Website:
zefglobal.com
Job details:
Senior Associate - Business Development & Brand Partnerships
Company: ZARX Esports Forum (ZEF)
Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India
Employment Type: Full-time
Experience: 3–8 years
Industry: Esports | Gaming | Sports | Media & Entertainment
Compensation: Up to ₹20 LPA, negotiable based on experience and profile
Additional Compensation: Performance-linked incentives / commission based on business and revenue generated
About ZARX Esports Forum
ZARX Esports Forum is a global competitive gaming IP curator focused on designing, building and scaling structured esports ecosystems across titles, audiences and territories.
ZEF operates across Esports IP Design & Curation, League & Competitive Format Development, Media Production & Broadcasting, League/Team Operations and Player Development. Its commercial ecosystem is built around long-term esports IPs, sponsorships, media partnerships and scalable competitive properties rather than one-off tournaments.
About the Role
We are looking for a commercially driven Senior Associate – Business Development & Brand Partnerships to help ZEF acquire new brands, sponsors, clients and strategic partners.
The role will focus on identifying business opportunities, building relationships with decision-makers, developing partnership propositions, pitching ZEF’s esports properties, negotiating commercials and converting opportunities into long-term partnerships.
This is an end-to-end business development and partnerships role, covering:
Lead Generation → Client Acquisition → Pitching → Negotiation → Deal Closure → Partnership Execution → Account Growth
What We Offer to Partners & Brands
Through its esports ecosystem, ZEF can develop and offer commercial opportunities across:
* Esports IPs & Leagues – branded leagues, tournaments and long-term competitive properties.
* Brand Sponsorships & Activations – title, powered-by, category and strategic partnerships.
* Media & Broadcast – live broadcast, streaming, content and multi-platform distribution opportunities.
* Creator & Gaming Integrations – gaming creators, communities and audience-led activations.
* Events & Competitive Experiences – online/offline tournaments and large-scale gaming experiences.
* Custom IP Development – tailor-made esports properties aligned with a brand’s marketing objectives.
* Media & Commercial Rights – opportunities around distribution, content and long-term IP monetisation.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Client Acquisition
* Identify and acquire brands, sponsors, agencies and strategic partners.
* Generate new business opportunities across gaming, esports, sports, media, technology, FMCG, fintech, lifestyle and entertainment.
* Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients.
* Identify relevant decision-makers and initiate meaningful commercial conversations.
* Own opportunities from initial outreach through proposal, negotiation and closure.
Brand Partnerships & Sponsorship Sales
* Understand client marketing objectives and create relevant esports-led solutions.
* Develop pitch decks, proposals, sponsorship packages and partnership concepts.
* Lead client presentations, commercial discussions and negotiations.
* Structure partnerships around ZEF’s leagues, IPs, media, events, creators and other commercial properties.
* Identify opportunities for renewals, upselling, cross-selling and long-term partnerships.
Client & Stakeholder Management
* Build strong relationships with brand managers, marketing heads, agency leaders, founders and senior decision-makers.
* Act as a key point of contact for clients and partners.
* Coordinate with internal teams to ensure successful delivery of agreed partner requirements.
* Maintain strong post-sale relationships and identify opportunities for account growth.
Cross-Functional Execution
* Work closely with creative, content, production, broadcast and operations teams.
* Translate client briefs into commercially viable and executable solutions.
* Support the team through campaign, event and partnership execution.
Market Development
* Track gaming, esports, media and brand-marketing trends to identify new commercial opportunities.
* Build relationships across the broader gaming, esports, advertising, media and entertainment ecosystem.
* Represent ZEF at relevant industry events, conferences and business networking platforms.
Sales Pipeline & Reporting
* Maintain an organised pipeline of leads, proposals, negotiations and closures.
* Track business development activities, conversion and revenue forecasts.
* Work towards agreed business development and revenue targets.
What We’re Looking For
* 3–8 years of relevant experience in Business Development, Brand Partnerships, Sponsorship Sales, Media Sales, Advertising, Client Servicing, Sports, Events, Gaming or Entertainment.
* Proven ability to generate new business and close commercial opportunities.
* Strong understanding of brand marketing, sponsorships and commercial partnerships.
* Strong communication, presentation, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
* Ability to confidently interact with senior brand, agency and business stakeholders.
* Existing relationships with brands, agencies, marketing teams or decision-makers will be a strong advantage.
* Experience in gaming, esports, sports, media, entertainment, events or creator ecosystems is preferred.
* Strong proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel and Google Workspace.
* Experience with CRM/sales pipeline tools is an advantage.
* Strong ownership, commercial thinking, follow-through and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Eligibility
Education
* Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Management, Communications, Media, Sports Management or a related field.
* MBA/PGDM is an advantage but not mandatory.
Experience
* Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience.
* Preferred experience range: 3–8 years.
* Candidates with 8–10+ years of relevant experience and a proven commercial track record may also be considered for a higher designation/compensation structure.
Preferred Background
Candidates from esports, gaming, sports, advertising, media, experiential marketing, events, entertainment, influencer marketing, digital media or brand partnerships are encouraged to apply.
Compensation & Growth
Up to ₹20 LPA, negotiable based on:
* Relevant experience
* Existing brand/agency network
* Business development track record
* Ability to independently close deals
* Revenue contribution and commercial impact
In addition to the fixed compensation, the role may include performance-linked incentives / commission based on business generated and agreed revenue targets.
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