Commercial Director

Hampshire Cricket is part of the Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Group of companies, based at Utilita Bowl on the outskirts of Southampton. With a growing fan base and a reputation for hosting world-class events, including international matches and concerts, we are committed to delivering top-tier sporting and entertainment experiences.

Our standing and ambition has been further demonstrated with the recent announcement of a landmark partnership between Hampshire Cricket (Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Limited), and GMR Group, a leading global infrastructure company, who have already hold a 50% stake in the Delhi Capitals (IPL and WPL), the Dubai Capitals (ILT20) the Pretoria Capitals (SA20) and an investment in the Seattle Orcas team in Major League Cricket, USA.

As well as leveraging group wide elite sport capability and knowhow the agreement provides an opportunity to execute the masterplan for the Utilita Bowl site development and provide a step change in the Club and venue's commercial potential. To support this, we are looking for a dynamic and commercially minded leader to join our executive team and drive a refreshed commercial strategy.

As the Commercial Director, you will lead all commercial activities for the stadium, focusing on revenue generation, growing strategic partnerships, driving commercial opportunities, increasing fan engagement, and ensuring the long-term success of the club and venue.

You will oversee all commercial, sponsorship, and marketing strategies while managing multiple revenue streams. You will work closely with the CEO, marketing, and operational teams to identify and capitalise on opportunities, ensuring commercial sustainability and growth.

This high-profile role will require an individual with a proven track record of delivering commercial success with key responsibilities including:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive commercial strategy to maximise revenue from sponsorships, partnerships, hospitality, ticket sales, retail and non-match days.
• Lead the marketing team in creating and implementing campaigns to increase brand awareness, grow fan engagement, and drive ticket sales through strong data base growth.
• Lead sponsorship acquisition, corporate partnerships, and business development initiatives.
• Manage key commercial relationships, including existing sponsors, partners, and media agencies.
• Oversee the hospitality, ticketing, and retail operations, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and profitability.
• Explore new business opportunities, including events, partnerships, and non-cricket revenue streams (e.g., concerts, conferences).
• Oversee digital marketing and fan engagement strategies, ensuring innovative and effective use of social media, digital platforms, and CRM systems to connect with new and existing audiences.
• Ensure the delivery of world-class fan experiences at Utilita Bowl, both on matchdays and for other major events.
• Monitor financial performance against targets and report regularly to the board.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the commercial and marketing team, ensuring alignment with the club’s strategic goals and vision whilst fostering a high-performance culture.

We are looking to identify a motivated individual with the following skills and experience:

• Proven experience in a senior commercial role, preferably within sports, entertainment, or event management.
• Demonstrated success in securing sponsorship and partnerships with major brands.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to identify new revenue opportunities and develop long-term business strategies.
• Leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams.
• A passion for sport and understanding of sports related commercial activity is highly desirable.

This newly created senior position represents an ideal opportunity to put your stamp on the role and offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonus, and a vibrant and inspiring work environment

The Commercial Director search is being managed by our retained consultants, McBride Sport. For more details on the role or to request a copy of the candidate information pack, please contact Neil Edwards or John Watchorn at McBride Sport nedwards@mcbride-sport.com jwatchorn@mcbride-sport.com The closing date for applications is Wednesday 27th November 2024 at 5pm.