Description
About Us
Ignition Collective is a forward-thinking agency that does brilliant things, together. We excel in delivering exceptional marketing and client service solutions. We are committed to fostering partnerships that inspire creativity and drive results in the dynamic world of sport, automotive and special projects.
Role Overview
Ignition Collective is seeking a highly experienced Account Director to lead the partnership of a high-profile OEM brand in Formula 1, playing a pivotal role in managing a global sponsorship. This position involves delivering exceptional client service, developing strategic sponsorship activations and aligning brand objectives. The Account Director will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including global brand teams, Formula One, agency partners, media partners, and rights holders.
We are looking for a passionate, experienced and strategic individual with a deep understanding of motorsport sponsorship, brand activations and global partnership management. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a proven track record in managing large-scale sponsorship programs.
Key Responsibilities
1. Client Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the client, building and maintaining a strong, trusted partnership
• Understand the client’s business objectives, and ensure the sponsorship strategy aligns with the goals
• Lead regular meetings with the client and agency team to review progress, present ideas, and update on activation plans
• Develop and execute the overall sponsorship strategy to maximise brand exposure and ROI across Formula One platforms (on-track, digital, social, broadcast, etc.)
• Work with internal teams to deliver creative activations, ensuring consistent brand messaging and audience engagement at key events and throughout the season
• Identify and leverage opportunities for brand integration within the teams, Formula One, including exclusive content, hospitality experiences, lead gen, and co-branded promotions
2. Project & Campaign Management
• Oversee the planning and delivery of all sponsorship-related campaigns, activations, and events
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in line with the client’s expectations
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (creative, digital, production, and comms) to deliver world-class campaigns
3. Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including client business units, F1 teams, rights holders, media partners, and event organisers
• Ensure smooth communication and collaboration with all parties involved in the sponsorship
4. Performance Monitoring & Reporting
• Responsibility for all account budgeting and forecasting
• Set clear KPIs and track the performance of all activations
• Gather, write and provide regular reports to the client on the impact and effectiveness of sponsorship initiatives, including data-driven insights to optimise future activations
• Lead post-event debriefs and sponsorship evaluations, identifying key learnings and areas for improvement
5. Contract & Rights Management
• Ensure full compliance with the terms of the sponsorship agreement
• Manage the negotiation and renewal of contracts, ensuring that the client receives maximum value from the partnership
• Work closely with legal and rights teams to protect the integrity of the sponsorship and maximise contractual benefit
6. Team Management & Leadership
• Lead and manage the assigned client service team
• Guide, mentor and support reporting team members
• Be responsible for all reporting team members and their development cycle and plans in line with agency protocols and framework
Key Skills & Experience Required
Experience
• Minimum of 7 years of sponsorship and account management experience, with at least 3-5 years in managing large-scale sponsorships within motorsport or sports marketing (Formula One experience is highly desirable)
• Proven track record of delivering innovative sponsorship activations with measurable results
• Experience managing global brands and partnerships, particularly in an agency environment
• Experienced in coordinating various inter-and external-agency departments, including design, production, finance, and legal
• Proven track record of driving initiatives from concept to completion, with a talent for problem-solving and crafting creative solutions to complex challenges
Skills
• Strong understanding of the Formula One ecosystem, including sponsorship rights, commercial opportunities, and fan engagement strategies
• Awareness of industry trends, activation as well as PR and comms
• Excellent client management skills with the ability to build and maintain senior-level relationships
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with experience overseeing complex, multi-market campaigns
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into impactful sponsorship activations
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written
• Data-driven with the ability to analyse sponsorship performance and provide actionable insights
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
• Emotionally intelligent with solid business acumen
• A flexible, proactive, problem solver with a 'can-do' attitude
• Willingness to work weekends and travel internationally as required for events and client meetings
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and the ability to use a project management system
Other Attributes
• Passionate about sponsorship or client services – ideally in a motorsport environment
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Ability to maintain patience, composure, and a level-headed approach in high-pressure situations
What You Will Get from Us
• Salary: Up to 75k - dependent on experience
• The opportunity to make an impact and develop your career
• An innovative and friendly workplace with a team we're proud to be part of
• A flexible office and working from home policy
• Two wellness days per year
• Your birthday off
• Training and development
• For this role, a relocation package for 1.5 hour+ commute (£5k over 6 months can be offered)
Why Join Us?
At Ignition Collective, we value and look after our team members. You will be part of a supportive, creative business that thrives on collaboration and innovation.
You will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of the sports industry and play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative for our global client. If you are passionate about client services and love making things happen, we want to hear from you.
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