SLSNZ - Partnerships Manager

Partnerships Manager

Location: Auckland
Permanent, full-time | $110 - 120k + vehicle

• Grow sustainable commercial revenue for an iconic, purpose-led organisation.

• Build strong partnerships that deliver meaningful value and impact.

• Lead business development, partner relationships and a talented Partnerships Executive.

Turn great partnerships into meaningful impact

Every partnership at Surf Life Saving New Zealand helps strengthen our ability to support our clubs, volunteers and lifeguards to keep communities safe along Aotearoa New Zealand’s coastlines.

We’re looking for an experienced Partnerships Manager to lead and grow our commercial partnerships portfolio, building strong relationships, creating new opportunities and making sure our partnerships deliver real value for everyone involved.

This is a senior commercial role combining business development, strategic relationship management and partnership activation. You’ll work with leading organisations, identify new opportunities and bring people together around a shared purpose.

About the role

Reporting to the General Manager Commercial, you will:

• Develop and deliver commercial partnership plans that support SLSNZ's strategy and financial goals.

• Retain and grow existing partnerships through strong relationships and new opportunities.

• Identify and secure new sponsorship, licensing and commercial opportunities.

• Lead proposals, negotiations, agreements and renewals.

• Grow revenue through cash sponsorship, budget-relief opportunities and other sustainable commercial initiatives.

• Manage commercial targets, budgets, forecasts and the new business pipeline.

• Lead relationships with major partners and senior decision-makers.

• Develop partnership plans that connect partner objectives with SLSNZ's purpose and priorities.

• Oversee contractual commitments, activations and sponsorship deliverables.

• Work closely with Marketing, Sport, Drowning Prevention and other teams to maximise partnership value.

• Coordinate the ordering and distribution of sponsored products ahead of each season.

• Monitor partnership performance and identifying ways to grow value and engagement.

• Lead, coach and develop the Partnerships Executive.

• Strengthen commercial systems, reporting and financial processes alongside the Finance team.

For a full position description click here

About you

You’ll be a commercially astute and highly credible relationship leader who can connect organisational purpose with compelling partner value.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in commercial partnerships, sponsorship, business development or strategic account management

• Demonstrated success growing revenue, securing new business and retaining valuable commercial relationships

• Strong commercial acumen, including contract negotiation, budgeting, forecasting and performance management

• The ability to build trusted relationships with senior executives and influence positive outcomes

• Experience developing commercial proposals, partnership strategies and sponsorship activations

• Strong leadership, communication, presentation and negotiation skills

• Excellent planning and organisational capability, with the ability to manage competing priorities and commitments

• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across a diverse organisation

• A relevant qualification in business, commerce, marketing or a related discipline—or equivalent practical experience

Experience within sport, the not-for-profit sector or another purpose-led organisation would be advantageous.

Why join SLSNZ?

This is an opportunity to use your commercial expertise in support of a purpose that matters.

You’ll shape partnerships that generate sustainable revenue, strengthen our national reach and help SLSNZ deliver greater value to clubs, volunteers and coastal communities. You’ll also join a collaborative Commercial team with the opportunity to influence strategy, innovation and organisational performance.

Our work is guided by Kawa Tātaki - Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Wellbeing and Fun, and by Kapa Kotahi, our commitment to working as one team.

Apply now

If you’re excited by the opportunity to build commercially successful partnerships with real community impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience.

Applications close November 27, with interviews scheduled for December 2, 2026.