Partnerships Manager
Location: Lausanne (Hybrid)
Reports to: Head of Commercial
Type of contract: Fixed term (100%)
Duration: 10-months (end of July 2026)
About the Job
We are actively seeking an experienced and proactive Partnerships Manager or a 10-months maternity cover starting asap to ensure an efficient delivery of global partnership activations, account management, and event operations, driving value for partners while supporting strategic projects and financial oversight. This role leads cross-functional collaboration, partner onboarding, and key event execution to strengthen relationships and ensure contractual rights fulfilment.
Key Responsibilities
General
* Support the Head of Commercial in the day-to-day running of the Partnerships Activation Function.
* Lead and facilitate bi-weekly cross-departmental meetings, including managing agendas, actions, and follow-ups.
* Manage invoicing and purchase order (PO) creation for the Partnerships Activation Function.
* Monitor, track, and report on budget spend to ensure accurate financial management.
* Maintain and regularly update the global rights matrix, ensuring accurate tracking of partner rights delivery.
* Lead bi-weekly meetings with all global partners, including preparing agendas, documenting meeting outcomes, and circulating summaries.
Account Management
* Manage and develop global partnership accounts, driving value for partners and the organization.
* Oversee and maintain strong relationships with local organizing committees and their local sponsors.
* Lead the onboarding process for potential new partners.
* Manage relationships with service suppliers, ensuring high-quality service delivery and alignment with partnership objectives.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure successful execution of partner rights and activations.
Events
* Lead the delivery of the 2025 M&W Club World Championships.
* Support the Partnerships Coordinator in the delivery of the 2026 Beach Pro Tour (BPT) and 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), including the review of branding guidelines and sponsor approval lists.
* Travel internationally to oversee on-site partnership delivery and ensure contractual rights fulfilment.
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure smooth event operations and brand consistency.
* Assist in preparing event reports, tracking partnership activations, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
Special Projects
* Lead the 2026 year forecast planning process across all global partners.
* Manage the onboarding / activation of a new global partner.
* Identify, develop, and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the partnerships function.
* Act as the commercial representative in the ESG working group and contribute to the development of the ESG commercial strategy.
* Support the planning and delivery of the 2026 AVC (Asian Volleyball Championship), ensuring our global partner representation and VIK.
Qualifications & Skills
* Strong organizational and project management skills.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
* Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
* Previous experience in sponsorships or commercial operations is required; experience working with gambling or betting brands is highly desirable.
* Proficiency in budget tracking and financial administration.
* Willingness and flexibility to travel internationally.
Application Requirements
* Proficiency in English (written and verbal); additional languages are an advantage.
* Experience in the sports industry is a plus but not required.
* Swiss citizenship or possession of a valid Swiss work permit.
Who we are ?
Volleyball World is driving growth, innovation and investment in volleyball around the globe.
Volleyball is the fourth most popular sport globally, with more than 800 million fans and high participation across the world.
We offer an open, dynamic, and challenging environment where volleyball takes center stage. Our Lausanne lakeside office is evolving into a vibrant international hub, bringing together a talented team dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for volleyball fans around the globe.
At Volleyball World, we foster an active and collaborative atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to strive for excellence and reach their full potential. Here, your work matters, and you'll be part of a team that includes some of the best in their respective fields.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment to fairness and inclusiveness ensures that decisions around recruitment, development, and retention are free of discrimination and promote a positive, diverse work environment.
Are you a driven sales professional ready to make an impact? Join us and play a key role in shaping Volleyball World's commercial success.
This is your chance to shine and make your mark in the exciting world of sport and entertainment