Assistant Director of Sport – Commercial & Strategic Partnerships (111752-0626)

About The Role Informal Queries

• For informal queries about the role, please contact Mark Hyndman (Director of Sport and Active Lifestyles) at Mark.Hyndman@warwick.ac.uk.

The purpose of this role is to lead the commercial strategy of Warwick Sport and development of strategic partnerships that drive mutual value across the breadth of the university. By formulating and executing strategies to expand sponsorship, foster partnerships, revenue to enhance the student experience, this position plays a crucial role in elevating the profile of sport at a Warwick through a commercial lens.

The posts existence is fundamental to achieving ambitious commercial targets, maximising business growth through events and facility hires, and ensuring seamless collaboration with the Sport Delivery and Operations department. Through proactive engagement with stakeholders, market assessment, and strategic planning, the Assistant Director of Sport drives the success and sustainability of Warwick Sports commercial endeavours.

Warwick Sport delivers a comprehensive programme of sport, physical activity, and community engagement across the University of Warwick’s indoor and outdoor facilities. The Commercial &​ Partnerships team oversees key revenue activity across memberships and events – along with the management of strategic partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Commercial &​ Strategic Partnerships team, setting clear objectives and driving high performance against income and growth targets.
• Deliver commercial strategy aligned to organisational goals, contributing to the wider Active Wellness and Sport vision.
• Identify, develop, and secure new revenue-generating opportunities, including partnerships, sponsorships, memberships, and events.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective partners through market analysis, outreach, and conversion activity
• Develop innovative, tailored partnership and sponsorship packages aligned to brand values.
• Oversee all commercial contract negotiations, ensuring effective implementation and compliance.
• Lead marketing, digital, and engagement strategies to increase profile, participation, and income.
• Drive membership growth through targeted acquisition, retention, and engagement initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, ensuring delivery of contractual obligations and maximising value.
• Monitor performance against KPIs, budgets, and targets, ensuring effective resource and financial management.
• Collaborate across departments to align commercial activity with operational delivery and user needs.

About You We are looking a commercial leader with extensive experience operating within large, complex organisations. Proven ability to lead, inspire, and influence high-performing teams, including virtual environments, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and delivering strong commercial outcomes.

Highly skilled in managing competing priorities with resilience, tenacity, and a results-driven approach. Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships and represent organisational interests with credibility and strong commercial acumen.

Innovative and entrepreneurial, with a track record of identifying and developing revenue-generating opportunities and delivering value through effective commercial and contractual arrangements.

Experienced in financial management, budget control, investment appraisal, and business planning within devolved structures.

Excellent organisational, strategic, and communication skills, with a proven ability to develop evidence-based business cases, influence decision-making, and deliver impactful presentations.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below. About The Department Work at one of the UK’s leading universities — Warwick is consistently ranked as a top institution worldwide, with a thriving campus community and reputation for excellence.

The University of Warwick has endorsed a new strategy for Active Wellness and Sport, re-shaping our Mission to ‘provide access, opportunities and experiences that inspire and enable everyone to reach their potential’.

Warwick Sport delivers a comprehensive programme of sport, physical activity, and community engagement across the University of Warwick’s indoor and outdoor facilities. The Sports Delivery Team all student related activity that is delivered across our facilities with over 12,000 students engaged annual. The Commercial and Strategic Partnership function ensuring the department is financially resilient enabling it to achieve its strategic endeavours.

About The University We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. * Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent .**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

• World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026
• Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

Closing Deadline: Sunday 26th July 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)* To apply, please click HERE.

• Interview Date: Stage 1 - 21st August, Stage 2 - 27th August
• Start Date: September/October 2026

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

To find out more about our commitments to equality, diversity, and inclusion, please see: Our Commitments | University of Warwick

Job Description JD Assistant Director of Sport - Commercial and Strategic Partnerships (111752).pdf – 131KB Opens in a new window

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