Manager: Sponsorships at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

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.

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.