London Irish RFC – Vacancy

Rugby in England is set for an exciting time, from developments in its governance through to the expansion of the professional and community game. That combined with the impact of Rugby World Cup 2015 and its legacy in this country in particular, suggests that London Irish is well placed to be in the vanguard of club rugby on and off the pitch for years to come.

London Irish – An Overview

London Irish ranks among the oldest rugby clubs in England.  Founded in 1898 by a group of eminent Irishmen based in the capital, over the past 117 years the club has provided a “home from home” not just for Irish men and women but also for emigrants from many countries united in their passion for the game of rugby.

The club is known throughout the rugby community worldwide for the warmth of its welcome and the hospitality that it generously dispenses to friend and foe from far and near.

When the game went professional in this country in 1996, London Irish was a founder member of Premiership Rugby and has retained its status in the top tier of the game ever since.

London Irish is the only professional club to maintain a successful amateur section which currently plays in National League 3 South as London Irish Wild Geese.  There is also a thriving mini rugby section.

After an itinerant existence in its early years, London Irish settled in Sunbury-on-Thames in 1931 when it bought a property on The Avenue that served as the club’s base until 2014 when it moved just under a mile to a purpose built, state-of-the-art training and administration complex at Hazelwood.

In December 2013 the ownership of the Club was taken on by a consortium of leading London Irish business people led by Mick Crossan, Chairman of Powerday plc.

Over the past twelve months the new owners have undertaken in-depth reviews of the club’s rugby and commercial operations.  A rugby strategy that will enable the club to compete consistently in the Premiership and in Europe is now in place and being implemented.

A similar strategy for the club’s commercial operations is in hand.  As a key member of the new Commercial Operations team, the Sales Manager will be expected to play the key role in its delivery.

Position: Sales Manager

Location: Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex 

Reporting to: Head of Commercial Operations

The Company:   London Irish RFC

Continued/

Role Purpose

 

The Sales Manager role is a vital part in the Club’s new commercial operations team carrying responsibility for the development and implementation of a sales development programme that will be fundamental to the realisation of the club’s ambitions.

 

Key Accountabilities

 

  • Develop, implement and manage the sales strategy in line with the overall

commercial strategy; 

  • Develop leads and secure meetings with prospective partners through

research, candidate’s own contacts, outbound calls and building an industry network and profile;

  • Development of bespoke and tailored proposals to suit needs of individual

companies;

  • Develop products, pricing and promotional plans for the club’s assets and

take to market working closely with marketing colleagues;

  • Develop targeted seasonal and match day hospitality strategies;
  • Closing sales deals including negotiation of commercial terms and

working alongside legal advisors to negotiate and conclude contractual

agreements;

  • Maintaining accurate records and database of all sales and business

development activities;

  • To set and be responsible for achieving budgets and performance targets.

 

Leadership

To provide effective leadership for internal and external personnel involved in sales of the Club’s commercial assets;

To champion a culture of continuous improvement in sales activities, ensuring that high standards of quality and service are constantly delivered.

To promote the best interests of London Irish.

Skills and Experience

 

  • Educated to degree standard, preferably in a relevant academic discipline;
  • Credible experience with a track record of sales development achievements preferably in the sports or leisure industry;
    • A well-established network of contacts within sport, leisure and entertainment;
    • Passion, energy and drive;
    • Results oriented and with a strong track record in sales;
    • Strong networking skills;
    • Possess a sound understanding of event and corporate hospitality;
    • Excellent presentational skills and ability to persuade and influence audiences with credible business content;
    • Knowledge and ideally experience of the Irish community in Britain, in London in particular.

 

 

Competencies

Good interpersonal and communication skills;

Ability to pitch concepts and negotiate sales agreements with commercial organizations and individuals;

Demonstrates good commercial judgement, creativity and drive to execute effective and revenue-generating commercial campaigns;

Unquestionable integrity with high levels of resilience and a team ethos;

Willing to take ownership of projects and is clearly accountable.

 

Behaviours

Customer focus – commits to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; values the importance of high quality customer service;

Interpersonal sensitivity – interacts with others in a sensitive and effective manner;

Leadership – outgoing and confident with the ability to create an environment in which people want to do their best.

 

How to apply

Interested candidates should send the following: Letter of application highlighting relevant experience; up-to-date Curriculum Vitae and details of current remuneration,  via post or email to Jackie Roy, London Irish RFC, Hazelwood Centre, Croysdale Avenue, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 5QU.

Email: [email protected] (please include job title in the subject matter of the email)

Closing date for applications: 20th February 2015                              

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