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Salary: Competitive » Ref: CJ5091 » Location: London

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league, composed of thirty teams in North America (twenty-nine in the United States and one in Canada.

The USA have provided The NBA with their core customer base, but the league’s commitment to developing the profile of the sport and league in new territories has produced a growing fan base on a global basis with the region covered by NBA EMEA.

This position will lead the new business acquisition process for the NBA in a number of markets in Europe. This list will evolve over time depending on new opportunities.

The focus will be on new partner development - prospecting, pitching, negotiating and securing new corporate partners. In addition they will focus on developing the NBA’s brand extension business which includes developing new revenue streams.

The position will be based in London with a considerable amount of travel to the focus markets.

Main Duties / Responsibilities;

Consult with both multinational and domestic-based companies to determine their marketing objectives and present, deliver, and sell integrated programs that will meet these objectives. These programs will include media, interactive, and event-based assets. Additionally this role will be responsible for working with the brand extension team to develop and secure new partners in focus markets.

Develop and implement the business development strategy for these markets in partnership with the VP of New Business EMEA
Lead the sales process to engage with potential sponsors at a senior decision making level
Work with the head of Brand Extensions to develop and secure opportunities in the focus markets
Target, pitch and sell NBA Sponsorship, Event, Marketing and Brand Extension Partnerships
Maintain an understanding of the sales and marketing activities of prospective clients, as well as the strategic direction of their international markets and competitors
Maintain a strong understanding of advertising and marketing channels and technologies in order to understand potential client solutions
Be creative to adapt current marketing programs to keep up to date with market changes and also create new initiatives to suit market needs
Oversee the preparation of sales presentations, deal memo/summaries and other departmental relevant documents
Develop and maximize relationships with potential and existing sponsors, relevant marketing agencies and event management companies/promoters

Knowledge and Qualifications Required;

Successful track record in sales within an international business
Ability to attain and exceed targets. This should involve delivering integrated programs that would include media, print, interactive and event based assets
A track record of securing sponsorship contracts for rights holders in sports or success in developing new business for other organizations
High level connectivity – client side and sponsorship community in general
Ability to develop creative solutions which will meet the objectives of prospective marketing partners
Business knowledge – being up to date with business trends across various markets and industry sectors
International thinker and operator – someone who is appreciative of other cultures and business practices

Required Skills;

Strategic and entrepreneurial thinker – able to shape, develop and execute the strategy for a diverse region
Strong persuasive, negotiation skills and excellent presentation skills
A credible communicator, adept at operating at Board level
Commercially minded and results driven
Ability to work well within a matrixed organization
Fluency in English plus other languages a plus
A passion for sports
BS/BA required; MBA preferred

How to Apply;

To apply candidates should send the following: