Partnerships Specialist

The Partnership Specialist is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new sponsorship and partnership opportunities for Al Ahli Club. This role plays a key part in expanding the club’s commercial portfolio by driving new revenue streams, building strategic relationships, and delivering innovative partnership solutions that align with the club’s brand and commercial objectives. The position requires strong business development skills, a deep understanding of sports sponsorship, and the ability to engage with potential partners at all levels.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Partnership Management & Coordination

• Act as a primary contact for assigned partners to manage day-to-day communication and coordination.
• Support the Head of Partnerships in delivering on partnership objectives and contractual obligations.
• Ensure all partner deliverables, branding, and activations are executed in a timely and high-quality manner.
• Manage the internal approval process for creative assets, ensuring alignment with both club and partner brand guidelines.

2. Activation & Event Support

• Plan and execute partner activations, matchday experiences, and promotional events.
• Coordinate with marketing, digital, and events teams to ensure successful delivery of sponsorship activations.
• Oversee in-stadium branding, digital content, and partner-related fan engagement activities.
• Provide on-site support during matchdays and club events to manage and monitor partner activities.

3. Reporting & Evaluation

• Track and document partnership deliverables and activities using internal tracking tools or CRM systems.
• Prepare regular partnership performance and post-activation reports with key metrics and insights.
• Support the preparation of renewal proposals and presentations for partners.

4. Relationship & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain strong relationships with partners to ensure satisfaction and long-term collaboration.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (marketing, communications, events, retail, and legal) to ensure all partner requirements are met.
• Liaise with agencies, vendors, and suppliers to support partnership execution.

5. Market Research & Commercial Insights

• Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify partnership trends and opportunities.
• Monitor industry developments and benchmark best practices in sponsorship and sports marketing.
• Provide insights and recommendations to enhance the club’s commercial strategy.
• Stay informed about sponsorship trends, sports marketing innovations, and competitor activities.
• Provide insights and recommendations to enhance the club’s partnership offerings and value propositions.

Experience & Skills:

• 3–5 years of experience in partnership management, client servicing, sponsorship activation, or marketing.
• Experience within sports, entertainment, or FMCG industries is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of managing partnership activations and coordinating across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of sponsorship management and activation processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
• Ability to assess partnership performance and derive actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.