Sales Manager

ABOUT US

As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game.

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Sales Manager is tasked with approaching and helping to secure new AFL & AFLW partners to drive the Commercial Growth Strategy.

Acting in a business development capacity, from identifying target categories and brands, to creating planned outreach strategies and approaching the market with tailored solutions, the role is ultimately responsible for helping the team generate sponsorship revenue.

The successful candidate will also play a key role in new business operations and the timely management of sales collateral, including bespoke presentation and narrative creation.

Working closely with the AFL Partnerships team, as well as broader business departments, including Events, Game Development, Football Operations, Marvel Stadium, etc. in exploring new and innovative commercial opportunities, both for new and existing corporate partners.

In addition to business development capabilities, the ideal candidate for this role will possess a solid understanding of the broader sponsorship landscape, brand marketing strategy, insights and analytics, along with the ability to build compelling presentations and convincing narratives.

Applications will be reviewed as received, so we strongly encourage early applications. However, we will be closed for our annual closure period from December 22 2025, returning January 12 2026. Over this closure period, applications will not be responded to during this time.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

• Work alongside the Senior Sales Lead and Sales Lead to execute the AFL & AFLW Commercial Growth Strategy
• Develop a go-to-market strategy for approaching, engaging, and securing AFL & AFLW sponsors
• Prospect via phone, online and personal networks to arrange meetings with prospective AFL & AFLW sponsors, with a view to extracting sponsorship briefs
• Work with internal AFL stakeholders including the broader AFL Commercial Team, Digital Sales Team, AFL Media, AFL Football Operations and Marketing teams to build AFLW & AFL solutions that can be pitched to prospective sponsors
• Lead key operational processes for the team around pipeline reporting, hosting and the development of sales collateral
• Negotiate commercial terms with new sponsors and liaise with AFL Legal team to finalise legal agreements
• Lean in and support the broader Commercial Growth agenda, which includes providing business development support to commercial targets across Marvel Stadium, Digital & Community 
• Develop relationships with Partnerships team ensure smooth transition and induction of new Sponsors
• Support on Partner renewals as required

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core Competencies:

• New business prospecting
• Narrative and collateral development
• Pitching and presenting
• Marketing & brand strategy
• Stakeholder management
• Results and performance driven
• Commercially minded
• Customer/Client centric
• Business acumen
• Collaboration & influencing skills

Mandatory:

• Demonstrable experience in sponsorship/media sales or strategy
• Ability to work independently and manage the sales process from end to end
• Comfortable cold calling and networking
• Strategic thinker who can extract briefs through understanding an organisation’s business
• Quick and genuine relationship builder
• Excellent pitching and presenting skills
• Confident, considered, and calculated negotiation skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Understanding of sponsorship and broader marketing strategy
• Strong work ethic, with an eagerness to learn and develop
• Team player with a desire to support and improve other members of the team

Desired:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in business development, ideally within sport sponsorship
• Marketing, Business, Media, or Public Relations related degree
• Network of brands and agencies that can be leveraged for leads
• Understanding of digital marketing

OUR CULTURE

Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation

THE PERKS

• Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
• My Development – lean into the AFL’s My Development program consisting of on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
• Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centered around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace
• My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts
• AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, enjoy and share the experience of our game with your family and friends!

Applications Close: 19 December 2025