Business Development Manager; Sports

Position: Business Development Manager (Sports)
Job Title:

Manager – Business Development & Innovation

Location:

Navi Mumbai

About Us
Our Client Organisation is a professionally managed, multi-sport training and development center focused on nurturing talent, promoting sporting excellence, and building a sustainable sports ecosystem. The academy combines world-class infrastructure with structured coaching programs and a progressive approach to athlete development, making it one of the leading private sports academies in the region.

Role Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Manager – Business Development & Innovation to drive revenue growth, introduce new business verticals, and strengthen the academy's market positioning. This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution across partnerships, marketing, and digital presence.
The ideal candidate will act as a growth catalyst — identifying opportunities, improving monetisation, and ensuring the academy stays ahead of competing sports clubs and academies.

Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Revenue Growth

• Identify and drive new revenue streams (programs, camps, memberships, corporate tie-ups, events, sponsor ships).

• Develop strategic partnerships with schools, colleges, corporates, brands, and sports bodies.

• Drive utilisation of facilities through smart scheduling, rentals, tournaments, and non-cricket sports initiatives.

• Track revenue performance and recommend pricing, packaging, and upsell strategies.
Innovation & Market Leadership

• Continuously study market trends, competitor offerings, and global sports academy models.

• Propose innovative formats and services to differentiate the academy.

• Introduce systems, processes, and tools that improve efficiency, athlete experience, and profitability.

• Act as a bridge between management, coaches, and external partners to implement new ideas smoothly.
Marketing & Brand Growth

• Oversee and actively contribute to daily marketing initiatives, both online and offline.

• Guide and improve the academy's social media presence (content ideas, campaigns, engagement strategy).

• Work closely with designers, content teams, and agencies to ensure brand consistency and premium positioning.

• Support lead generation, conversions, and retention through digital marketing insights.
Stakeholder & Operations Support

• Coordinate with coaching staff, operations, and administration to align business goals with on-ground execution.

• Assist senior management with presentations, proposals, and growth planning.

• Represent the academy in meetings, events, and collaborations when required.

Desired Profile
Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Sports Management, Marketing, or related field.

• 4–8 years of relevant experience in business development or sports ecosystem.

• Exposure to sports academies, clubs, leagues, or lifestyle brands is an advantage.
Skills & Attributes

• Strong commercial acumen with a revenue-first mindset.

• Innovative thinker with execution capability.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Comfortable working across strategy, marketing, and operations.
• Passion for sports and stakeholder management.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Consistent growth in academy revenues and facility utilisation.

• Launch of scalable partnerships and revenue initiatives.

• Stronger digital presence and brand recall.

• Improved market positioning versus competing sports clubs.

Compensation & Incentives

• Fixed Salary:  as per marketing benchmark and assessment rank

• Performance-Based Incentives (Quarterly / Annual):
– Annual Performance Bonus based on overall contribution.
High performers can significantly enhance annual earnings and grow into leadership roles.