Director, Hospitality & Events

Job Description:

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Director, Hospitality & Events, who will lead the end-to-end strategy, planning, and delivery of premium hospitality and sponsorship activations for one of the world’s most recognizable global brands within the Formula 1 (F1) landscape. This role is focused on ensuring each event reflects the sponsor’s objectives and provides exceptional experiences for guests, partners, and stakeholders.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced events and F1 professional to take their skills to the global stage and you’ll be at the centre of bringing the sponsor’s brand to life at some of the most exciting motorsport events in the world.

In this role, you’ll work closely with client contacts, agency teammates both in Europe, US and across the globe, and operational partners to ensure every detail — from sponsorship asset management to guest experience — is delivered to the highest standard. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, international event environment, traveling to race destinations and ensuring each activation is seamless, memorable, and aligned with the sponsor’s objectives.

This role will report into the SVP of Hospitality & Events and is based in London.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership of Hospitality Delivery

• Define and oversee the end-to-end strategy for premium hospitality and guest programmes across major global sporting events.

• Provide strategic guidance to the client on event concepts, program design, and execution plans, overseeing all phases of event delivery — including logistics, guest experience design, venue selection and contracting, supplier management, at-track operations, and budget oversight.

• Lead the planning and execution of site surveys, ensuring all logistical, operational, and brand requirements are met, while managing complex budgets and overseeing all event branding, collateral, and on-site materials.

• Work closely with global brand clients to understand their objectives and ensure hospitality experiences reflect their identity and values.

• Understand your client’s business and the wider industry competitor set.

• Build trusted senior-level client relationships and lead client conference calls, meetings, and design and prepare communications and presentations and manage and communicate project status with account leads, internal team and clients.

• Develop and deliver client-ready event documentation including itineraries, staffing plans, run-of-show schedules, and post-event recaps with actionable insights

• Shape guest experience strategy across multiple touchpoints, ensuring every element — from ticketing and transport to on-site services — is considered and cohesive.

Event & Guest Operations

• Oversee the planning and delivery of guest services, including ticketing, registration, accreditation, accommodation, travel, transport, and on-site hospitality.

• Lead the design and implementation of premium VIP and executive-level experiences, ensuring seamless, high-touch service.

• Supervise the development and execution of hospitality spaces and guest environments, working closely with suppliers, venues, and production partners.

• Ensure guest communication plans and guest management systems are implemented effectively and deliver an exceptional user experience.

• Manage resource across the account team and escalate pinch points, resource requirements and resource solutions.

Supplier, Venue & Logistics Management

• Oversee the procurement and management of key delivery partners, including hotels, transport providers, staffing agencies, and event suppliers.

• Work with stadiums, circuits, and event venues to secure and deliver premium hospitality infrastructure.

• Lead site visits and readiness checks to ensure operational excellence and compliance with safety and quality standards.

Onsite Leadership

• Act as the senior operational lead on site at key global events, overseeing guest operations, supplier delivery, and quality control.

• Resolve challenges quickly and effectively, ensuring that every guest interaction reflects a premium, world-class experience.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage a small team of 1–2 junior specialists, providing guidance, support, and clear direction.

• Oversee their day-to-day delivery work and professional development, ensuring high standards and alignment with project goals.

• Foster collaboration across internal teams and ensure smooth coordination with client stakeholders and suppliers.

• Act as a mentor and coach to your direct reports to help them develop in their role and career, promoting an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice can be heard.

Budget & Project Oversight

• Lead budgeting processes for hospitality projects, including forecasting, financial tracking, and reconciliation.

• Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

• Oversee all project documentation, including itineraries, operational plans, run-of-show schedules, and post-event reporting

New Business Support

• Support senior leadership teams in developing and presenting competitive proposals for new hospitality and events opportunities.

• Contribute strategic thinking, operational insight, and creative solutions to RFP responses and pitch processes.

• Leverage industry knowledge, delivery expertise, and best practices to help secure new clients and grow existing accounts.

Culture & Values:

• Lead key culture initiatives and demonstrate the importance of our culture & values to the junior team.

Self-Development:

• Be knowledgeable about the industry and strive for expertise.

• Ensure you understand and can confidently present sponsorship processes.

• Be curious and focus on personal development through team management and leadership training.

• Discuss and agree clear performance objectives and L&D opportunities, which supports both the business and your direct reports personal ambitions, identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses.

What we’re looking for

To be able to deliver this we need you to have:

• Proven Formula 1 event experience, with a deep understanding of the operational, logistical, and brand integration requirements unique to motorsport.

• Extensive knowledge of the global events industry, with strong insight into the sports, sponsorship, and premium hospitality sectors.

• Proven track record in delivering complex, multi-market hospitality programmes for global consumer brands.

• Deep understanding of operational planning, logistics, ticketing, accommodation, and transport for major international events.

• Expertise in corporate hospitality program management, including the ability to negotiate and manage a range of suppliers (F&B, creative services, signage, audio-visual, transportation, and other event infrastructure).

• Demonstrated ability to lead small teams and coordinate multiple stakeholders, suppliers, and delivery partners.

• Exceptional organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage concurrent workstreams.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence working directly with senior brand stakeholders.

• Strong commercial awareness and financial management skills including budget creation, forecasting, reconciliation, and proven success in overseeing large-scale budgets with close attention to detail.

• Adept at working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with significant international travel.

• Previous agency experience is highly desirable, particularly in a client-facing or hospitality delivery capacity.

• Proficiency in another language (in addition to English) is an advantage, reflecting the global nature of the role and client base.

Why MKTG Sports + Entertainment is the right place to do it

MKTG Sports & Entertainment is a global integrated agency that help brands and rights holders move at the speed of fans. For over 20 years, we've ignited fandom and innovated activation in the world of sports and entertainment. We have strategised, created and driven partnerships for some of the world's biggest brands and power brands in the making. With one aligned goal - make something worth noticing, engaging, liking, sharing and remembering.

We are part of Dentsu Sports International, a global sports network comprised of MKTG Sports & Entertainment and Dentsu Sports, a leading sports rights holder including federations, leagues, events, teams, and venues.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Dentsu, we embrace diversity and inclusion, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation, benefiting our employees, partners, and communities.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. Beyond recruitment, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We recognise the importance of work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements for all roles. If you need reasonable adjustments due to a disability or medical condition during our recruitment process, please contact us at accommodations@dentsu.com, quoting the reference number of the role that you are applying for. Your needs will be handled with respect and confidentiality to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-MKTGEMEA

Location: London

Brand: Mktg Sports

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent