Commercial Relationships Director – The Ocean Race

About the job

The Ocean Race and our Evolution

The Ocean Race is the toughest test of a team in sport, and a leader in sustainability. The Ocean Race has been undergoing a significant transformation in the last 6-7 years, taking a new direction that is seeing the platform of the race utilised to drive impact for a healthier ocean, using the emotion, interest and global reach of sport to inspire action and drive advocacy.

The Ocean Race is also creating more on-water action than ever before. We are entering a new, ‘always on’ era, with our ongoing ocean health initiatives and two new races – The Ocean Race Europe (2025) and The Ocean Race Atlantic (2026) – building into our main, iconic, around the world event – The Ocean Race 2027.

This means we will engage with 15-18 Host Cities across each 4-year race cycle moving forward (whereas previously, this was limited to 8-10 host cities and one main event).

This new direction is now seeing the Global Partners of The Ocean Race having more opportunities to activate than ever before, and the focus on ocean health is providing a new way to communicate and drive value through these partnerships that are now “bigger than sport”. For example, Volvo Cars recently signed a new long-term extension of their 25+ year partnership with The Ocean Race, this time with biodiversity at the core of their partnership, and the importance of coastal health and mitigating impact on coastal areas being a key communications element. This partnership, extending well into the next decade, will allow both parties to work together on shared interests around Ocean health and its critical impact on people and planet. Jim Rowan, Chief Executive of Volvo Cars said “Together with The Ocean Race, we want to create a bigger voice for Ocean health and Ocean rights.” This is a concrete example of how partnerships with purpose through The Ocean Race are delivering an authentic point of difference in a crowded sports partnerships market.

Role Description

The evolution of The Ocean Race and the opportunity for more “always-on” engagement with race stakeholders has created the need for a new type of client engagement that maximizes value from innovative partnership models.

We are seeking a strategic leader for the role of Commercial Relationships Director, who will drive a proactive and value-focused approach to client management. This leader will oversee The Ocean Race’s partnership management strategy, ensuring the delivery of commercial value to race partners, host cities, teams and team sponsors and, maximizing value from these relationships.

The primary objective of this role is to secure stakeholder contract renewals and foster contract growth by providing outstanding client service, fulfilling rights and benefits, and demonstrating a return on investment that exceeds expectations.

The Commercial Relationships Director’s success will be measured through stakeholder contract renewals, client servicing assessments, additional value and revenue generated, as well as contributions to broader organizational goals. Cultivating a positive, professional, and proactive client service culture throughout the organization is essential for this role.

This role will be based in Alicante, and we are looking for a start date at the beginning of January 2025 or as early as possible for a permanent, full-time position.

Candidate Profile

The Commercial Relationships Director must possess the following key personal skills and attributes:

  • Strategic, commercially minded and value-driven
  • Inspiring commercial leadership, proactive thinking and self-motivate attitude
  • Excellent communication and relationship building skills
  • Strong entrepreneurial spirit, with a creative and innovative approach.
  • Strong planning and operational management
  • Outstanding collaborative skills, to drive and influence complex stakeholder relations at a senior level and to unlock commercial opportunities.
  • Outstanding social skills.

Responsibilities

General Commercial Support for Race Stakeholders:

  • Oversee and deliver Partner rights and benefits inventory, allocate resources, and drive creative concepts for Partner activation.
  • Provide commercial support for racing teams.
  • Manage commercial relationships with Host Cities, enabling value generation for their local sponsors while safeguarding the value for Global Race partners.

Stakeholder Relations:

  • Deliver comprehensive client servicing for partners and race stakeholders across all business areas per contractual agreements, including brand visibility, communications, purpose-based initiatives, B2B interactions, client hosting, and commercial activations.
  • Identify ways for Partners to support The Ocean Race’s ‘Racing With Purpose’ sustainability initiatives.
  • Coordinate stakeholder communications.
  • Offer activation consulting, strategic advice, and best practices to stakeholders.
  • Maintain an overview of stakeholder objectives and define a cross-company stakeholder relationship strategy.
  • Manage client servicing programs, processes, and systems (e.g., RaceNet).
  • Foster cross-partner relationships and networking among stakeholders, including premier partners, official partners and suppliers, host cities and their partners, teams and team partners, and key stakeholders such as WBD and purpose-driven organizations.

Value Creation:

  • Focus on embedding The Ocean Race within each Partner’s organization.
  • Assist Partners in developing innovative activation strategies to maximize reach, visibility, and impact.
  • Promote the sale of hospitality services and licensed merchandise within stakeholder groups.
  • Identify upselling opportunities to enhance stakeholder value.

Others:

  • Management of People: Participate in the hiring process for department members and lead, manage, and inspire the department members.
  • Financial Management: Create and manage the department’s budget.
  • Research:
  • Continuously monitor and analyze partnership performance to demonstrate value and ROI, fostering stakeholder renewals.
  • Collaborate with the research team on impact studies and media reports, creating case studies of successful activations to support partners and aid the Partnership Development team in securing new agreements.
  • Sales Materials: Work with the sales and marketing teams to develop new sales collateral and marketing materials.
  • Hospitality and Merchandise Sales: Promote hospitality services and official merchandise sales within stakeholder groups.
  • Host City Management: Guide host cities’ commercial activities, ensuring alignment with partner categories and avoiding overlap.
  • Media, PR, and Branding: Contribute to targeted media and PR initiatives as well as marketing and branding efforts.

Requirements

  • Experience in Commercial Account and Project Management: Over 10 years of experience in commercial account management or project management, ideally within the professional sports sector.
  • Commercial Partnerships and Event Expertise: Extensive background in managing commercial partnerships, events, and hospitality within global sports events, delivering value for B2B and B2C brands.
  • Sports Marketing Knowledge: Strong understanding of sports marketing principles, with experience tailoring strategies for both B2B and B2C audiences.
  • Large-Scale Sporting Event Experience: Proven experience working on high-profile, large-scale sporting events.
  • Agency and Client Management Background: Prior experience in an agency setting, successfully managing projects across multiple clients and delivering “big brand” campaigns.
  • Purpose-Driven Mindset: Genuine interest in working with an organization that prioritizes purpose and positive impact.
  • Language Skills: Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of additional languages, particularly Spanish, French, German or Italian, is a plus.
  • Presentation and Communication Skills: Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
  • Technical Proficiency: Strong IT skills, including expertise in the Mac environment, Keynote, and Google Sheets.
  • Legal requirements: EU national or ability to obtain necessary EU working permits.
  • Location and Travel: Willingness to be based in Alicante, with occasional travel during non-race periods and intensive travel during event periods.

Apply here.

Communications Manager – Clipper Ventures

United by the desire for adventure, ambition, limitless boundaries and sailing excellence, the Clipper Ventures brands enable extraordinary sailing experiences by making them accessible, safe and human.

Clipper Ventures encompasses our flagship brand the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and our growing pillars; Clipper Events, SKIRR Adventures, Hamble School of Yachting and Clipper China.

Clipper Race is a race without equal; one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other. The Clipper Race is a powerful blend of fiercely intense competition and stirring human endeavour. We aren’t afraid to compete and push boundaries – the world’s longest yacht race enables individuals to pit their wits, skills, and courage against the toughest oceans, with no previous sailing experience required.

Since 1996 the Clipper Race has developed over 6,000 people into competent ocean racers and built a reputation for showcasing brands and building international trade links between partners and host destinations.

What we are looking for:

The Clipper Race is looking for an experienced Communications professional to join the team to help tell the story of the Clipper Race and directly influence the success of its unique and highly inspirational global media campaigns. The role will be responsible for managing external PR campaigns, managing media contacts, working as an in-house reporter, writing news for the website and features for the magazine.

Key responsibilities:

The Communications Manager reports to the Head of Global Communications and will have the following responsibilities:

  • Work closely with the Head of Global Communications to advise and support on the overall Communications strategy.
  • Deputise for Head of Communications when necessary.
  • Write effective copy on a wide range of Clipper Race aspects from press releases, web stories and daily race reports.
  • Uncover the stories of our 700+ Race Crew to promote the unique nature of the Clipper Race.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key media and influencers.
  • Manage specific sponsorship campaigns, for example Host Port and Team Partners, Fleet Partners and Official Suppliers.
  • Manage social media content development, feeds and response.
  • Respond swiftly to enquiries from external media.
  • Manage photography and video shoots, acting as reporter for video and audio features, along with leading press calls and broadcast features.
  • Produce and update content for the Race Press Pack and 360 magazine.
  • Extensive travel and work oversees at agreed race stopovers to manage race arrivals and departures communications (including: Facebook Live, photography, interviews with Race Crew, Skippers and key Clipper Race spokespeople) along with managing stopover campaigns and media events.
  • Provide UK office-based support for other members of the Communications Team while they are travelling and working in stopovers.
  • Be ready to respond and support in the event of an incident and follow the Incident Management Plan alongside the Head of Communications and other departments.
  • Provide timely and concise communication to all Clipper Race staff on internal and external announcements.

Key requirements:

  • Proven experience in a fast paced communications role. Sports industry experience isn’t essential but a passion for sport would be a huge benefit.
  • Demonstrable experience of landing widespread and quality news across lifestyle, sport and business stories.
  • Proven experience managing PR campaigns.
  • Experience in crisis management / incident response.
  • A keen news sense with the ability to find and develop stories.
  • Excellent writing skills.
  • The ability to write and proof creative and engaging copy.
  • You will have a positive, can-do attitude and the ability to think on your feet.
  • A love for sports and adventure.
  • The ability to work quickly under pressure, and to tight deadlines,

The role will involve substantial international travel to race ports (a schedule can be provided) and you therefore need to be willing and able to travel and be away for long periods of time (up to 2 weeks at any one time).

To apply, please press the apply button and include a copy of your CV.

The Executives in Sport Group are retained on behalf of Clipper Ventures to appoint a Communications Manager. All direct applications and CV’s will be forwarded to The Executives in Sport Group.

Please note that due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide specific feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Ticketing Manager – SailGP

SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on-water. The annual, global championship – established in 2018 and now in its third season – features national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe.

The high-tech, high-speed action features the sailing’s best athletes racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, flying at speeds approaching 100 km/h who compete for the sport’s top prize money, with US$4.3 million at stake over the season.

SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. In 2020, SailGP set a new standard as the first climate positive sports and entertainment property and began delivering actions and innovations that advance the global adoption of clean energy. Underpinning the organization’s purpose-driven agenda is a diversification of the league, with the goal of immediately progressing gender and racial equity and inclusivity.

SailGP is a global organization with defined values that shape the culture of its diverse team: deliver quality, break boundaries, make an impact, stand together and strike a balance.

The Role:

The SailGP Commercial team is looking for a Ticketing Manager who will help plan, manage, and execute all commercial ticketing operations at SailGP events. The Ticketing Manager will be working with internal departments, outside vendors, partners, and local teams to coordinate, plan, build and deliver all SailGP events.

Responsibilities:

  • Reports to the Head of Ticketing and works closely with a wide range of other internal operations team members to deliver a holistic SailGP spectator ticketing program.
  • Manage content on event pages on SailGP’s website.
  • Working across the event build process on our suppliers ticketing platform including seat configurations & inventory management.
  • Support the management of access control planning and delivery across all venues.
  • Oversee the delivery of all operational components of the ticketing project plan, including working closely with venues and our ticketing provider to develop a detailed venue specific ticketing operations manual for all events.
  • Successfully delivering the ticketing operations across all events.
  • Acting as the ticketing point of contact during events.
  • Working with the Head of Ticketing and Finance department in the reconciliation of all ticket revenues.
  • Copy write for event pages and ticketing communications.
  • Assist in sourcing concessions and activations for race stadiums.
  • Train all onsite staff as it relates to ticketing operations.
  • Setup of box office equipment onsite including, but not limited to Scanners, PDQs, Tablets, etc.
  • Onsite administrative tasks including, but not limited to ordering wristbands, tokens, etc.
  • Manage leasing with external agencies i.e. Official Spectator Boat Suppliers, etc.

Background

  • Significant technical ticketing experience, including working for a large-scale events for sports and/or entertainment industries with a focus on operational planning and delivery.
  • Significant experience of ticket planning and sales processes across multiple venues and internationally.
  • Experience of inventory management across multiple events.
  • Experience with temporary events in non-permanent venues.
  • Demonstrable strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience of working across internal and external departments and stakeholders
  • Experience with the latest ticketing technologies.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills, the ability to influence others and manage relationships.
  • Ability to build strong relationships with local vendors, suppliers, contractors.
  • Strong working knowledge of MS office, Adobe, Keynote, Google Drive
  • Strong working knowledge or iPads, PDQs, and basic networking knowledge
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualifications required.

Attributes

  • Strong strategic thinking capabilities with demonstrated problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to operate both independently and in a collaborative, team environment.
  • Entrepreneurial and passionate with a desire to exceed expectations.
  • Superior organisation, prioritisation and project management skills.
  • Extremely strong attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with limited supervision.
  • Ability to work effectively and thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
  • Self-starter, action-oriented, resourceful; can take a project or program from start to completion.
  • Champion an inclusive environment where diversity is valued.
  • Advocate and promote SailGP Values and contribute to a positive culture.
  • Operate with a financially responsible mindset and strive for the commercial sustainability of SailGP.
  • Consider how each team action contributes to Better Sport, Better Planet
  • Culturally sensitive and able to effectively work globally.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
  • Must be able to work events from start to finish throughout the year including nights, weekends, holidays.

Location: London, United Kingdom

Tender for new website design and build for Clipper Yacht Race

The Clipper Race brand is currently accepting proposals in response to this RFP to find a qualified source that will ultimately provide


A) design and vision [create look and feel, wire frame, site map, user experience] and
B) build, code, the customisable mobile-optimised website.

As a result of the project the Clipper Race website shall continue to enhance our brand vision into the next phase of business growth.

It shall recruit crew globally (include data collection to new CRM, link to payment platform) and suitable business Partners (data collection).

A fully responsive site shall be mobile optimised, possibly app based, and integrated into the new CRM platform for data collection and management and marketing purposes.

Key features such as the Race Viewer may be enhanced, or possibly monetized.

Additional plugins will be possible adapting to the evolving needs and opportunities.

The website shall be compelling, inspiring, informative, and even addictive.

The objective of this Request for Proposal is to identify agents that will provide the best overall value to Clipper Ventures.


Our goals are to:

  1. Establish the right agents and partners for the task. They will have relevant commercial experience, be insightful and creative as well as forward thinking.
  2. Ensure the look and feel of the tenacious, courageous, risk-taking Clipper Race brand remains attractive to a wide audience, and especially core user groups. These stakeholders include returning and potential business Partners, existing and potential Race Crew, family and friends of the crew members, media outlets, staff, sailing community / competition.
  3. Make sure the site should not look dated or functionally fail within a reasonable timeframe (by which we mean 6-8 years min).
  4. To meet the commercial and creative objectives of our stakeholder groups (such as the different Clipper Ventures departments, investors etc)(to be outlined in detail), on time, on budget.
  5. To work with an agency as an incentivised partner with a contracted, agreed scope-of-work to maintain the site throughout the race cycle period, for up to four years to the end of the Clipper 2026-27 Race edition [Dec 2027].

Fan Loyalty Manager – SailGP

SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on-water. The annual, global championship – established in 2018 and now in its third season – features national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe.

The high-tech, high-speed action features the sailing’s best athletes racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, flying at speeds approaching 100 km/h who compete for the sport’s top prize money, with US$4.3 million at stake over the season.

SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. In 2020, SailGP set a new standard as the first climate positive sports and entertainment property and began delivering actions and innovations that advance the global adoption of clean energy. Underpinning the organization’s purpose-driven agenda is a diversification of the league, with the goal of immediately progressing gender and racial equity and inclusivity.

SailGP is a global organization with defined values that shape the culture of its diverse team: deliver quality, break boundaries, make an impact, stand together and strike a balance.

Role summary

We’re seeking a talented and motivated full time Fan Loyalty Manager. As a manager for Loyalty and Digital Engagement across the soon-to-be launched SailGP ‘Fan Zone’ you will work with members of the wider digital team, the Marketing and Product team, Technology, Operations, and local market teams, to deliver and grow the digital loyalty program globally. The role will play a critical part in supporting new technology and digital growth initiatives launched as part of the on-going growth of SailGP.

Key Responsibilities:

Customer engagement:

  • Deliver and communicate customer engagement and loyalty best practice in the industry, optimising against KPIs and supporting the learning with quantitative and qualitative reporting
  • Co-ordinate, plan and deliver execution of the SailGP Fan Loyalty program globally
  • Campaign briefing and execution – Working alongside the wider team, brief internal teams and agencies to deliver content on a monthly basis to drive engagement
  • Feed into strategic conversations and prioritisation activities within the digital customer experience and loyalty space
  • Support the development and refinement of product and service propositions for existing and new digital initiatives within the loyalty program
  • Work with Technology, Operations and other teams to execute project workstreams as part of the wider digital business programme
  • Brand communication: Integrate the SailGP brand and our values into the loyalty program always taking a fan first approach to communication
  • Build meaningful and productive relationships with all involved in the delivery of digital programmes and customer engagement creating clear communication plan to keep departments up to speed with any developments or additional needs

Customer relationship management:

  • Responding to any fan enquires or account management needs for the loyalty programme
  • Community management where applicable

Background and Qualifications:

  • Experience of marketing digital programmes and products or loyalty programmes that span audiences globally
  • Experienced with or able to demonstrate detailed knowledge of loyalty or CRM programmes and the essential elements of their contribution to customer engagement
  • Experienced in planning, co-ordination and execution of campaigns and always-on initiatives, with excellent use of data for reporting and insight
  • Able to show success in meeting engagement targets across multiple customer segments or geographies

Attributes:

  • Can demonstrate the ability to form productive relationships with colleagues, senior management and external partners. Across cultures and despite long-distance communication
  • Practiced at representing their business with partners/agencies
  • Creative thinker with ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability
  • Able to navigate through ambiguity in a large, complex organisation
  • Passion for sport/sporting properties

Location: 

London / UK with travel to Hammersmith office atleast once a month

Event Operations Manager – SailGP

SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on-water. The annual, global championship – established in 2018 and now in its third season – features national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe.

The high-tech, high-speed action features the sailing’s best athletes racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, flying at speeds approaching 100 km/h who compete for the sport’s top prize money, with US$4.3 million at stake over the season.

SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. In 2020, SailGP set a new standard as the first climate positive sports and entertainment property and began delivering actions and innovations that advance the global adoption of clean energy. Underpinning the organization’s purpose-driven agenda is a diversification of the league, with the goal of immediately progressing gender and racial equity and inclusivity.

SailGP is a global organization with defined values that shape the culture of its diverse team: deliver quality, break boundaries, make an impact, stand together and strike a balance.

Summary:

The SailGP Global Operations team is looking for an experienced Event Operations Manager for the Tech Site. The Tech Site is home to all Sailing Teams and Tech Team. This position will support the Global Operations team with all technical site operations for each SailGP event with primary focus on the design of the site and delivery of both owned and locally rented temporary infrastructure. This position will be working with internal departments, outside vendors/suppliers, partners, and local teams to coordinate all logistics and operations to execute each assigned event.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Reports to Head of Tech Site Operations.
  • Design of site overlay (including but not limited to existing permanent facilities at the tech site, temporary infrastructure rented locally, and temporary infrastructure travelled from event to event) while integrating the requirements of cross departmental needs to produce one cohesive site experience.
  • Develop and manage all versions of the CAD drawings and update with revisions as planning develops on the site.
  • Provide designs to local operations teams and communicate regularly with them to keep pace with local permitting.
  • Manage the pre-planning, build, operations, and de-rig of the site in collaboration with the local operations team as well as the global logistics partner. Please reference the SailGP season 3 and 4 calendar for current event dates.
  • Manage schedules, plans, infrastructure requirements, consumption reports and any other documentation associated with the role.
  • Work with SailGPs global suppliers and assist with management of all local vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
  • Manage local operations teams to plan and deliver all locally rented and required infrastructure, utilities, and services; including, but not limited to cranes and MHE, temporary docks and moorings, tents, portacabins, furniture, toilets, fencing, fibre, waste management, water, power, catering, security and cleaning. This includes relevant scheduling, maintenance, refuelling, monitoring, and recording of usage.
  • Work within the procurement process as it relates to technical site vendors, suppliers, contractors.
  • Manage the load-in, placement, levelling and load-out of the containers in conjunction with the Head of Tech Site Operations and Logistics provider.
  • Work with the Operations team and Tech Site Manager to ensure the safe and effective operation of the tech site – share information, maintain clear lines of communication, implementation of SOPs and H&S guidelines, report issues and solve where appropriate, report incidents or concerns, ensure daily routines are followed by local site staff, ensure daily checks are carried out, keep site clean, tidy and safe at all times.
  • Support SailGP Tech Team, Technology Team, Broadcast Team, Content
  • Team, Digital Team, Hospitality Team and all other departments as reasonably expected, including staying up to date on daily program changes to ensure smooth site operations.
  • Any other reasonable tasks as directed by the Head of Tech Site Operations.

Background:

  • Bachelor’s Degree required or equivalent qualifications required.
  • 5+ years of experience in live, large-scale events for sports and entertainment industries at management level.
  • Experience with temporary events in non-permanent venues.
  • Experience with and ability to operate heavy machinery.
  • Experience with and ability to mark sites and build from CAD maps.
  • Strong relationships in place with local vendors, suppliers, contractors.
  • Strong working knowledge of MS office, Adobe, Keynote, Google Drive.
  • AutoCAD or Sketchup abilities are required or desire to learn.

Attributes:

  • Strong strategic thinking capabilities with demonstrated problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to operate both independently and in a collaborative, team environment.
  • Entrepreneurial and passionate with a desire to exceed expectations.
  • Superior organization, prioritization, and project management skills.
  • Extremely strong attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and meet
  • deadlines with limited supervision.
  • Ability to work effectively and thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
  • Self-starter, action-oriented, resourceful; can take a project or program from
  • start to completion.
  • Culturally sensitive and able to effectively work globally.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
  • Must be able to work events from start to finish throughout the year including
  • nights, weekends, holidays.

Location:

  • Frequent international travel is required.

Partnerships and Events Manager, Host Cities – Clipper

We are looking for an organised and customer experience led individual to take ownership of the 16 Host Port Partner stopovers of the Clipper Race. 

  • Adventure and extended international travel with the Clipper Race stopovers
  • South coast HQ office [PO12 1FX]
  • Aimed at someone who leads a flexible lifestyle and is used to working outside the normal 9-5
  • Full time permanent role with a salary of £32,000 – £38,000

INTRODUCTION 

Established in 1995, Clipper Ventures has grown significantly over the past 27 years, with a complementary range of sailing brands within its portfolio that supports pathways for recreational adventurers with no previous sailing experience through to professional seafarers. 

Today, Clipper Ventures encompasses our flagship brand the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and our growing pillars; Clipper Events, SKIRR Adventures, Hamble School of Yachting and Clipper China. 

CLIPPER RACE

This is a race without equal; one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other. The Clipper Race is a powerful blend of fiercely intense competition and stirring human endeavour. We aren’t afraid to compete and push boundaries – the world’s longest yacht race enables individuals to pit their wits, skills and courage against the world’s toughest oceans, with no previous sailing experience required.

