Commercial Partnerships Lead - Marvel Stadium
Date: 6 Oct 2026
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, AU
Company: Australian Football League
Join the team shaping the future of Australia’s game.
This is your chance to do work that has real impact, in an organisation that moves fast, aims high and plays a meaningful role in the lives of millions across the country through football. Every role at the AFL helps progress the game, so more people can love it, connect with it and see what is possible through it.
At Marvel Stadium, that impact extends to one of Australia’s leading sports and entertainment venues. From AFL match days to concerts, international sport, major events, functions and precinct experiences, your work helps bring millions of patrons together and deliver memorable moments in the heart of Melbourne.
The opportunity
This is an opportunity to lead key corporate partnerships that strengthen Marvel Stadium’s commercial performance and create outstanding experiences for partners and guests.
Reporting to the Head of Commercial Partnerships, you will build trusted relationships with designated partners and lead two Account Managers responsible for delivering sponsorship, marketing, media, public relations, activation and promotional outcomes.
Working across AFL and Marvel Stadium teams, you will balance partner objectives with commercial and operational priorities while supporting major events, venue operations and opportunities connected to the Stadium redevelopment.
This is a full-time, 12-month maximum-term contract based in Melbourne.
What you’ll own
You will lead the day-to-day management of designated partnerships and directly manage a small team of Account Managers, supporting them to deliver high-quality commercial outcomes.
You’ll add value through:
- Leading, supporting and developing two Account Managers through clear expectations, regular feedback, coaching and effective prioritisation
- Developing and evolving Marvel Stadium’s partnership strategies to grow revenue and strengthen partner engagement
- Managing designated corporate partnerships and ensuring contractual commitments, activations and agreed outcomes are delivered effectively
- Building a detailed understanding of each partner’s business, objectives and measures of success
- Identifying and presenting innovative opportunities that deliver commercial value and return on investment
- Managing the Stadium partnership cost centre with accurate budgeting, appropriate controls and clear reporting
- Leading partnership renewal and portfolio planning discussions with support from key internal stakeholders
- Working with Premium Business and Sales to develop and commercialise assets that increase revenue, attendance and guest experience
- Leading partnership outcomes for the Stadium redevelopment and special events
- Partnering with Marketing and Stadium Experience teams to deliver joint marketing and guest experience programmes
- Maintaining effective communication with internal and external stakeholders
- Undertaking after-hours and weekend hosting duties when required
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Champion the practical use of technology and AI to improve efficiency, strengthen partnership delivery and create more innovative commercial outcomes.
What you’ll bring
- Extensive experience across sales, marketing, sponsorship management, digital, media or an agency environment, with approximately ten or more years of relevant experience
- Strong commercial knowledge and experience developing or delivering media, marketing and partnership initiatives
- Demonstrated people leadership capability, including setting expectations, developing employees and providing effective feedback
- Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
- The ability to influence, negotiate and communicate effectively with partners, senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- Outstanding customer service, stakeholder management and relationship-building capability
- Sound judgement and a results-focused approach
- Strong problem-solving, planning and collaboration skills
- The ability to balance partner objectives with operational requirements and commercial priorities
- Competence across relevant computer programmes and business systems
- An understanding of the AFL competition and a relevant tertiary qualification are desirable
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Confidence using technology and AI responsibly to improve how work is delivered, identify opportunities and support effective decision-making.
Why you’ll love being on our team
At the AFL, you will be part of a values-led team that aims high, backs each other and brings energy, care and integrity to work that matters. This is a place where people play to win, play as one team and play with passion, while always staying grounded in fairness, inclusion and respect. We work hard, support each other and create the conditions for our people to grow, perform and thrive.
What you can look forward to:
- Play The Day Your Way, our flexible approach to working life, built to support you on game day and every day
- My Development, with coaching, mentoring, on-the-job learning and formal development to help you keep building your game
- Play Well, our health and wellbeing programme designed to support a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy workplace
- My Benefits, giving you access to a range of partner offers and discounts through our AFL Corporate Partners
- AFL Silver Memberships for permanent team members, so you can enjoy the action at Marvel Stadium and the MCG with family and friends
- 6 months paid primary parental leave with no qualification period for permanent team members
Everyone has a place here
Our game brings people together, and we want our workplace to do the same.
We are committed to building a culture of belonging and an environment where people feel respected, included and able to thrive, and where diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
Whether you’re a footy fan or new to our game, we welcome everyone to apply. We know great candidates don’t always tick every box. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the job description.
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 holds a valid employee Working with Children or Vulnerable People check and receives a satisfactory criminal history record check.
Ready to play your part?
Applications close 12 October 2026.