Associate Director, Sponsorship Sales

Company Overview

The client leads sponsorship sales and marketing for the Badminton World Federation across Asia Pacific, driving commercial growth through strategic partnerships and innovative sponsorship solutions in a dynamic sports marketing environment.

Job Summary

Lead sponsorship sales and commercial strategy for the Badminton World Federation in Asia Pacific, managing client relationships, developing proposals, and executing deals to exceed revenue targets and expand market presence.

Responsibilities

• Lead sponsorship sales across assigned Asia Pacific territories, primarily Eastern Asia, aligning with Infront Pan-Asia’s commercial strategy
• Consistently achieve and exceed annual sponsorship revenue targets through proactive pipeline management
• Own and actively manage a robust sales pipeline across assigned intellectual properties
• Define target categories, priority brands, and go-to-market strategies for assigned properties based on market insights
• Identify new commercial opportunities driven by market trends, brand objectives, and category insights
• Build, develop, and maintain senior-level relationships with brands and advertising/media agencies across Asia Pacific
• Expand Infront’s agency network and strengthen collaboration with key regional and multinational agency groups
• Act as a trusted commercial advisor by understanding clients’ business, marketing, and brand objectives
• Collaborate with marketing, business development, and content teams to develop compelling rights packages and sales presentations
• Lead the end-to-end sales process including brief interpretation, proposal development, concept creation, storytelling, asset customization, and valuation
• Pitch confidently and persuasively to senior client stakeholders to secure sponsorship deals
• Lead commercial negotiations and contractual discussions in coordination with regional leadership and legal teams
• Work effectively within a matrix organization across territories and functions to drive sales success
• Contribute actively to internal sales meetings and planning sessions to align strategies
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of contacts, meetings, pipelines, and proposals within the global CRM system

Required competencies and certifications

• University bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Proven track record in sponsorship sales, media sales, digital advertising, or integrated marketing solutions sales within Asia Pacific
• Demonstrated success selling high-value, multi-market sponsorship or partnership solutions

Preferred competencies and qualifications

• Prior experience within agencies, rights holders, or media environments
• Established network of senior contacts across brands and advertising agencies in Asia Pacific
• Strong understanding of the sports marketing ecosystem, sponsorship best practices, and category dynamics in Asia Pacific
• Outstanding business development, pitching, presentation, and negotiation skills applied to securing sponsorship deals
• Strong commercial acumen to translate client objectives into effective sponsorship solutions
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with credibility at senior-executive level
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed, international environment
• Highly motivated, results-driven, and collaborative team player
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), CRM systems, and professional social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn) for business development and sales pipeline management
• Fluent in English

Other Information

Benefits

• Hybrid working model allowing office and home work flexibility
• Relaxed, familiar atmosphere with flat hierarchies and autonomy in daily work
• Support for skill and talent development through individual training, sports events, and networking opportunities
• Social benefits including subsidised company pension plan, capital-forming benefits, and worldwide accident insurance in a private ward