Head of Sevens Event Promotion – HSBC SVNS Portfolio

Head of Sevens Event Promotion

World Rugby is the global governing body for rugby union, driving the growth and development of the game worldwide. We are looking for an experienced, commercially driven and collaborative Head of Sevens Event Promotion to help shape the future success of the HSBC SVNS portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in delivering world-class events, driving commercial growth and creating memorable fan experiences across one of the most dynamic and fast-growing sports properties in the world.

Contract: Fixed term contract to 31 July 2028.

About the Role

As a key member of the SVNS management team, you will lead the commercial, marketing and promotional performance of the HSBC SVNS, including the HSBC SVNS World Championship, SVNS Series, SVNS 2 and SVNS 3 competitions.

You will act as a key relationship lead for event promoters, host markets, global partners and internal stakeholders to maximise event performance, grow fan engagement, increase attendance and deliver commercial value across the portfolio.

The role is also responsible for managing key global partnerships, including HSBC, overseeing sponsorship activation and rights delivery, and identifying opportunities to drive long-term growth and revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the commercial, marketing and promotional delivery of the global SVNS portfolio, supporting delivery of the SVNS strategy and business priorities.
• Build strong relationships with event promoters, providing strategic support and guidance to maximise event performance.
• Manage SVNS commercial partnerships and agencies across new business, activation and rights delivery, ensuring contractual rights are executed to a high standard.
• Lead the coordination of integrated marketing plans with event promoters and World Rugby marketing teams to drive awareness, ticket sales and fan engagement.
• Bring innovation and best practice from sport, entertainment and major events to support Event Promoters in improving the SVNS event proposition, promotion and fan experience.
• Monitor performance, analyse insights and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the portfolio.
• Support the planning and delivery of SVNS events throughout the season as required.

About You

You will bring:

• Significant experience in sports, events, commercial partnerships, marketing or a related industry.
• A proven track record of managing senior stakeholders and delivering marketing and commercial outcomes.
• Strong commercial acumen and partnership management experience.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working across multiple markets and managing complex projects.
• A passion for sport, fan engagement and creating exceptional event experiences.

Flexible Working

Most of our roles offer hybrid working. We ask colleagues to work:

• Three (3) days a week “out of home”. Two (2) “core” office days (Tuesday & Wednesday) and a third day of your choice to be with stakeholders. “Out of home” can mean working in a World Rugby office/hub, working from a venue or face-to-face meetings with partners, suppliers, agencies, teammates or other rugby family stakeholders.
• The remaining two (2) days are flexible to work from home (or the office). This applies to our Dublin & London offices.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

World Rugby is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

The role holder will be expected to embrace the World Rugby mission to grow the global rugby family, support the vision of rugby being a sport for all, true to its values: discipline, respect, integrity, passion and solidarity. They are also expected to uphold these values while acting in a responsible and sustainable manner.