About WPP Media 

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com. 

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com 

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values: 

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity. 
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust. 
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise. 

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced professional for Director – Content role based out in Gurgaon to lead Sports Partnerships and Sponsorship Sales with a strong focus on the Indian Premier League ecosystem. The role will be responsible for driving strategic brand partnerships across ITW (In-Tournament Visibility), TCM (Title/Co-Presenting/Associate Sponsorships), and Franchise partnerships, including associations with teams.

This role requires a strong understanding of the sports marketing landscape, sponsorship structures, media rights, and end-to-end partnership management from sales to execution and client servicing.

Reporting of the Role 
This role reports to the Senior Director - Content 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships & Sponsorship Sales

• Drive sponsorship sales across IPL properties including ITW, TCM, and Franchise assets.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities with brands for sports integrations and partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with franchises, broadcasters, and media partners.
• Develop customized sponsorship packages and integrated brand solutions.

Revenue & Business Growth

• Own and deliver revenue targets from sports partnerships and sponsorship deals.
• Lead commercial negotiations, deal structuring, and contract closures.
• Build long-term strategic alliances with key clients and partners.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with senior stakeholders across brands, agencies, broadcasters, and franchises.
• Act as a strategic partner to clients by aligning sponsorship opportunities with their marketing and business objectives.
• Ensure high client retention, renewals, and upsell opportunities.

Execution & Project Management

• Oversee end-to-end execution of sponsorship campaigns including asset planning, branding, digital integrations, on-ground activations, and broadcast integrations.
• Work closely with internal teams including content, media, strategy, finance, and operations for campaign delivery.
• Monitor campaign performance and deliver post-campaign reports and ROI analysis.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor the partnerships team.
• Drive team performance, revenue delivery, and client satisfaction.

Required Skills & Experience

• 9+ years of experience in Sports Partnerships / Sponsorship Sales/ Brand Partnerships.
• Strong understanding of IPL ecosystem including ITW, TCM, and Franchise sponsorship models.
• Proven track record of closing high-value sponsorship deals and managing large client portfolios.
• Strong network across brands, media agencies, broadcasters, and sports franchises.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and large-scale projects.

Qualification

• MBA / Postgraduate preferred
• Bachelor’s degree mandatory
• Preferred Industry Experience

Key Competencies

• Strategic Partnerships
• Sponsorship Sales
• Revenue Growth
• Client Relationship Management
• Commercial Negotiation
• Sports Marketing
• Team Leadership
• Business Development

Life at WPP Media & Benefits 

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.   

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection.