Manager: Sponsorships at Absa Bank Limited

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

Job Summary

The Sponsorship Manager is responsible for driving the end-to-end sponsorship lifecycle, including sponsorship strategy, proposal development, relationship management, activation and performance reporting to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes for sponsors and Absa.

Job Description

KEY FOCUS AREAS:

• Support development of annual sponsorship plans, budgets, commercial and revenue forecasts with Absa Business Units.
• Support the Identification and engagement prospective sponsors and partners.
• Create compelling sponsorship proposals and presentations.
• Support negotiations to secure sponsorship agreements and renewals.
• Manage sponsor onboarding and relationship management activities.
• Coordinate sponsorship activation plans with marketing, events, communications, and operational teams.
• Ensure all sponsor deliverables are fulfilled in accordance with contractual obligations.
• Monitor sponsor satisfaction and identify opportunities for growth and upselling.
• Maintain accurate sponsorship records, databases, and pipeline reports.
• Conduct market research to identify industry trends, competitor activities, and partnership opportunities.
• Measure sponsorship ROI and provide regular performance reporting.
• Ensure compliance with Absa organisational governance, procurement, legal, and brand requirements.
• Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and networking engagement.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Sponsorship Strategy and Revenue Growth:

• Support development and implement sponsorship strategies aligned to Absa goals.
• Achieve sponsorship revenue and retention targets.

Partner Acquisition and Relationship Management:

• Support engagement and securing new sponsors and strategic partners.
• Develop long-term relationships with key sponsor stakeholders.
• Ensure high levels of Absa business units and sponsor satisfaction.

Sponsorship Activation and Delivery:

• Oversee the implementation of sponsorship agreements and delivery.
• Ensure sponsorship benefits and contractual obligations are delivered effectively.
• Collaborate with internal teams to execute sponsorship activations and campaigns.
• Manage and support sponsorship governance and compliance.

Commercial Negotiation and Contract Management:

• Support sponsorship proposal development, pricing, and negotiations with Absa business units.
• Support management sponsorship contracts, renewals, and compliance requirements.
• Mitigate commercial and reputational risks associated with sponsorship agreements.

Reporting and Performance Measurement:

• Monitor sponsorship performance against agreed objectives and KPIs.
• Prepare sponsorship impact reports and presentations with Business Units.
• Use data and insights to improve sponsorship value propositions and outcomes.

Consumer Insights & Market Understanding:

• Build deep audience understanding through research and data analysis to inform campaign relevance and strategic planning.

Integrated Campaign Development:

• Lead the design and execution of multi-channel campaigns that engage segments across digital, social, experiential, and influencer platforms. Ensure IMC is delivered end to end.

Operational & Financial Management:

• Manage marketing budgets and campaign resources to optimise spend, performance, and return on investment.

Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Partner with internal teams and external agencies to ensure seamless delivery and alignment of marketing initiatives.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

• Track campaign effectiveness and audience engagement, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:

• Build strategic relationships with influencers, media partners, and internal stakeholders to support campaign delivery and amplify impact.

Inclusive & Culturally Relevant Marketing:

• Ensure campaigns reflect diverse perspectives and resonate authentically with segments both internally and externally.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge:

• Sponsorship and partnership management principles.
• Commercial negotiation and contract management.
• Marketing, branding, and stakeholder engagement practices.
• Revenue generation and business development methodologies.
• Financial management and budgeting principles.
• Industry-specific sponsorship trends and market dynamics.
• Corporate governance, compliance, and risk management requirements.

Skills:

• Business development and sales skills.
• Relationship-building and stakeholder management.
• Negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
• Presentation and proposal-writing skills.
• Analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Project and event management skills.
• Communication and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

QUALFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business Management, Communications, Commerce, Public Relations, Sports Management, Event Management, or a related field.
• Relevant professional certification in sales, sponsorship, partnership management, marketing, or business development is advantageous.

Experience:

• 3-5 years’ experience in sponsorship, partnerships, business development, sales, fundraising, marketing, or commercial management.
• Demonstrated experience securing and managing sponsorship agreements.
• Proven track record of achieving revenue growth and sponsorship targets.
• Experience developing sponsorship proposals and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Experience managing senior stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in go to market plans and IMC deliverables.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and external partners.

COMPETENCIES:

Technical:

• Sponsorship Strategy Development
• Partnership Acquisition and Prospecting
• Commercial Negotiation & Contract Management
• Stakeholder Relationship Management
• Revenue Generation and Business Development
• Sponsorship Activation and Fulfilment
• Financial Planning and Budget Management
• Proposal Development and Presentation
• CRM and Pipeline Management
• Data Analysis and Performance Reporting
• Market Research and Opportunity Assessment
• Risk and Compliance Management
• Project Management
• Marketing and Brand Alignment

Relationship Leadership:

• Builds trust-based partnerships with sponsors, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Influences and engages stakeholders at all levels.

Results Orientation:

• Consistently delivers against revenue and performance targets.
• Demonstrates accountability for outcomes and business results.

Customer and Partner Focus:

• Place Absa business unit needs at the centre of decision-making.
• Drives value creation and exceptional partnership experiences.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

• Identifies innovative sponsorship opportunities and activation approaches.
• Encourages creative problem-solving and process improvement.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Works effectively across departments to achieve shared objectives.
• Fosters a culture of partnership and cooperation.

Communication and Influence:

• Communicates clearly and persuasively with diverse audiences.
• Effectively negotiates and manages complex stakeholder expectations.

Adaptability and Resilience:

• Maintains performance under pressure and navigates ambiguity.
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Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Marketing (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised