Partnerships Director

About Lab 54

Lab54 is a content-led events and production company driven by the motto:

[ Anywhere But A Club. ]

We specialise in creating high-impact experiences in unexpected locations, capturing moments and turning them into viral content.

With a combined global audience of over 425,000 across platforms, Lab54 sits at the intersection of party culture and lifestyle, bridging the gap between real-life and online.

We collaborate closely with brands, record labels, and artists to craft culturally relevant moments to our community and beyond.

Role Overview

The Partnerships Director is responsible for driving revenue through brand partnerships - owning the full lifecycle from outreach and deal-making through to delivery and growth.

This is a hands-on, commercial leadership role. You’ll lead from the front - opening doors, building relationships, closing deals, and ensuring partnerships land properly across content and events.

Lab 54 operates in a fast-moving, culture-led space. This role requires someone who can balance creativity with commercial thinking, and bring structure to how we build, sell and scale partnerships.

You will work closely across content, production and marketing to ensure partnerships are integrated, high quality, and commercially effective.

Partnership Strategy & Growth

• Own and deliver the partnerships strategy across Lab 54
• Identify priority sectors, brands and opportunities
• Build a pipeline of high-value, repeatable partnerships
• Develop IP-led opportunities that attract brand investment

New Business & Deal-Making

• Lead outbound outreach to brands and agencies
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of opportunities
• Create and pitch partnership ideas aligned to Lab 54’s offering
• Negotiate commercial terms and close deals

Partnership Delivery

• Oversee delivery of all partnerships across events + content
• Ensure all partner deliverables are executed to a high standard
• Act as senior point of contact for key partners
• Ensure partnerships are commercially and creatively successful

Commercial Integration

• Work closely with content and production teams to shape sellable ideas
• Ensure partnerships feel native to the brand and culture
• Balance editorial integrity with commercial objectives

Relationship Management

• Build long-term relationships with brands, agencies and partners
• Drive repeat business and account growth
• Maintain regular communication and reporting with partners

Pipeline & Reporting

• Maintain a clear, up-to-date pipeline and forecast
• Track performance against revenue targets
• Report on partnership performance and opportunities

Team Leadership

• Build and manage a high-performing partnerships function
• Set clear roles, targets and accountability
• Scale the team as the business grows

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Strong background in brand partnerships / sponsorship / commercial roles
• Proven track record of winning and delivering partnerships
• Experience working across events, content or culture-led platforms
• Strong commercial instincts and negotiation skills
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Demonstrable Attributes

• Passion for music, culture and youth audiences
• Entrepreneurial, proactive and results-driven
• Strong communicator and relationship builder
• Comfortable leading from the front
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail

KPIs / Success Measures

• Revenue generated from partnerships
• Pipeline value and conversion rate
• Number of new brand relationships secured
• Repeat business and partner retention
• Quality and impact of delivered partnerships

What Makes This Role Different (vs Larger Companies)

• High ownership - you own partnerships end-to-end
• Hands-on - you’re selling, building and delivering
• Fast-paced - decisions happen quickly
• Creative influence - shape what we sell, not just sell what exists
• Direct impact - clear line between your work and revenue

Ideal Profile

• Strong network across brands and agencies
• Comfortable selling both content + experiences
• Can balance culture and commercial thinking
• Thrives in a startup-style, high-growth environment
• Builds structure, not chaos
• Able to run the function without day-to-day reliance on founders