WHL Job Opportunity: Sponsorship Sales Manager

POSITION: Sponsorship Sales Manager, WHL 

SUMMARY: The Western Hockey League (WHL) is seeking a results-driven sales professional to join our team as a Regional Sales Executive. We are looking for a motivated individual with a proven track record of exceeding targets in a competitive sales environment, particularly in securing large corporate accounts within media and sponsorship. The successful candidate will thrive on building new business through proactive outreach, including cold calls and prospect development, and will embrace a performance-based compensation structure tied directly to results. 

About the Western Hockey League (WHL): The WHL is a member of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the world’s premier development hockey league, comprised of 51 Canadian and nine American teams. The CHL consistently produces more players for the NHL and U SPORTS than any other league. The WHL is committed to maintaining its position as the top development league globally while building a strong commercial ecosystem to expand its reach and relevance with fans across Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. This role is integral to driving that growth and cultivating meaningful partnerships with the business community. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Identify, research, and generate leads with companies that have potential to advertise with and sponsor the WHL. 
• Develop customized, persuasive sales presentations tailored to client needs. 
• Lead sales presentations and facilitate meetings with new and existing clients. 
• Cultivate and manage high-level client relationships to strengthen their connection with the WHL. 
• Partner with the Corporate Partnerships team to ensure contract deliverables and activations are successfully executed. 
• Sell a broad mix of sponsorship rights and activations across traditional and digital media. 
• Consistently meet or exceed sales targets. 
• Provide weekly sales activity reports. 
• Support sales efforts with research, proposals, and creative concept development. 
• Assist in planning and executing select client events. 
• Present post-season reports for accounts, including proof of performance tracking and ROI analysis. 
• Collaborate with the partnerships team to develop proposals that align with potential partner objectives. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education & Experience: 

• Post-secondary degree in marketing, communications, business, sports management, data analytics, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). 
• 5–10 years of progressive sales experience preferred. 
• Previous sponsorship sales or service experience strongly considered. 
• Demonstrated success selling to large corporate accounts, ideally in sponsorship or media. 
• Knowledge of sports marketing and corporate partnership landscapes. 

Skills & Abilities: 

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong organizational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities independently. 
• Proven relationship-building and client service skills. 
• Solid understanding of sports sponsorship and advertising across traditional and digital channels. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with Canva and Pando Partners an asset. 
• Ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Detail-oriented, creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills, particularly in proposal development. 
• Knowledge of sales methodologies and CRM systems. 
• Ability to interpret consumer and fan data to create meaningful connections between the WHL and partner brands. 

WORKING CONDITIONS/REQUIREMENTS: 

• Role based in Calgary (in-office preferred). 
• Some travel required. 

APPLICATION: To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the subject line: Sponsorship Sales Manager, WHL – Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.