Sr. Director Sports Partnerships EMEA

<div class="content-intro"><p>Most companies claim to have the best people. We say to them, "Keep dreaming." Our people are second to none. They set us apart with their entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. They come to us from the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and the sports world, bringing energy, bold ideas and a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar. It's our people that make BDA the top global Merchandise Agency to work for.</p></div><p> </p> <p>The Sr. Director, Sports Partnerships — EMEA is responsible for driving strategic growth across the EMEA sports and entertainment portfolio through the development, expansion, and stewardship of league, sponsor, brand, agency, venue, and partner relationships. This leader serves as a key contributor to regional revenue generation, sponsorship activation strategy, client retention, new business development, and cross-market execution while building and leading a high-performing team across EMEA.</p> <p><strong>LOCATION: </strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">This role is based out of our London, UK, Luton, UK or Manchester UK office and offers a flexible onsite schedule of <span style="font-weight: bold;">onsite 3-4 days per week</span>.</li> <li style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">This role is <strong>remote</strong> for candidates that are not located within a reasonable commuting distance from one of our BDA office locations.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>TRAVEL:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Required across EMEA and internationally as needed</li> </ul> <p>The role requires a proven regional business builder who can identify EMEA market opportunities, cultivate executive-level relationships, develop innovative sponsorship and merchandise strategies, and translate client objectives into measurable commercial outcomes. Working closely with the Managing Director — EMEA and global leadership, the Director will play a critical role in shaping regional strategy, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and accelerating long-term growth across priority EMEA markets.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <p><strong>Strategic Growth & Business Development</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead the development and execution of EMEA growth strategies designed to expand revenue, increase market share, and strengthen the organisation’s sports and entertainment portfolio across priority markets.</li> <li>Establish, cultivate, and expand strategic relationships with leagues, clubs, rights holders, sponsors, agencies, venues, partners, and key industry stakeholders across EMEA.</li> <li>Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities by leveraging regional relationships, market intelligence, global capabilities, and emerging sports and entertainment trends.</li> <li>Drive sponsor engagement initiatives that increase activation effectiveness, improve programme adoption, and maximise partnership value.</li> <li>Collaborate with EMEA and global leadership to develop innovative merchandise, marketing, fan engagement, employee engagement, and sponsorship solutions that support client objectives and organisational growth.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Client & Partnership Leadership</strong></p> <ul> <li>Serve as a trusted advisor to key EMEA clients and partners, delivering strategic recommendations that enhance partnership performance and long-term value.</li> <li>Lead efforts to retain, grow, and regionalise existing partnerships through proactive relationship management, consultative business planning, and coordinated