OUR ORGANISATION
Richmond Football Club (now re-branded as Richmond Rugby) was founded in 1861 and Richmond Athletic Ground (The RAG) has been its home for over 130 years. With nearly 2000 members, the club has established a thriving playing section for both men and women, and in particular the junior and minis sections. The club has also created a strong community department that is actively involved in coaching rugby and other sports in many schools and colleges throughout the borough.

Based in south-west London, the RAG has become increasingly prominent in recent years as both a major events venue with multiple corporate 7s tournaments, annual fireworks displays and festivals, and a multi-sport destination with rugby league and football now both played regularly at the ground alongside rugby union.

Within the Richmond group, RAG Events is responsible for managing and organising events at the 26 acre facility throughout the year and after significant recent investment in refurbishing the function rooms within the clubhouse, is now positioning itself as a corporate venue to host conferences, meetings and company team-building days as well as being ideally placed to host weddings, wakes and parties.

ROLE PROFILE

Key responsibilities:

Overarching responsibility for Richmond's commercial/ B2B revenue generating new activities, including:

Hospitality Sales and Conference & Events, covering entire portfolio.
Club sponsorship/ short term partnership negotiations and account management.
Maximizing revenue opportunities around match days
New business development and innovation in conjunction with CEO/Group Commercial Director
Commercial strategy development & 3-year plan in conjunction with CEO/Group Commercial Director.
Maximize revenue from hospitality and conference/ event sales and continue to drive strong revenue growth at the venue. This will be the main focus/opportunity.
Lead Richmond's sponsorship development agenda by identifying and developing new relationships with potential sponsors and partners, proactively leading contract negotiations and maintaining strong and effective relationships with existing sponsors.
Develop the central commercial function, hiring new team members to build out the team's capability. This needs to be managed on a revenue-based capacity plan & is not due for the coming season.
Lead Richmond's new business development and revenue diversification strategy.
Form and foster highly effective working relationships with other senior Exec team members, including Bar and Catering Manager, Facilities team, Marketing executive.
Take learnings from other sports / leisure activities in developing clear commercial strategies which add value and implement best practice within Richmond as appropriate.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

A proven record of success in achieving commercial goals, deal negotiations and business development.
Experience in selling an event venue space.
Strong strategic and innovative thinker in the context of an operational business environment and what works from practical perspective
Experience in sport/leisure industry would be preferred - but is not essential
Strong track record of building effective internal and external stakeholder relationships.
Record of demonstrating creativity and innovation when developing future assets and new revenue streams.
Sound financial planning knowledge and ability to work effectively, turning strategies and plans into meaningful financial budgets.
Proven tenacity in delivering results and driving projects from conception to completion.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Self-starter, action-oriented and resourceful.
Highly driven and energetic approach.
Willingness to take ownership and be held accountable.
Results driven: thrives on challenge.
Strong relationship management skills and the ability to network and influence both internally and externally.
Excellent communication skills.
Adaptable and flexible in delivery and able to operate productively under pressure.
Creative with the ability to find solutions and encourage innovative thinking in others.
A team player who fosters teamwork and builds internal connections.

THE ASSETS
Richmond Football Club (as it is originally known) is a renowned rugby club and an attractive opportunity for sponsors, those opportunities can be found on our website.
Richmond Rugby (richmondfc.co.uk)

Richmond Athletic Ground (THE RAG) is less well-known as a venue but we believe has enormous growth potential. The details can be found on the following website
Richmond Rugby Club - Event Planning SW London (rag-events.co.uk)

PACKAGE
Competitive salary based on experience

HOW TO APPLY
Please send a covering letter and CV to:
Jimmy Wallace - Group Commercial Director, Richmond Rugby admin@the-raa.co.uk Deadline is close of play on Friday 11th August