Our client is a global leader in the sports industry, driving the success of world-class sporting events . As they continue to grow their brand and deliver memorable experiences, they are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Hospitality & Event Experience to join their team in New York.This senior-level role is critical in shaping the hospitality experience at premier events and ensuring flawless execution of services that enhance the fan, sponsor, and VIP experience. The Director of Hospitality & Event Experience will oversee the strategic planning, development, and execution of all hospitality-related programs for the organisations flagship events. This includes luxury guest experiences, corporate and VIP hospitality, event operations, and ensuring top-tier service across all touchpoints. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure that hospitality services align with the organisation's brand and standards, while also managing high-profile relationships with corporate sponsors, vendors, and hospitality partners. Key responsibilities include:
- Hospitality Program Development: Lead the creation and delivery of world-class hospitality programs for global sports events, ensuring a premium experience for VIPs, sponsors, and corporate partners.
- Event Execution: Oversee all aspects of hospitality operations at events, including venue management, guest services, and on-site activation. Ensure flawless delivery and exceptional customer experience at all times.
- Vendor & Partner Management: Establish and maintain relationships with event management companies, external hospitality vendors, venues, and service providers.
- Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with internal stakeholders (sales, marketing, operations, insights & data and finance) to align hospitality initiatives & drive customer retention. Play a key role in event planning processes, ensuring hospitality services are integrated into overall event strategies.
- Innovation & Guest Experience: Continuously evaluate and enhance hospitality offerings, introducing innovative solutions and experiences to elevate guest satisfaction.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key point of contact for high-profile clients, VIPs, and sponsors, ensuring their expectations are exceeded and fostering strong, long-term relationships.
We are seeking an experienced hospitality professional with a passion for delivering high-end, unforgettable experiences in a fast-paced, global sports environment. The ideal candidate will have:
- Extensive Experience in Event Hospitality: Proven track record in managing large-scale, high-profile hospitality operations, ideally in sports, entertainment, or luxury events.
- Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage a team, along with experience collaborating with cross-functional departments.
- Stakeholder and Relationship Management: Experience working with corporate sponsors, VIPs, and high-profile clients, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
- Operational Expertise: In-depth knowledge of hospitality operations, including venue logistics, catering, guest services, and event coordination.
- Creativity and Innovation: A forward-thinking approach to hospitality, with a focus on creating unique and memorable experiences for guests.
- Strong Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present ideas and solutions effectively to internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Flexibility and Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, often working under tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
The ideal candidate will c.7+ years of experience in hospitality management, event services, or a related field, with a proven track record in leadership roles and with experience in the sports or entertainment industry is highly desirable.