Commercial Partnerships Director

Commercial Partnerships Director (UAE & UK Focus)

(Part-time, flexible equity opportunity)

About FutureStep

FutureStep helps the next generation of students become Future-Ready by blending the power of sport, education, and mentorship. Through school programmes, community events, coaching, and international collaborations, we create experiences that inspire students to build confidence, life skills, and career pathways. Were growing fast across the UAE, UK, and beyond with athlete ambassadors, school partners, and a strong advisory team driving our mission.

The Role

We are looking for a Commercial Partnerships Director to lead sponsorships and commercial relationships across our programmes and events. This role is central to unlocking the next stage of our growth building long-term partnerships that align with our values and deliver real impact for students.

This is not a traditional full-time role. We are looking for someone entrepreneurial, Dubai-based, and connected, who can work flexibly (approx. 12 days per week) alongside our leadership team. You may already be running your own consultancy or business and want to align with a purpose-driven venture. For the right person, there is an equity option as we build the business together.

Were flexible on seniority- this could suit an experienced commercial partnerships leader, but were equally open to an aspiring candidate with the right drive and network. For example, a former or current athlete looking to build their business development experience could be a great fit. What matters most is attitude, belief in our mission, and a willingness to work in a fast-growing start-up (we only launched in April!)

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a sponsorship strategy across the UAE and UK, securing commercial partners for FutureStep programmes and events.
• Build strong relationships with brands, schools, and institutions aligned with youth, sport, and education.
• Design creative partnership opportunities that add value to both sponsors and students.
• Leverage our partner network to open doors across multiple events throughout the year.
• Be part of our active networking culture from leading FutureStep events to joining regular sport-based socials (padel, golf, and more), youll build relationships in the same spaces where our community connects.
• Work closely with the Co-Founders and Advisory Team (Dubai-based) to shape the commercial growth of the business.
• Represent FutureStep at key events, meetings, and networking opportunities.

What Were Looking For

• Strong commercial / partnerships / sponsorship background (sport, events, education, or related industries) or an aspiring candidate with the hunger to learn and grow in this space.
• Excellent network in Dubai and ideally UK connections too.
• Entrepreneurial mindset happy to roll up your sleeves, work flexibly, and help build something from the ground up.
• Belief in our mission to help young people get Future-Ready.
• Experience structuring partnership deals that deliver both financial and social impact.

What We Offer

• Flexible, part-time engagement.
• Work directly with the Managing Director alongside our leadership team.
• Exposure across our full partner network (sport, education, business).
• Opportunities to network and play from padel and golf socials to leading flagship FutureStep events, youll be immersed in a vibrant sport and business community.
• A unique opportunity to shape the growth of a purpose-driven venture.
• Equity option for the right person.

Location: Dubai (primary focus), with opportunities to expand into UK partnerships.