Position SummaryBarrett-Jackson is seeking a visionary and results-driven Senior Vice President of Commercial Partnerships to spearhead its revenue-generating commercial ecosystem. In this executive role, the candidate will be responsible for establishing and overseeing strategic partnerships and sponsorship programs that enhance the premium automotive lifestyle event experience.
The Senior Vice President will drive revenue growth by developing and managing partnerships with automotive brands, financial services, insurance providers, aftermarket manufacturers, lifestyle companies, media outlets, and other aligned organizations. The role will involve developing a commercial strategy leveraging industry data, AI, market analysis, and digital tools. The strategy core focus will be to identify, secure, and activate partnerships and sponsorships to upscale and innovate BJAC events.
Key Responsibilities- Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of partnership managers, account executives, and activation specialists.
- Strategy Development: Design and execute data-driven strategies using AI, advanced analytics, market intelligence, and predictive modeling to identify, prioritize, and secure high value partnerships and sponsorships.
- Strategic Partnership Development: Identify, negotiate, and close multi-year commercial partnerships across various categories, including insurance, automotive financial services, luxury brands, technology, and other strategic collaborators aligned with Barrett-Jackson's audience, values, goals, and objectives.
- Sponsorship Sales & Activation: Lead the full sales cycle for title, presenting, category sponsorships, and oversee activations that deliver measurable ROI while enhancing BJACs digital content and experience.
- Exhibitor Marketplace Leadership: Lead the strategy, sales, and operations for the Exhibitor Marketplace at all Barrett-Jackson auctions, growing participation from automotive suppliers, art dealers, apparel brands, collectibles, consumer goods vendors, and other businesses that add value to the BJAC event experience.
- Revenue Growth & Forecasting: Own revenue targets across partnership verticals, sponsorships, and exhibitor sales. Manage budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics using data and AI tools.
- Event Integration & Innovation: Collaborate with marketing, operations, production, consignment, and technology departments to seamlessly integrate partners into live auctions, special events, the digital platforms, and broadcast programming for maximum visibility and impact.
- Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain executive level relationships with key partners. Ensure high levels of satisfaction through exceptional service, customized solutions, and successful activations.
- Market Intelligence & Digital Leadership: Stay ahead of industry trends with special attention to automotive, luxury goods, financial services, and live events. Leverage AI, data analytics, and digital tools to uncover new partnership verticals and innovative revenue opportunities.
- Compliance & Negotiation: Oversee contract negotiations, legal reviews, and fulfillment to ensure alignment with Barrett-Jackson's brand standards and business goals.
Qualifications & Requirements- Experience: 10+ years of progressive leadership in commercial partnerships, sponsorship sales, or business development, preferably within motorsports, luxury automotive, live events, entertainment, or large-scale consumer events.
- Data & AI Expertise: Demonstrated the ability to develop and implement innovative strategies leveraging data analytics, AI tools, market intelligence, and predictive insights to foster partnerships and sponsorship growth.
- Digital Focus: Experience leveraging digital tools, platforms, and technologies to enhance sales processes, partner activation, and commercial strategy.
- Proven Track Record: Achieved consistent success in closing and managing multi-million-dollar deals across various categories, including financial and insurance partnerships. Including a robust portfolio of revenue growth accomplishments.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the collector car market, automotive industry, premium brand marketing, and financial services partnerships is highly preferred.
- Leadership: Experience building and leading high-performance sales and partnership teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- Skills: Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills. Strong analytical abilities with hands-on experience using CRM systems, AI/analytics platforms, sales forecasting tools, and ROI measurement frameworks.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Communications, Data Analytics, or a related field required. MBA or advanced degree a plus.
- Travel: Willingness and ability to travel extensively (up to 40-50%) to manage events and cultivate relationships.
Core Deliverables- Consistent achievement and over-delivery on revenue targets across partnerships, sponsorships, and exhibitors.
- Development and execution of a cutting-edge commercial strategy powered by data, AI, market analysis, and digital innovation.
- Expanded portfolio of blue-chip partners (including insurance and financing) with highly effective, data-informed activations that elevate the Barrett-Jackson brand.
- High partner retention and satisfaction scores.
- Seamless collaboration across internal departments to create unforgettable event experiences while maximizing commercial partnership revenue.
