Job Title: Sales & Partnerships Account Manager – LOI
Location: FAI HQ, Abbottstown, Dublin
Direct Reporting Line: Head of Sales & Partnerships
Commencement Date: TBC
Duration: Permanent / Full Time
Work Model: Hybrid
Introduction
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.
Purpose of the Role
The Sales & Partnerships Account Manager – LOI supports the development and execution of commercial sales activities for the League of Ireland and FAI Cups. This role focuses on generating new revenue, managing existing partners, and delivering measurable results through sponsorships and activations. It is suited to a driven, target-oriented professional with a passion for football and a commercial mindset.
Key Responsibilities
Sales and Business Development
* Identify, pitch, and secure new sponsorship and commercial opportunities.
* Develop tailored proposals and presentations aligned with partner objectives.
* Conduct ongoing audits of available properties to create customised sales packages.
* Research industry trends and monitor key categories and potential new entrants in Ireland.
* Build and maintain a strong network in the Irish marketing industry.
* Create compelling presentations and sales materials to drive investment in Irish football.
* Identify opportunities to upsell and increase revenue from existing partners.
Account Management
* Act as the primary contact for assigned partners, ensuring delivery of contractual rights and activations.
* Understand partner business needs and demonstrate how FAI partnerships support them.
* Plan and execute partnership activations and marketing campaigns.
* Monitor and evaluate partner activations, providing performance insights.
* Collaborate with internal departments to ensure seamless campaign execution.
* Lead partnership renewal processes and identify new commercial opportunities.
Relationship Management
* Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agencies, and stakeholders.
* Conduct account reviews, performance tracking, and reporting for partners.
* Promote collaborative ways of working across internal teams.
* Showcase partner success and impact to the commercial leadership team.
Market Intelligence & Strategy
* Monitor sponsorship trends and identify new categories or potential partners.
* Provide input on pricing models, packages, and inventory management.
* Maintain expert knowledge of the account base, understanding partners' broader business objectives.
Person Specification
* Target-driven, motivated, and commercially minded.
* Excellent relationship builder with strong communication and negotiation skills.
* Self-motivated with the ability to manage a pipeline independently.
* Enthusiastic about football and understanding of the FAI's role in Irish sport.
* Flexible, adaptable, and able to work weekends and match days as required.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
* Experience in sponsorship sales, business development, or account management—ideally in sport, entertainment, or media.
* Proven success in achieving sales targets or commission-based earnings.
* Ability to manage budgets effectively.
* Strong presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to build long-term, trust-based relationships with partners.
Desirable:
* Existing network of corporate and agency contacts in Ireland and/or internationally.
* Experience in sports marketing, sponsorship activation, or working within a sporting body or rights-holder.
* Knowledge of CRM and sales pipeline management tools.
* Ability to analyse data and translate insights into sales strategy.
* Creativity in partnership ideation and activation concepts.
* Understanding of digital and social media trends in commercial partnerships.
* Presentation design and proposal development skills (PowerPoint/Keynote/Canva).
* Team player with a positive work ethic.
* Flexible working practices including weekends.
Skills & Professional Knowledge
* Commercial sales and business development
* Sponsorship activation and account management
* Market research and commercial strategy
* Proposal and presentation development
* Commercial acumen & results orientation
* Customer focus & relationship management
* Strategic thinking & planning
* Teamwork & adaptability
Our Benefits
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:
* Two premium level tickets to each home international game
* Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
* Opportunities to work at international matches
* Company pension
* Life assurance
* Bike to work scheme
* Free onsite parking
* Employee assistance programs
* Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
* Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex
Application Details
Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on 13th February 2026.
Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.
The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).
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Location
Dublin, Leinster (Hybrid)
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Department
Commercial
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Employment Type
Permanent
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Minimum Experience
Experienced
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