Dragons RFC are seeking a Business Development Manager (BDM) to play a pivotal role in driving the commercial growth and financial success of the club.
This individual will be responsible for identifying and securing new revenue streams, building and nurturing key partnerships, and expanding the club’s commercial reach both regionally and internationally.
The BDM will be instrumental in enhancing sponsorship, hospitality, and event offerings, ensuring the club’s commercial activities align with its broader objectives.
Salary: £35,000-£40,000 DOE.
Location: Rodney Parade, Newport and other venues as required.
Contract type: Permanent Full time, permanent, subject to successful completion of six-month probationary period.
Closing date: 20th December 2024.
Background: The Dragons were founded in 2003 following the regionalisation of the professional game in Wales. The Dragons region embraces all the clubs within Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Newport.
Dragons RFC are one of four professional rugby outfits established by the Welsh Rugby Union in 2003, representing the South-East Wales area in Wales. Based at Rodney Parade, Newport, the Dragons lair welcomes the United Rugby Championship and European Challenge Cup competitions.
Dragons Rugby officially became Dragons RFC in June 2022 to launch a new era at Rodney Parade. The club also launched a new visual identity to celebrate links to the city of Newport and the historic Rodney Parade and underline the fact that it proudly represents the whole of Gwent.
New owners for Dragons RFC and Rodney Parade were announced in September 2023, following negotiations with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). In June of 2023, following a thorough and detailed process, a Heads of Terms agreement was signed between the new consortium and the WRU. The great deal for Welsh rugby, which allows Dragons RFC to pursue a clear and long-term strategy and take full ownership of the historic Rodney Parade site, was then agreed by the WRU and the new owners.
Key Relationships:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Accounts Manager
- Commercial Executives
- Commercial Partners
- Marcomms Department
- Operations Department
Key Responsibilities, Tasks and Activities:
- Sponsorship Acquisition & Management: Identify, approach, and secure new sponsorship deals, working with brands whose values align with those of the club. This will include creating compelling partnership proposals, negotiating contracts, and managing existing sponsor relationships to ensure satisfaction and ongoing investment.
- Partnership Development & Retention: Build and maintain long-term relationships with corporate partners, stakeholders, and potential sponsors. Develop tailored partnership opportunities to deliver mutual value, ensuring both parties benefit from a sustained and fruitful collaboration.
- Revenue Generation: Lead the development of innovative commercial initiatives aimed at increasing revenue. This includes not only securing sponsorships but also developing income streams such as events, ticketing, hospitality, and merchandising.
- Market Growth & Expansion: Analyse existing market trends and research potential opportunities for the club to grow its fanbase and commercial footprint, both locally and internationally. Develop strategies for targeting new markets and ensuring the club remains competitive within the sports industry.
- Strategic Planning: Collaborate closely with senior management to align the club’s business development goals with its long-term strategy, contributing to the creation of an actionable business plan that maximises financial performance while enhancing the club’s brand reputation.
- Networking & Representation: Represent the club at industry events, conferences, and business networking opportunities. Build a network of industry contacts to support future business development opportunities. Engage with key stakeholders, sponsors, and partners to foster long-term relationships.
- Campaign & Activation Management: Work with the marketing and events teams to activate sponsorships and partnerships, ensuring that each commercial campaign delivers strong returns and engages the club’s target audiences.
- Reporting & Analysis: Monitor and report on the success of business development activities, providing regular updates on revenue performance, partnership growth, and market trends to senior leadership. Use data and insights to refine strategies and optimise future initiatives.
Experience:
- Experience: A proven track record in business development, commercial management, or sales, ideally within the sports, entertainment, or hospitality sectors. Experience in rugby or a similar sport would be a distinct advantage.
- Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the sports industry and the various commercial opportunities within rugby, including sponsorship, hospitality, media rights, and fan engagement.
- Communication & Negotiation Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence key stakeholders at all levels.
- Commercial Acumen: A solid understanding of business and financial management, with the ability to assess and develop opportunities that will drive revenue and long-term value for the club.
- Project Management: Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple commercial projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret market data and trends, using insights to inform strategy and decision-making.
- Passion for Rugby: A passion for rugby and a solid understanding of the sport’s culture and commercial landscape is highly desirable.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Experience in managing high-value contracts and sponsorship agreements.
- Knowledge of digital platforms, fan engagement strategies, and how they can drive commercial growth.
- Familiarity with CRM systems and other business development tools.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
Key Competencies:
- Proactive & Results-Driven: A self-starter who is motivated by achieving targets and driving success for the club.
- Creative Thinker: Capable of developing innovative ideas and solutions to enhance the club’s commercial offerings.
- Adaptable & Resilient: Able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapt to changing market conditions and business needs.
To apply for the role please send your covering letter and CV to sasha.coupe@dragonsrfc.wales. Closing date for applications is Friday, December 20.
