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Introduction

IBM is redefining what’s possible at the intersection of technology, sports, and entertainment—helping fans experience the moments they love in smarter, more connected ways. From golf and tennis to motorsports, football, and music, IBM technology powers the data, insights, and storytelling that bring these experiences to life.

We collaborate with iconic partners that inspire excellence and shape culture, using IBM’s commercially available technology to create authentic, hands-on experiences that showcase innovation in action. Together, we’re turning the world’s most passionate stages into live demonstrations of what IBM can make possible.

Your role and responsibilities

We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven Partnerships Manager to join our team. This role will be pivotal in leading IBM’s UFC and Fantasy Football partnerships, while supporting other programs across our Sports & Entertainment portfolio. You’ll play a key role in developing and executing activation strategies that drive brand awareness, client engagement, and business impact for IBM.

The ideal candidate has strong marketing and project management skills, thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, and can manage multiple partnerships and priorities simultaneously. You bring creativity, organization, and strategic thinking to every program you lead.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead partnership activations for UFC and Fantasy Football across paid, owned, and earned channels, as well as B2B hospitality programs, to enhance IBM’s brand visibility and engagement in line with strategic priorities.

* Collaborate cross-functionally with hospitality, marketing, communications, and technical program teams to ensure consistent storytelling and successful execution.

* Manage agency and internal partners to deliver best-in-class activations — including advertising, social, case study videos, on-site experiences, and event collateral.

* Track, analyze, and report on partnership performance, using insights to inform and optimize future activations.

* Oversee large-scale sports and entertainment budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation, compliance with internal processes, and on-target spending.

* Represent IBM externally within the sports and entertainment partnership industry to strengthen relationships, stay ahead of trends, and advance IBM’s leadership in client experience.

Required technical and professional expertise

* Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Sports Management, or a related field (MBA or relevant certifications preferred).

* 7+ years of experience in brand, experiential, or sports marketing with a proven record of delivering high-impact campaigns.

* Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams and leadership levels.

* Strong project management skills, able to balance multiple priorities, partners, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

* Analytical and data-driven mindset, using insights to inform creative strategies and measure performance.

* Experience with sports sponsorships, activations, and event execution, ideally across global or enterprise-scale programs.

* Creative problem-solver with a passion for storytelling and innovative marketing solutions.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.