This momentous biennial event is born from crew with a thirst for a life changing adventure, believing that anything is possible as they navigate the Doldrums en route to South America, endure epic Southern Ocean storms, experience South African sunsets, face the mountainous seas of the North Pacific – and create lifelong memories before returning as heroes.

The race is everything; it’s exciting, uncomfortable, exhilarating and at times frustrating. Since 1996 the Clipper Race has developed over 5,000 people into competent ocean racers and built a reputation for showcasing brands and building international trade links between partners and host destinations.

THE ROLE

The Clipper Race is looking for an experienced event manager to join a growing and dynamic team to manage Clipper Race Host Port partners. 

This role will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the Clipper 2023-24 Race (and beyond) Host Port stopovers. Working alongside the account managers we are looking for someone that has the skills to deliver a wide scope of events internationally to meet the business and tourism objectives of our partners, as well as the needs of the Clipper Race and our Race Crew.

The role will require international travel for 2-3 weeks at a time during the race year in line with Clipper Race stopovers. The rest of the time the role will be UK based at Clipper Race’ HQ office [PO12 1FX].

Key responsibilities: 

  • Relationship management with each of the Host Port Partners, supporting the Account Manager.
  • Organisation and delivery of the contractual Host Port Requirements, this is a list of facilities and services required in each destination.
  • Management of the stopover schedule alongside the Race Office and other departments.
  • Liaise with key departments in the planning and execution of the stopover including Communications, Race Office, Brand/Marketing and Accounts.
  • Organisation and delivery of a programme of events for the stopover. This would include events such as Clipper Connect Business Series, Prize Giving and briefings.
  • Support/assist the management of the stopover Race Crew App.
  • Ensure that risk assessments are completed, and event health and safety protocols are followed.
  • Ensure that events and the stopover are organised and delivered in line with Clipper Race sustainability guidance.
  • Be responsible for capturing event data during stopovers to feed into economic impact reporting.
  • Liaise with the Host Port Partner to create a wide race of Race Crew and visitor experiences.
  • Work with the Marketing and Communications teams to ensure that the stopover and its events are marketed properly to our stakeholders and audience.
  • Work with the Host Port Partner and the Operations and Logistics team to coordinate the site branding.
  • Support the wider Clipper Ventures events teams with projects such as SKIRR Adventures and Clipper Events. 

ABOUT YOU

  • You communicate clearly. You speak in an engaging way and are comfortable speaking in public
  • You thrive in a fast-paced environment – comfortable with an element of unpredictability, navigating and managing change, making smart decisions on the run and guiding the team and client to the best possible outcome.
  • You are extremely organised, have a can-do, positive, dynamic attitude and hungry to achieve in an organisation where every day is different.
  • You enjoy being outdoors and experiencing all the elements, as well as operating in varying environments and cultures.
  • You’re natural at building rapport with just about anyone at any level in an organisation with a proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with clients and colleagues.
  • You are detail orientated, you stay focused, and nothing gets missed.
  • You are hardworking and due to the type of events ready to work outside of the usual 9 to 5 environment.
  • You thrive on working on multiple projects at any one time and can work at pace.
  • You enjoy solving problems and finding creative solutions to challenges.
  • You are patient, level-headed and cool under pressure.
  • You are a real team player.
  • You lead a flexible lifestyle which allows you to travel and work away for some extended periods.
  • You currently live, or are willing to relocate to, within a commutable distance to our Gosport, Hampshire HQ.

You will also need to have:

  • At least 3 years’ relevant experience in a Major Event Management role ideally within sport/entertainment, or large-scale events.
  • Understanding of incident/crisis management.
  • Expertise in event planning, delivery and evaluation, communications and managing financial processes/budgets.
  • Project management experience, with the ability to manage your own time as well as more junior members of your team, delegating and managing as required.
  • A degree qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
  • Competent in Microsoft 365, CRM systems and digital platforms.
  • Valid unrestricted passport.
  • An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities in employment and sport.
  • An understanding of individual responsibility in complying with the Health and Safety policies and arrangements.
  • No sailing experience necessary, however a general understanding of boats and marinas may be useful.
  • Right to work in the UK

YOUR PACKAGE:

  • £32,000 – £38,000 dependent on experience
  • 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays and one volunteer day 
  • Clipper Race Level 1 sail training course 
  • Private Health Insurance [subject to conditions]
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Company pension scheme
  • Travel subsistence
  • Company phone and laptop

PROCESS:

Please submit your CV and a covering document [letter, presentation, video etc], please ensure that you demonstrate your capabilities across the below areas:

  • Event management in a major event or sporting environment
  • Relationship building with external clients
  • One of; health and safety, crisis management or sustainable event practices

Olympic Operations Officer – Royal Yacht Association

The RYA offers a range of benefits including: a total annual leave package of 28 days (plus public holidays), a generous personal pension scheme (RYA will contribute 10%), life insurance, access to discounts through Sodexo, employee health assistance programme, trained mental health first aiders.

The purpose of the role is to provide World Class administrative support to organise and implement the RYA’s Olympic Programme – the British Sailing Team (BST) and British Sailing Squad (BSS). The RYA must continue to provide the best coaching and support system to the BST & BSS in order to stay ahead of other countries worldwide and remain as the World’s No.1 sailing nation.

Reporting to the Olympic Operations Manager, the Officer is responsible for supporting BST & BSS programmes. This including UK-based training and international regattas, administering the programmes back-of-house operations, and supporting preparations in the Olympic Games sailing venue. 

The role is a combination of office-based at the RYA offices in Hamble (typically 2 days per week) and home working. However, there is a regular need to attend meetings at the Weymouth & Portland training base or elsewhere outside the office.  Consideration will be given to applicants living in Dorset to have their principal place of work at the training base rather than in Hamble.

The role involves working with a wide range of personnel connected to the BST programme, including athletes, coaches, sport science & technical team members and external stakeholders. It will also involve overseas travel in support of Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Olympic preparations.

The successful candidate should be skilled at multi-tasking and have strong administration skills with outstanding levels of attention to detail which are not sacrificed during periods of high work volume. The successful candidate should be comfortable working independently as well as part of a team within a busy, dynamic and fast-moving environment. The successful candidate should also have experience of event planning and organising international travel and logistics including flights, travel and accommodation. Knowledge of international shipping and freight would be advantageous.

Client Relationships Manager – The Ocean Race

The Ocean Race

The Ocean Race takes place every three to five years and is the world’s longest professional sporting event and leading offshore sailing competition with professional crews racing around the world.

Sitting at the intersection of top-level sport and sustainability, The Ocean Race is a relevant and authentic storytelling platform – the ocean is our racetrack, and nature drives us. In 2017–18, The Ocean Race helped to spark a global movement for ocean health – and sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do.

The 14th edition of the race will start in Alicante, Spain. The Race travels around the world for 7 months managed and supervised from the race control located in Alicante and with stopovers in 8 different countries, before the finish in Genova, Italy.

Role 

We are recruiting for an enthusiastic, energetic and hardworking Client Relationships Manager to join our friendly and professional Commercial Relationships & Operations department. We are looking for an experienced profile to work with a portfolio of accounts and guide our partners to develop best-in-class, innovative and impactful activation programmes within the Race and our sustainability programme: Racing with Purpose. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person. 

This role will run from September 2022 to July 2023. It will be a full-time position based in Alicante with international travel during the Race.

Responsibilities

  • Take ownership of a portfolio of accounts, serving as day-to-day contact for all partnership matters and ensuring smooth delivery of their contractual rights and benefits leading up to and during the 14th edition of The Ocean Race
  • Quickly build and maintain client relationships, earning the trust of stakeholders of all levels to develop the account towards renewal
  • Work closely with Communications, Racing with Purpose, Operations and other departments to counsel clients across a range of matters related to their partnership delivery
  • Ensure the financial success of projects, driving efficiencies and monitoring service levels 
  • Maintain momentum both internally and with stakeholders, using project timelines and weekly meetings, monitoring quality and deadline adherence and advising the management of any perceived issues in a timely manner. 
  • Define partnership objectives as well as KPIs and, in coordination with the Research team, develop measurement and reporting processes.
  • Assist partners in developing best-in-class, innovative and impactful activation programmes including conceptualization, planning, content creation, promotional development, media execution and event supervision.
  • Attend stopover events in the role of Client Liaison and as a key member of the core delivery team 
  • Manage the partnership activation budget and closely monitor that costs are aligned within approved budgets.
  • Collaborate in bringing in new revenue for The Ocean Race, mainly by identifying upselling opportunities to existing sponsors, working jointly with the Business Development team. 
  • Provide expertise on the optimization of the partnership benefits as well as identify additional partnership growth opportunities (broadcast, digital, licensing,..).
  • Work closely with the rest of the departments at The Ocean Race, especially with the Race Village Project Manager and the Communications and Marketing team to be aware of potential endorsable projects, stories and other activities to be used as sales assets.
  • Develop comprehensive executive summaries and reports of contractual deliverables of the partnerships for key stakeholders, analysing sponsorship activity and demonstrating ROI, working closely with the Research team to ensure the right data/insights.
  • Provide support to any other departments of The Ocean Race requested from time to time like events, hospitality…

Experience

  • 6+yrs in an commercial account management or project management role within professional sport
  • Extensive experience of commercial partnerships, events and hospitality at global sports events 
  • Good understanding of sports marketing principles and delivery for B2B and B2C brands
  • Previous large scale sporting event experience 
  • Working knowledge of sustainability principles and sustainable event practices
  • Previous The Ocean Race / sailing event experience a plus but not essential
  • Strong IT skills including knowledge and experience using Mac environment, Keynote, Google sheets
  • Experienced with creating reports and presentations

Attributes

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Service-oriented attitude with A focus on excellence
  • A good balance between a strong team player / self-starter with lots of energy and enthusiasm as you will need to work cross-department to deliver a range of projects
  • Highly confident, organised, client focused, proactive, detail oriented, conscientious 
  • Excellent presentation, interpersonal and problem solving skills
  • Ability to work independently under pressure in a fast paced environment, handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
  • Good sense of humour
  • Interest in major sports events and / or sailing 
  • Be a team player and comply with the values of The Ocean Race: Trust, Excellence & Care.
  • Proficiency in English, other languages a plus
  • Willing to relocate to Alicante pre-race and to be onsite in all host cities during the race
  • EU national or valid EU resident card;

Partnerships Manager – Sail GP

SailGP is racing redefined. The world’s most exciting racing on-water, SailGP was established in 2018 and is headquartered in London. The annual, global championship Races for a Better Future accelerating change in everything it does.

The fan-centric, inshore racing takes place among the sport’s top athletes in some of the most iconic harbors around the world and offers the sport’s largest monetary prize of $1 million. Rival national teams battle it out in identical supercharged F50 catamarans, engineered for intense racing at electrifying speeds exceeding 60 mph/100 kph.

In 2020, SailGP set a new standard as the first climate positive sports and entertainment property and began delivering actions and innovations that advance the global adoption of clean energy. Underpinning the organization’s purpose-driven agenda is a diversification of the league, with the goal of immediately progressing gender and racial equity and inclusivity.

SailGP is a global organization with defined values that shape the culture of its diverse team: deliver quality, break boundaries, make an impact, stand together, and strike a balance.

Role summary

The Partnerships Manager’s role is to provide first class day-to-day relationship management of global SailGP partners, working with them to develop activation plans, across digital, marcomms and on-event, that support and integrate with their key partnership objectives, whist delivering ROI against contractual obligations.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone that is looking to grow and progress their career in an exciting international organisation, working in a fast-paced, demanding, and dynamic environment where they will work with a wide range of key stakeholders both internally and externally, VIP prospects and brand ambassadors.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Maintain master rights and benefits matrix for SailGP partners. Track partnership assets and deliverables through ongoing reporting and reconciliation
  • Manage the implementation of key partnership deliverables within a strategic timeline for each season working with internal SailGP departments, ensuring all contractual rights and benefits are maximized and delivered
  • Develop detailed strategic activation plans in line with partner’s objectives and SailGP key pillars, working closely with internal SailGP departments
  • Oversee and deliver all partner branding on-event and across digital inventory
  • Lead mid-season partner review meetings, working with commercial team to demonstrate return on partner investment
  • Prepare end of season reports that illustrate partner ROI & ROO
  • Explore on an on-going basis, opportunities to create and deliver further value to SailGP partners where appropriate
  • Manage the requirements and day-to-day requests from SailGP partners.
  • Work with hospitality team on partner guest programs and event requirements – Prepare any partner facing event & hospitality program information and schedules, inc. Partner VIP programs, i.e. Partner C-Suite / brand ambassadors
  • Work with head of partnerships and commercial sales team on renews and upscale opportunities
  • Support on an on-going basis, the commercial team and head of partnerships by supplying them with case studies highlighting how SailGP delivers value to partners
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of the sponsorship marketplace, presents industry trends, best practices in weekly team meetings to maximise related opportunities with SailGP partners
  • Host SailGP partners during and outside of event periods including within the hospitality facility and guest experiences, e.g. tech base tours, on-water experiences
  • Such other duties as reasonably required by SailGP for the successful performance of the role

Background and Skills required

  • Minimum of 3 years relevant rights holder experience within a client-focused environment (preferably in the international sporting industry)
  • Experience managing global level partnerships, achieving YOY ROI & ROO targets
  • Knowledge, insight, and passion for maximising sponsorship rights to deliver industry-leading, fully integrated campaigns
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and partners alike
  • Excellent account and multi-project management skills
  • Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
  • Extremely strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to operate general computer programs, including efficiently using google drive and google applications, Keynote, and other online tools
  • English language fluency required

Attributes

  • Self-reliant, driven, energetic, innovative, creative, and a real passion for delivering excellent partner service
  • Thinks ahead, generates innovative ideas
  • Values & respects others, builds relationships, collaborates
  • Gets things done, delivers to highest of standards, takes responsibility
  • Ability to operate both independently and in a collaborative, team environment
  • Ability to work effectively and thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment
  • Works comfortably under pressure and meets tight deadlines
  • A passion for sport and entertainment and sustainability
  • Readiness to travel internationally, 9-10 events in Season 3

Location

  • London, United Kingdom