Partnerships Manager

Melbourne based candidates preferred but Sydney or Brisbane will be considered.

Build revenue. Build partnerships. Build the future of Bowls.

Bowls is one of Australias most loved community sports with nearly 1800 clubs making a real contribution to communities - both on and off the green - in metropolitan regional and rural areas across the country.

Bowls Australia (BA) is a significant National Sporting Organisation with 40 staff and $9-10M turnover per annum with well-planned ambitions for commercial growth to reinvest in the future of the sport at all levels. BAs Action Agenda 2025-28 Bold Bowls Fun Bowls places financial growth at the heart of the organisations strategy and this role is central to delivering it. This is not a maintain and manage role. This is a build and grow opportunity.

With the Australian Jackaroos heading to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and World Bowls collaborating with BA on Olympic and Paralympic aspirations this is an exciting moment to join the team.

Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) the Partnerships Manager is responsible for growing BAs partnership and commercial revenue across a national suite of assets including events digital broadcast hospitality national teams club network and participation programs - prospecting and pitching to new partners nurturing and growing existing relationships and delivering outstanding partner experiences at our flagship events the Bowls Premier League and Australian Open.

A rare opportunity to build something meaningful in Australian sport with real scope to grow alongside the program.

Key Areas of Responsibility

In this role you will:

• Lead partnership prospecting and new business development in line with BAs partnerships growth targets
• Manage and service the full portfolio of existing commercial partners ensuring all contractual obligations and entitlements are delivered to a high standard
• Develop and pitch compelling partnership proposals to prospective partners
• Negotiate and close partnership contracts
• Upsell and renew existing partner relationships to maximise retention and revenue growth
• Package and sell digital ad inventory within partner contracts
• Liaise with Broadcast Operations team(s) on all partner integrations
• Lead partner post-event reporting and performance evaluation
• Manage and deliver corporate hospitality at major events (BPL and Australian Open)
• Lead Local/State Government partner relationships in collaboration with the GM Bowls Operations and Events
• Support the management of BAs licensing and merchandising program as required
• Champion a commercially focused partnership culture across BA

Knowledge Skills and Behaviours Required

• Minimum 5 years experience in partnership management new business development and strategic prospecting including cold outreach at a senior level
• Proven track record of negotiating and delivering commercial partnerships and achieving revenue targets
• Tertiary qualifications in Business Commerce or Marketing or equivalent industry experience
• Advanced understanding of the sports entertainment industry including broadcast and digital media
• Experience in corporate hospitality delivery at major sporting events
• High level of presentation skills and ability to develop compelling commercial partnership proposals
• Existing network of contacts in sport and the broader corporate and commercial sector
• Advanced negotiation communication and relationship-building skills
• Familiarity with licensing and merchandising programs within sport will be well regarded
• Strong ethics and ability to represent Bowls Australia and its brand authentically

Major Interactions

You will engage with a range of key stakeholders including the CCO GM Bowls Operations and Events GM Promotions and Communications BAs Senior Leadership Team existing and potential commercial partners broadcast and digital teams Local and State Government bodies State and Territory Associations BPL Clubs and sport commercial and entertainment agencies.

How to Apply

To apply please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and how you would approach this exciting opportunity bySunday 17th May. We will be reviewing applications as they are received so early applications are encouraged. If this opportunity interests you we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesnt align with every requirement.

Bowls Australia is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants who are to work with children and young people will undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

Bowls Australia values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender religion ethnicity LGBTIQ disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work working for Bowls Australia diversity and inclusion and our employment conditions visitBowls Australiaand ourDiversity Equity and Inclusion page