World Rugby
Head of Commercial Integration
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Head of Commercial Integration
(Fixed Term Contract – 31 December 2027)
Based in London
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS - 5pm FRIDAY 31st JULY 2026
Overview
World Rugby wishes to appoint a Head of Commercial Integration reporting to the Partnership Director. Within their remit, the Head of Commercial Integration will be responsible for enabling partnership acquisition and renewals by managing the relationship with the World Rugby sponsorship/digital agency, lending strategic support, facilitating the delivery of new and existing rights through the business, and representing World Rugby toward brands as a senior spokesperson.
This role will require integration and coordination with all other departments of the Revenue division (including Media Sales, Ticketing, Product and Fan Experience…) as well other key divisions within World Rugby (Events, Marketing, Legal, Finance…) and/or World Rugby World Cup local teams. The role will require many interactions with external stakeholders too.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
The main function and accountabilities of this role will be to :
- Oversee the end-to-end partnership development process from prospecting, through to negotiation and contract execution.
- Manage the day to day contractual, strategic and operational relationship with the World Rugby sponsorship agency (currently Two Circles), across the sponsorship and digital partnership development process. This might include holding the World Rugby sponsorship agency accountable for agreed KPI, ways of working and regular senior management updates
- Represent World Rugby in meetings with prospective brands – bringing credibility, influence and knowledge to each partnership discussion
- Be the lead interface between sales teams and all World Rugby internal teams and Rugby World Cup local teams, ensuring deals can be brokered efficiently and effectively e.g. by confirming rights delivery possibilities, growth potential and operational implications across the business
- Facilitate internal buy-in on new partnerships and rights, problem-solving on new requirements that emerge from brand briefs
- Ensure the overall success of the sponsorship activity, with the ultimate ambition to reach the various targets and revenue contribution to our Events P&L
- Support partnerships acquisition strategy, including packages, pricing, go-to-market plan and narrative
- Oversee the tracking of partnership assets and available inventory as it pertains to new proposals
- Support partnerships renewal strategy and plan, including any up-sell/cross-sell opportunities
- Lead on contracting process for new partners, as well as on all financial matters related to new contracts being signed in conjunction with Legal and Finance
- Lead on onboarding process and handover for new partners, in close relationship with the Partnerships team
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SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
- 5+ years’ experience in a senior sponsorship/partnerships role in a global sports organisation,
- Ideally a deep knowledge of the following
- Partnership rights frameworks, with trusted relationships across a credible network of senior contacts across the brand, media, and agency landscape
- Brands and the value drivers within businesses, across sectors, including the impact of sport, entertainment, and media in enabling growth
- Marketing and media landscape (particularly in sports and entertainment) with awareness of key players within the industries
- Proven track record of securing high value commercial partnerships in sports and entertainment
- Experience leading complex negotiations with senior decision makers
- Creativity and desire to challenge status quo – delivering new rights and partnership ideas through effective management of and influencing World Rugby stakeholders
- Global mindset and appreciation – able to be credible in representing World Rugby across the world
- Track record of successfully contracting partnership rights agreements, with commercial and legal acumen to represent World Rugby with brands
- Demonstrable evidence of achieving and exceeding commercial and sales KPIs and revenue targets.
- Track record of managing major commercial relationships, including with c-suite-level stakeholders.
- Experience of navigating complex stakeholder groups and collaborating cross-functionally, seeking out opportunities and solutions.
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PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
- Skilled communicator in a broad organisation, adept at connecting relevant people and managing several stakeholders to a common goal
- A flexible approach to working within an organisation that will grow and adapt to the needs of that time.
- A passion for sport and a desire to contribute to the further growth of Rugby.
- Takes positive action to build a diverse team and develop a culture of inclusion and belonging.
- Role-models World Rugby’s values of Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Passion, and Solidarity.
- A positive, ‘can-do’ attitude; someone who is resilient, flexible, curious, and delivery focused.
- A strategic and visionary mindset; someone who sees the big picture and thinks long-term.
- Adept at working under pressure in a fast-paced environment, delivering work to deadlines and honoring commitments.
- Ability to work flexibly and travel internationally when required to support partnership acquisition and negotiation
- A collaborative team player, who builds strong relationships with colleagues and a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Can navigate ambiguity and cut through complexity, taking a logical and creative approach to problem-solving.
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