Commercial Partnerships Manager

Job Posted: 10 March 2026

Job Closing: 27 March 2026

Location: London, UK (Hybrid)

Reports to: Managing Director

Key Stakeholders: Senior Management, Editorial, Social, External Production Partners

The Context

Gay Times has been a leading voice in LGBTQIA+ media for over 40 years, a legacy built on cultivating conversation and amplifying the voices of our global community. 

Continually adapting to the shifting media landscape, Gay Times pivoted to a social and digital-first strategy in the early 2020s, becoming the first LGBTQIA+ media brand to surpass 1M followers on Instagram. Today, we command a global reach of over 70M. However, as the market evolves, so does our strategy. 

Over the next 24 months, our ambition is clear: to become the world’s leading LGBTQIA+ journalism brand, fuelled by a subscriber ecosystem. The Gay Times Advertising strategy supports this ambition by creating a value-exchange between our brand partners, our audience and the publication itself. Built from a place of strategic authority, Gay Times Advertising opportunities compliment the work of our editorial offering and align our partners with a credible and powerful audience group.

The Role

Gay Times is seeking a highly organised, client-centric Commercial Partnerships Manager to lead the sales output of Gay Times Advertising, under the direction of the Managing Director. This is a unique multi-disciplinary role designed for a motivated strategic thinker who thrives on using their initiative to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

You will be responsible for multiple stages across the lifecycle of brand partnerships: from identifying and engaging credible brand partners through targeted outreach and management of existing relationships, to working with our editorial team to conceptualise strategic campaigns, to overseeing the seamless delivery of those projects. More than just selling ad space; this is building insight-led solutions, such as roundtables, white papers, insight reports and activations to deliver real value for both the LGBTQIA+ community and our brand partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Revenue & Strategy

  • Drive new business by building new and leveraging existing relationships with brand-direct decision-makers and media agencies.
  • Responsible for the Gay Times Advertising sales pipeline, meeting monthly revenue targets.
  • Conceptualise and pitch integrated media plans that span digital, social, events, thought leadership and traditional advertising opportunities (eg: paid social, digital display).
  • Curate compelling proactive concepts for brand partners aligned with the business strategy, launching these in the market to secure new revenue opportunities.

2. Concept & Thought Leadership

  • Collaborate with Editorial and Social teams to create high-impact content sponsorships and insight-driven projects.
  • Act in a consultative manner for brands, helping them navigate LGBTQIA+ audiences with authenticity and strategic authority.

3. Account Management & Delivery

  • Lead the post-sale transition, acting as the primary point of contact for clients during the activation phase.
  • Oversee the delivery of complex projects with our production partners across multi-channel content campaigns and activations.
  • Coordinate with external and internal stakeholders to ensure project delivery meets the highest of standards and client KPIs.

4. Analysis & Growth

  • Compile post-campaign analysis reports, providing interpretive thinking and data-led insights to encourage long-term partner retention and always-on activity.
  • Identify opportunities for account growth by constantly adding value and identifying potential in partner marketing strategies.

Requirements

Essential Experience & Skills

  • The Newsroom Pedigree: Proven experience in media sales and account management within a leading news brand, high-growth media environment, or agency.
  • Commercial Track Record: A documented history of hitting revenue targets and maintaining a robust pipeline across mainstream B2B and consumer verticals.
  • Full-Funnel Fluency: Robust experience in media planning across bespoke integrated partnerships, paid social, and turnkey advertising solutions. You should have a sophisticated grasp of campaign metrics, CPMs, and building complex media plans.
  • Strategic Communication: Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to command a room of high-level stakeholders and negotiate effectively with external partners.
  • Editorial Intelligence: The ability to understand the story beyond the ad; you can translate complex brand objectives into concepts that feel native, authentic, and aware of the Gay Times audience.
  • Commercial Integrity: A deep understanding of the delicate balance between editorial independence and commercial success.

Personal Attributes 

  • Autonomy & Grit: You thrive in a fast-paced, startup-like environment. You are comfortable ‘wearing multiple hats’ and are happy to get stuck into the operational details to ensure a campaign’s success.
  • Outcome-Oriented: You believe in marketing that does something. You focus on solutions that encourage action and provide genuine value to the audience.
  • Mission-Driven: A personal passion for LGBTQIA+ rights and a sincere belief in the work, legacy and ambition of Gay Times.

Advantageous

  • Established Network: An existing black book of contacts within mainstream brand-direct marketing teams or diversity and inclusion leads.
  • B2B Specialist: Previous experience specifically activating thought-leadership projects, such as white papers, roundtables, or policy-driven content.

How to Apply

To apply — send your CV and a cover letter detailing relevant previous experience to careers@gaytimes.com

Selected applicants will be invited to a 20 minute pre-screening interview to assess eligibility.

Following this, successful candidates will be invited to a 60 minute interview, for which you will be asked to prepare some materials.

After this, there will be one final interview with the leadership team.