About the Aer Lingus College Football Classic
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is one of Ireland's most high-profile international sporting events, bringing the excitement of American college football to Dublin. Drawing tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors each year, the event showcases top U.S. college teams, delivers unforgettable fan experiences, and generates significant economic impact for Ireland.
We are recruiting for a Sales Manager (maternity cover) commencing January to lead hospitality and group ticket sales, forge strategic partnerships, and help deliver world-class experiences for fans, corporates, and tourism partners alike.
Role Overview:
This role is ideal for a commercially minded and highly motivated sales professional with experience in ticketing, hospitality, or sports sales.
You will be responsible for driving revenue through premium hospitality packages, corporate group bookings, and domestic group ticketing. Managing the full sales pipeline — from prospecting to conversion — you'll build and maintain strong client relationships across corporate, tourism, educational, and sporting networks.
This is a unique opportunity to work on a major international sporting event and play a key role in shaping how audiences experience it.
Key Responsibilities :
Hospitality & Group Ticket Sales
* Drive B2B and B2C sales across premium hospitality, corporate groups, educational institutions and supporter groups.
* Develop tailored group ticketing packages to suit companies, alumni associations, and special interest groups.
* Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the domestic market.
* Manage the entire sales cycle — from prospecting and pitching to negotiation, contracting, and post-sale servicing.
* Oversee hospitality inventory and assist in launching new ticketing products as required.
Strategic Partnerships
* Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, DMCs, tour operators, educational institutions, and sporting organisations.
* Collaborate with the Commercial Director to target sponsors, tourism bodies, to create joint sales opportunities and cross-promotional campaigns.
* Represent the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities.
Business Development
* Proactively identify and target new segments to grow ticketing and hospitality revenue.
* Leverage networks in the corporate, tourism, and sports sectors to expand reach and open new sales channels.
* Monitor market trends to identify innovative approaches to packaging, pricing, and promotion.
Client Relationship Management
* Deliver a best-in-class client experience at every touchpoint, from initial contact through to event day.
* Build long-term client relationships to maximise retention, upselling, and referrals.
* Collaborate with marketing, operations, and event delivery teams to ensure seamless client service.
* Liaise with finance to ensure all sales are finalised efficiently and each account is closed out ahead of ticket dispatch
* Manage hospitality inventory and assist in launching new ticketing products
What We're Looking For :
* Proven experience in sales, business development, or partnerships, ideally in sports, ticketing, hospitality, or events.
* Strong commercial acumen and a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
* Natural relationship-builder — confident, charismatic, and professional.
* Self-starter with the energy and drive to open doors and close deals.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills.
* Knowledge of the Irish tourism and corporate landscape is an advantage.
* Familiarity with CRM systems and ticketing platforms is preferred, but not essential.
* Flexible working hours may be required
What We Offer :
* Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
* Opportunity to play a key role in one of Ireland's biggest annual sporting events.
* Professional development and industry networking opportunities.
* Flexible and collaborative working environment.
* Employee perks
* A dynamic, fast-paced environment at the intersection of sport, tourism, and entertainment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €50,000.00-€60,000.00 per year
Experience:
* Sales Manager : 3 years (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Southside, Dublin, CO. Dublin