NFL Australia is looking for a Senior Manager of Commercial Partnerships to lead the management, growth and activation of its commercial partner portfolio, helping to drive revenue, brand impact and fan engagement across Australia and New Zealand. We are seeking a highly motivated, commercially minded self‑starter with strong relationship management skills and a proven ability to deliver best‑in‑class partnership outcomes. 

The Commercial Partnerships Manager role is broad in scope and includes day‑to‑day management of key local partners, delivery of contractual rights and assets, development and execution of integrated partner activations, and close collaboration with internal teams across marketing, events, media and commercial strategy. The role will also support renewals, upsell opportunities, and the identification of new commercial growth opportunities within the market. 

As a key member of the NFL Australia team, the successful candidate will bring a strong track record of working in a global sports or entertainment environment. A deep understanding of the Australian and New Zealand sponsorship landscape will also enable the role to lead priority partner relationships, deliver standout activations, and contribute meaningfully to the NFL’s long‑term commercial and fan growth objectives in the region. 

 Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

 Exceptional Partnership Management 

• Lead day‑to‑day management of the NFL’s local partner portfolio across Australia and New Zealand. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and global partners, proactively resolving issues and delivering creative, effective solutions. 
• Own the local renewal process and support upsell opportunities to achieve revenue targets, working closely with global teams to maximise activation investments and funds. 
• Oversee end‑to‑end partnership delivery to ensure contractual assets are available, optimised and effectively managed. 
• Provide informed, market‑led feedback to drive continuous improvement in partnership execution and delivery standards. 
• Maintain a strong understanding of sponsorship, marketing and industry trends to inform strategy and decision‑making. 

Flawless In‑Market Activation Execution 

• Manage local activation agencies to ensure delivery of sponsor activity is within scope, timeline and quality expectations. 
• Lead the sponsor activation and development across including International Games and major in‑market tentpole moments such as Kickoff and Super Bowl watch parties. 

Support Revenue Growth Through New Business 

• Identify and develop new revenue opportunities across traditional sponsorship inventory and digital platforms. 
• Oversee local sales agencies, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives and providing strategic support as required. 
• Evaluate new growth areas, balancing revenue potential with risk through regular commercial analysis. 
• Support commercial negotiations using sponsorship valuation and performance metrics. 
• Develop innovative, tailored partnership propositions that attract and secure new sponsors. 
• Take a proactive approach to driving incremental revenue, working closely with International, Marketing and Consumer Products teams. 

Collaborate With and Manage Internal Stakeholders 

• Provide regular updates to the GM, Australia & New Zealand, and Global Sponsorship team on partner performance, pipeline status and key issues. 
• Manage the discretionary commercial budget, with regular reporting to NFL Finance, Global Sponsorship and the GM, Australia & New Zealand. 
• Align local reporting and processes with international standards to ensure internal teams are engaged and supporting partner objectives. 
• Build strong, trusted relationships with partners, agencies and internal stakeholders. 
• Collaborate with finance, legal, marketing and public relations teams to ensure seamless contracting and delivery of new partnerships and programs. 

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 7+ years’ experience in commercial, sales, partnerships or with agency 
• 3+ years' management experience 

 Terms /Expected Hours of Work: 

• NFL employees are required to work 40 hours per week.  
• Some weekend/global travel work for hosting clients. 
• Up to 25% (within country/market & international)