Partnerships Lead

• JOB TITLE: Partnerships Lead
• DEPARTMENT: Partnerships
• LOCATION: Stamford Bridge, London
• CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time
• DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Partnership Manager / Partnership Manager

JOB FUNCTION

Chelsea FC is looking for an experienced Partnership Lead to oversee a portfolio of key commercial partners, including Principal Partners. This role is responsible for maximising partnership value through strategic partnership management, exceptional rights delivery, innovative activation programmes and the development of long-term commercial relationships that support the objectives of both Chelsea FC and its partners.

Closing date: 11th November

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the partnership management and commercial growth of a portfolio of partners, including Principal Partners.

Build trusted relationships with senior partner stakeholders, acting as the lead day-to-day relationship owner.

Develop and deliver partnership strategies and activation plans that achieve agreed objectives, KPIs and measurable ROI.

Support Head of Partnerships and Director of Partnerships on partnership renewal strategies, for relevant partners, together with colleagues from Commercial Sales & Strategy, ensuring where possible partnerships are extended ahead of contractual completion dates.

Oversee the execution of contractual rights, campaigns, events and activations to the highest standard.

Identify and develop opportunities to enhance partnership value, drive account growth and support renewals.

Lead partner reporting, budget management and performance tracking across all accounts.

Lead on selected special projects and events as and when they arise or on an annual basis, ensuring all club partners are fully integrated and engaged.

Champion best practice in partnership management, project delivery and industry-leading partner servicing across the team.

Create a culture that ensures club partners are able to network amongst themselves and work effectively with other members of the partnership team, when opportunities arise for collaboration between club partners.

Support the development of a high-performance team culture through leadership, collaboration and mentoring.

Manage and develop direct reports, providing coaching, guidance and performance support.

Work collaboratively across Chelsea FC to ensure outstanding partner experiences and effective delivery of partnership programmes.

Occasional weekend work and international travel will be required, with flexibility in working hours as necessary.

MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE

• Delivery of partner success across a portfolio of accounts, ensuring contractual commitments, strategic objectives, and commercial KPIs are consistently achieved.
• Partner satisfaction, retention, renewal value, and identification of account growth opportunities.
• Strategic planning and execution of best-in-class partnership activation programmes that drive measurable value for partners and Chelsea FC.
• Leadership of internal stakeholder engagement, fostering strong cross-functional collaboration and influencing successful delivery across the business.
• Effective management, coaching, and development of direct reports, creating a high-performing and engaged team culture.
• Contribution to departmental objectives, process improvements, and broader commercial initiatives beyond individual account responsibilities.
• Consistent demonstration of Chelsea FC values, leadership behaviours, and world-class partnership servicing standards.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Extensive and proven experience within sponsorship, partnerships, sports marketing, or a related commercial environment.
• Proven experience leading the management and growth of high-value global partnerships, delivering against both partner objectives and business goals.
• Strong track record of developing and overseeing integrated partnership activation strategies across multiple channels, including digital, social, content, and experiential.
• Demonstrable strategic and analytical capability, with the ability to translate data and insights into actionable recommendations and commercial outcomes.
• Commercially astute and results-driven, with experience identifying opportunities to drive revenue growth, partner retention, and long-term value creation.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing team members, ensuring high standards of performance, collaboration, and resource management.
• Highly organised and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate complexity, and consistently deliver under pressure.
• A collaborative leader who embodies Chelsea FC's values, fostering a positive team culture and contributing to the success of the wider commercial function.
• Willing to work across locations and outside standard business hours when required, including matchdays, weekends, and international travel.

OUR EXPECTATIONS

• To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others
• To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
• To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels
• To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead
• To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.