Account Director - 6 Month FTC

Based in either London or Altrincham, Cheshire, to start in August 2026  Initial 6-month FTC with possibility of becoming permanent     WHO WE ARE...      SPORTFIVE is a global agency working across sponsorships, advertising, talent, activation and hospitality within sports. Globally, we have over 1,200 employees who strategically and creatively connect brands, rights-holders, media platforms and fans across Football, F1, NFL, NBA, Golf, Gaming and Esports, Olympics, and more.      Whether it’s supporting Premier League football clubs to secure their next front of shirt sponsor, curating deals for brands to showcase their advertising during games televised to millions across the world, or representing the best talent in our industry, connecting sports organisations to incredible brands and partners is at the heart of heart we do.      Having been voted the No.1 most attractive sports marketing agency to work for three consecutive years, we’re incredibly proud of our culture and the people that help to nurture it. If you want to help shape the future of the sports industry, then we want to hear from you.   YOUR NEW JOB...      We are looking for an Account Director to join our Brand Solutions team on an initial 6-month Fixed Term Contract to lead clients in the management and activation of their global sports partnerships and direct client brand consultancy work.     Whilst this position is initially for a set 6-month time period, there is a possibility that this will transition into a permanent position.    You will join a team experienced in creating, managing, and activating creative sponsorship campaigns for brands and will work closely with premium rights holders to help them achieve their brand vision and objectives. This is a great role for someone with strong marketing and partnerships experience with a passion and knowledge of the sports industry.    Please note that this is a full-time role & you must be eligible to work in the UK.      YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES...     Reporting into the Vice President of Brand Solutions, you will be responsible for planning, developing and managing core client partner rights and their activation programming including;    Onboarding and establishing a new global Client relationship, with ongoing strategic management   Leading strategic partnership planning across a new global partnership portfolio in racket sports  Working closely with internal stakeholders to establish a cohesive Sportfive service offering, to include but not limited to creative strategy and Playbook development, and partnership measurement and reporting   Developing meaningful relationships with rightsholder partners through initial immersion workshops and on-going planning processes  Establishing a client framework and delivery process for success, particularly across central global activation workstreams     Responsibility for establishing a KPI framework, aligned with client objectives to incorporate the level of client reporting required, and overseeing the set-up of processes for a regular reporting cadence from all sources throughout the term  Advising and shaping an approach for global activation of the partnership platform and the application in local markets  Working on the development of partnership launch plans with both the client and the rightsholders, where applicable within the contract timeframe   Leading client liaison and setting meeting cadence, ensuring key stakeholders are brought in at regular intervals  Managing partnership approvals across multiple stakeholders   Overseeing the planning and execution of partnership events and player appearances on behalf of clients, attending where required   Managing client global partnership inventory, including allocating the most valuable & high-profile rights to deliver partnership objectives  Managing client challenges and be the lead point for account troubleshooting   Providing insight & knowledge on the latest sports marketing trends and innovation  Helping to plan team resource to manage client workflows     WHAT YOU’LL BRING...     Comprehensive multi-channel marketing, strategic account management / partnership activation experience (minimum 10 years)  Demonstrable strategic planning skills and campaign planning experience  Strong client management, through experience of working with global multi-market organizations   Agency experience would be an advantage but is not essential  Excellent written and verbal communication skills  Flawless attention to detail  Strong organisational and time management skills  Excellent presentation skills – creating and presenting strategy, activation programming  Have a real passion and knowledge for sport, with a good understanding of global racket sports   Ability to work as part of a team as well as individually, with strong leadership skills   Must be available for travel  Italian language would be beneficial but not essential       Don’t fit all the criteria? Don’t worry! Our job adverts give you a flavour of what you can expect in the role, but you don’t have to tick every box. We put a lot of focus on the importance of developing our people, so if you think you’d be a great fit for us then hit apply.     WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM US...    As well as the opportunity to join an organisation that invests in and rewards its staff, provides an enjoyable working environment, and offers genuine responsibility and scope to shape a role and add real value, you’ll also get...    25 days annual leave + an additional gifted day over the Christmas period     Full Vitality health cover including dental, optical and mental health support      Enhanced family leave entitlements    Salary sacrifice pension scheme   Hybrid, flexible working model   A day off for moving house or getting married    Regular social events such as summer and Christmas parties     Employee Assistance Programme      THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS...     You can apply for this position directly on our careers page.    If your CV and cover letter match what we’re looking for, we’ll be in touch to invite you to the next stage. Depending on the role, the first interview may take place via Microsoft Teams or through our video interview platform.     If you are unsuccessful at the application stage, we’ll let you know by email.     We want every candidate to have the chance to perform at their best. If you would benefit from any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let your HR contact know, or reach out confidentially at ukhr@sportfive.com so we can support you.       SPORTFIVE are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We believe that different perspectives and experiences are the key to success. Our goal is to create an authentic and attractive work environment where everyone feels valued, with a sense of belonging, and encouraged to shape the future of the sports industry.