Commercial Director H/F

UTMB Group is the global leader in trail running. Based in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in the French Alps, the company launched the UTMB® World Series in 2022 in partnership with The IRONMAN Group (TIG). The UTMB® World Series is the world’s leading trail running circuit, bringing together some of the most iconic trail running events worldwide and offering runners the opportunity to have an extraordinary experience with respect, inclusion and sustainability.

Who Are We Looking For?

UTMB Group is seeking an experienced Commercial Director with a proven track record in global partnership sales within the sports industry.

The ideal candidate will have an extensive global network of decisionmakers and demonstrate a strong ability to secure new partnerships, expand existing relationships, and develop both endemic and non-endemic opportunities with brands and organizations that share our commitment to sustainability. Partnership development will represent approximately 70% of the role.

The Commercial Director will demonstrate strong leadership and people management capabilities, empowering teams and driving strategic success.

The Mission

The Commercial Director will propose, in collaboration with the IRONMAN Global Partnership team, the global partnership strategy for validation by the CEO and the Board of Directors of UTMB Group.

The role combines hands-on partnership sales, strategic partnership development, team leadership, and close collaboration with The IRONMAN Group Global Sales Team to maximize commercial opportunities across the UTMB® World Series in line with UTMB Group’s vision and strategic pillars.

The Commercial Director will directly manage a team of two to three leaders covering partnership sales and account management & activations, representing a total team of approximately eight to ten people.

The position reports directly to the CEO of UTMB Group and is a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership & Management :

• Ensure partnership agreements and commercial initiatives are fully aligned with UTMB Group’s strategy, values, and long-term vision.
• Lead and develop the sales and account management team. Manage the day-to-day coordination with The IRONMAN Group Global Partnership team.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments to ensure successful delivery of partnerships and partner activations.
• Support event operations in maximizing revenues generated through host cities and local partnerships.
  
  

Business Development & Sponsorship Sales

• Define and implement the global partnership sales strategy for UTMB Group and the UTMB® World Series.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of partnership opportunities at a series level and event level.
• Identify, develop, and secure partnerships with leading global brands with a strong focus on non-endemic categories.
• Drive sponsorship revenue through new business acquisition, upselling, and renewals.
• Manage other B2B sales such as event villages, VIP hospitality, content licensing, and new commercial products, ensuring they align with the expectations of our communities.
• Leverage the unique positioning of trail running, including its performance, outdoor, sustainability, and mountain culture dimensions, to develop innovative partnerships in key non-endemic categories.
• Lead negotiations and close strategic partnership agreements with senior decisionmakers in collaboration with the UTMB Group CEO.
  
  

Commercial Operations

• Coordinate with the IRONMAN Group on the strategic development of the commercial assets, including packages, rate cards, asset inventory, hospitality programs, and sales materials.
• Monitor partnership performance and identify opportunities to maximize revenue and partner value.
• Guarantee the perfect execution of our partnership agreements.
• 10 to 12 years of successful experience in developing and selling creative and innovative partnership programs.
• Strong track record of securing and managing high-value international partnership agreements.
• Experience working with premium sports properties, endurance sports, outdoor sports, or lifestyle brands.
• Personal interest in endurance sports.
• Demonstrated success in delivering ambitious commercial growth objectives.
• Proven experience managing commercial or partnership teams.
• University degree or business school qualification.
• Fluency in both English and French.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Outstanding business development and relationship management skills.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and closing skills.
• Leadership and people management capabilities.
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a growth-oriented approach.
• Highly organized, results-driven, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative team player capable of working across international and multicultural environments.
• Passion for sport, outdoor activities, and the values embodied by trail running.
  
  

Work Location

• Located in Chamonix or Annecy, with an expected on-site presence of 2 to 3 days per week.
• Hybrid working arrangements from elsewhere in France are possible, with travel.
• Frequent travel required, including attendance at selected UTMB® World Series events and partner meetings worldwide.