Destination Relationships Manager

Reporting to Director of Market Development

Start Date: July 2025

About BLAST and the Business Development Unit

BLAST is on a mission to redefine esports as a premier global entertainment experience. We work with leading destinations, governments, and promoters to bring adrenaline-packed tournaments to iconic arenas, delivering unforgettable live and digital moments that captivate millions worldwide.

As the leading esports rights holder, BLAST creates high-impact partnerships with cities and commercial stakeholders to drive tourism, economic impact, and engagement through world-class esports events. We collaborate with government entities, promoters, and key commercial partners to ensure strategic alignment, delivering measurable success and long-term value for host destinations.

With established relationships across global markets—including London, Copenhagen, Boston, and São Paulo—we are committed to expanding our footprint and setting new benchmarks in esports entertainment.

Role Overview

The Destination Relationships Manager will play a crucial role in managing and strengthening partnerships with destinations, government entities, promoters, and key commercial clients. This position is responsible for driving strategic alignment, ensuring successful execution of event objectives, and optimising performance against KPIs in terms of tourism, economic impact, and audience engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with city leads, government bodies, promoters, and commercial stakeholders to drive long-term engagement and partnership success.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key destination partners, ensuring effective communication, expectation management, and alignment on strategic goals.
• Negotiate partnership terms, funding agreements, and commercial models to maximise returns for both BLAST and host destinations.

• Oversee the execution of contractual obligations, ensuring delivery of rights, assets, and inventory for destination partners.
• Develop and track KPIs related to tourism impact, viewership, revenue generation, and brand visibility, ensuring measurable success for all stakeholders.
• Manage revenue streams, funding processes, and business models related to host destination partnerships.
• Work closely with sponsorship, media, and competitive teams to leverage additional opportunities for commercial growth.

• Lead operational engagement with city hosts and government entities, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, and permit requirements.
• Oversee the administration and management of tracking and CRM tools, streamlining client interactions, event logistics, and strategic reporting.
• Support destination marketing initiatives to amplify event visibility, drive audience engagement, and strengthen the economic impact of esports activations.

• Represent BLAST at industry conferences, fostering relationships with city decision-makers and commercial leaders / entertainment companies to expand BLAST’s global presence.
• Identify and develop new market opportunities for future esports events, ensuring BLAST remains at the forefront of destination partnerships.

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Proven experience managing strategic relationships with destinations, government entities, and promoters in esports, sports, or large-scale entertainment events.
• Expertise in developing and executing partnership agreements that drive tourism, economic growth, and commercial success.
• Strong commercial acumen, including revenue tracking, P&L management, and funding negotiations.
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and ensure seamless coordination across government and corporate clients.
• A passion for esports, live entertainment, and international market expansion.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, balancing diplomacy with strategic vision.

• Competitive salary with opportunities for growth
• Pension scheme
• AXA Healthcare
• Enhanced Maternity and Shared Parental leave
• Flexible work environment with remote options
• The chance to work on high-profile esports events and content
• A collaborative and creative team that values innovation and excellence
• 1in1 lieu policy for any weekend event work