Associate Director, Sponsorship Sales - Asia Pacific 80-100%

Job description

We are committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. About Infront Connecting fans and consumers to the greatest sports events, Infront, a Wanda Sports Group company, offers everything an event or commercial partner needs to be successful. With a team of around 1,000 experts working from 40 offices across 16 countries around the world, Infront is equipped to tackle any challenge – be it innovative digital solutions, world-class event operations, international media rights distribution, sponsorship sales and activations or cutting edge media production. Headquartered in Switzerland, Infront is passionate and #AllAboutSports. Who We Are Looking For We are looking for a passionate individual who is eager to make an impact in the sports industry and thrive in a dynamic team environment as an Associate Director, Sponsorship Sales - Asia Pacific . If you’re seeking a new challenge in an engaged team and collaborative environment filled with enthusiasm and energy, and you possess a strong sense of teamwork and culture, then this position may be the right opportunity for you! Role Summary This is a key senior commercial role within a leading global sports marketing and media agency in Asia Pacific. Working closely with rights holders, regional leadership, and global sales teams, the Associate Director will lead sponsorship sales activities across key Asia Pacific markets, with a strong focus on Eastern Asia. The role is responsible for driving revenue growth through strategic sponsorship sales, cultivating long-term relationships with brands and advertising agencies, and delivering tailored, insight-led commercial solutions across a diverse portfolio of premium sports properties. Key Responsibilities Commercial & Revenue Leadership • Lead sponsorship sales across assigned Asia Pacific territories (primarily Eastern Asia ) for the Badminton World Federation, in line with Infront Pan-Asia’s commercial strategy • Consistently achieve and exceed annual sponsorship revenue targets • Own and actively manage a robust sales pipeline across assigned IPs Sales Strategy & Go-to-Market • Define target categories, priority brands, and go-to-market strategies for assigned properties • Proactively identify new commercial opportunities driven by market trends, brand objectives, and category insights Client & Agency Relationships • Build, develop, and maintain strong 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 to clients, with a strong understanding of their business, marketing, and brand objectives Proposal Development & Deal Execution • Collaborate with marketing, business development, and content teams to develop compelling rights packages and impactful sales presentations • Lead the end-to-end sales process: brief interpretation, proposal development, concept creation, storytelling, asset customization, and valuation • Pitch confidently and persuasively to senior client stakeholders • Lead commercial negotiations and contractual discussions in close coordination with regional leadership and legal teams Internal Collaboration & Reporting • Work effectively within a matrix organization across territories and functions • Actively contribute to internal sales meetings and planning sessions • Ensure accurate and timely reporting of contacts, meetings, pipelines, and proposals within the global CRM system Candidate Profile & Requirements Experience & Expertise • University bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) • Proven track record in sponsorship sales, media sales, digital advertising, or integrated marketing solutions sales within Asia Pacific • Prior experience within agencies, rights holders, or media environments strongly preferred • Demonstrated success selling high-value, multi-market sponsorship or partnership solutions Network & Market Knowledge • 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 Skills & Competencies • Outstanding business development, pitching, presentation, and negotiation skills • Strong commercial acumen with the ability 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 Technical & Language Skills • Comfortable working across Windows and/or macOS environments; strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); effective use of CRM systems and professional social media platforms (e.g. LinkedIn) for business development and sales pipeline management. • Fluent in English; additional Asian languages are a strong advantage What we offer Working in a hybrid model which allows you to work from our office and from home Relaxed & familiar working atmosphere, flat hierarchies, positive spirit and many degrees of freedom in your daily work Support in developing your skills and talents through individual trainings, attending (sports) events and networking events Social benefits, such as a subsidised company pension plan, capital-forming benefits and worldwide accident insurance in a private ward Are you ready to actively shape and elevate every aspect of the sports industry? Combine your passion for sports with a fulfilling career in our team of talented, motivated, and dedicated team members. We look forward to receiving your online application and exploring the possibility of you joining our team. Infront is an equal opportunities employer.