simultaneously
• Occasional European travel, which may disrupt personal schedules
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
• Adapting to new tools and technologies as needed

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and adapt to new situations as needed.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other partnership management positions in its focus on commercial operations and on-site delivery
• Two Circles' global presence and extensive client list provide unique opportunities for professional growth and development
• Career progression may involve moving into more senior roles within the Partnerships team or exploring opportunities in other departments

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to leverage their experience and skills to excel in this role and advance their career within Two Circles.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic plan for a major sponsor's on-site activation at a high-profile sporting event
• Collaborating with internal teams to create engaging content and experiences for sponsors' target audiences
• Managing the accreditation process for sponsors and VIPs at a major sporting event

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience working on similar projects and be able to hit the ground running in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall Partnerships team and Two Circles' broader strategy?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does Two Circles support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
• How does Two Circles foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and the company.

📌 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 skills
• Prepare examples of your past achievements in partnership management and commercial operations
• Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships with clients and stakeholders
• Follow up with Two Circles one week after submitting your application, if you haven't heard back

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