At The IRONMAN Group, our purpose is clear: to inspire people to unlock their greatest potential through sport, pushing beyond limits to become the fullest expression of human achievement. Through our BE ICONIC vision, we are building the most loved brands, producing the world’s most inspiring events, and fostering deeply engaged communities that change lives. We aim to empower over a million athletes to cross a finish line each year and inspire a billion people worldwide through the power of the human spirit.

As part of our team, you’ll join a high-performance, caring culture where innovation thrives, communities are uplifted, and every achievement, big or small, is celebrated. You’ll help shape experiences that fill hearts, consume minds, and enrich souls. This is more than a job. It’s a chance to be part of a global movement, to lead from the front, and to leave a legacy. Together, we create moments that last a lifetime. The IRONMAN Group is the world's largest operator of mass participation sports, delivering over 200+ events a year across 55+ countries thanks to a passionate global team. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Account Manager, Partnerships, reporting to Director, Partner Services and based in our Auckland, New Zealand office.

The Opportunity:

Working within the IRONMAN® Oceania Team, the Account Manager, Partnerships will develop, service, renew and grow assigned government and commercial partner relationships. The role will also identify and convert new partnership opportunities across the IRONMAN® Oceania portfolio, with particular focus on New Zealand-based brands, organisations and government stakeholders.

This role plays a critical part in revenue generation and retention while ensuring world-class partner servicing and activation delivery. As IRONMAN® Oceania’s local partnerships representative in New Zealand, the Account Manager will maintain a strong understanding of regional commercial trends, community initiatives and sponsorship opportunities to support portfolio growth.

Success requires strong commercial acumen, exceptional relationship management and close collaboration with Marketing, Operations, Expo, event teams and regional leadership to deliver outstanding experiences for partners and athletes.

Key Responsibilities:

Identify, develop and convert new commercial and government partnership opportunities across New Zealand.
Manage assigned partner renewals, including proposal development, contract development and negotiation.
Manage corporate partnership agreements and coordinate with internal teams to ensure all contractual deliverables are met.
Assist with funding proposals for government and tourism bodies.
Manage government agreements, including reports and coordination of information for milestone payments.
Maintain regular client contact throughout agreement terms through face-to-face meetings, phone calls and email.
Develop innovative leveraging and activation plans with partners.
Collaborate with event teams to maximize partnership opportunities and deliver outstanding athlete experiences.
Work with Marketing and Operations to deliver partner branding and coordinate approvals from government and senior-level clients.
Prepare or coordinate online partner content for websites, e-newsletters and athlete information guides.
Coordinate delivery and collection of partner materials at events, including signage, race-kit materials, products and prizes.
Coordinate government and partner representative activities and ensure VIP requirements are met at events.
Work with the Expo team to ensure exhibition requirements are met.
Develop post-event reports and lead partner debriefs.
Participate in event work-in-progress meetings and briefings so internal and external event staff understand partnership deliverables.
Work closely with the Regional Director in New Zealand to manage key partner stakeholders and engagements, including functions.

Culture

Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful team environment by demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and collaboration in all interactions.
Embrace IRONMAN’s BE ICONIC mindset by bringing an athlete-first perspective, taking ownership of work, and showing pride in delivering exceptional experiences.
Communicate openly and constructively with teammates and cross-functional partners to support efficient execution and problem solving.
Demonstrate adaptability and a continuous improvement mindset, learning from each event and contributing ideas to improve processes and experiences.
Act as a culture carrier onsite and offsite, recognizing that individual behaviors directly shape the athlete, volunteer, and team experience.

Travel & Event Requirements

This role requires regular travel across New Zealand and occasionally Australia to support event delivery, including weekends and work outside standard business hours.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Lead onsite partnership delivery and manage partner and stakeholder requirements.
Assist with event logistics, setup, pack down and general operational tasks.
Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extended periods on their feet and reasonable physical duties.
Support the wider event team with a proactive, hands-on and flexible approach.
Adapt to changing priorities and solve problems in a fast-paced event environment.

Skills & Experience Required:

Ideally, a minimum of three years of account management experience or similar.
Demonstrated experience in partnership sales and business development, with strong commercial acumen and a sound understanding of the New Zealand business and sponsorship landscape.
High level of verbal and written communication skills.
Proven ability to multitask, work under pressure and meet required deadlines.
High level of proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.
Excellent organizational, time-management and attention-to-detail skills.
Energetic, personable and able to work cooperatively with team members.

Personal Attributes:

Outstanding communicator
Strong leadership skills
Highly organised
Professional and driven
Ability to work in a team environment
Solutions-focused and resourceful
Anything Is Possible mindset

Performance Measurement:

1. Commercial Performance

New partnership revenue generated.
Growth of the partnership pipeline and prospect activity.
Contribution to growth of the New Zealand event portfolio and partnership ecosystem.

2. Partnership Management

Successful development, servicing and maintenance of assigned government and corporate partner relationships.
Successful development and delivery of all partnership commitments for assigned events.
Positive partner satisfaction and relationship outcomes.

3. Internal Relationships

Positive feedback from within IRONMAN Oceania on working relationships and contribution to the profi le of the business.

4. External Relationships

Positive feedback from partners and suppliers.

Physical & Equipment Requirements:

Ability to stay stationary and/or move around the event site for extended periods of time, including during long event days, outdoor conditions, and uneven surfaces.
Ability to work in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor venues, and in varying weather condition.
Extended work days and travel will be required whilst attending assigned onsite events.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable law. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment in accordance with applicable law.

The above job description is not intended to be an “all inclusive” list of duties, responsibilities, skill and abilities, required to do the job. Rather, it is intended only to describe the general nature of the job and is a reasonable representation of its activities. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time.