At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise premium live events across EMEA, driving commercial success and operational excellence.
- Company: MARI Group, a global leader in live experiences and events.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, pension match, paid parental leave, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Join a diverse team passionate about culture and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of arts and entertainment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale events, strong financial management, and exceptional leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
- Description
- About MARI Group
MARI is a global events and experiences company powering world-defining live experiences.
Our portfolio of premium live properties spans sports, art, and entertainment, including the Madrid and Miami Open tennis tournaments, the Melbourne Marathon, Frieze (a leading voice in contemporary art), Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and Barrett-Jackson (the premier U.
S. collector car auction company).
MARI also includes Today Tix Group, the global e-commerce leader for cultural experiences, connecting millions of customers with the best in live entertainment.
MARI is reshaping the live events landscape by building a growing portfolio of category-defining events and brands that set the standard for what's next across sports, entertainment, art, and lifestyle.
At MARI, you'll work alongside people who are passionate, curious, and driven people who believe that live experiences have the power to shape culture and who care about the work, the mission, and each other.
We welcome outstanding applicants from all backgrounds and encourage everyone to apply.
About the Role
The Senior Business Director will partner closely with the SVP & Managing Director, A&E Europe, and the VP, Head of UK Events to drive the commercial and operational performance of the Arts & Entertainment portfolio across EMEA.
This is a highly strategic leadership role responsible for business planning, commercial performance, financial oversight and operational excellence across a diverse portfolio of premium live events.
The role will work closely with the Finance team to produce business plans and financial analysis, partner with the Legal team on all commercial and operational contracts, and work alongside the onsite Finance Operations team to ensure accurate financial reporting and operational efficiency.
The portfolio includes approximately 100 supplier and partner contracts, each requiring careful commercial and operational oversight.
The role will support the successful delivery and execution of assigned events, with a focus on revenue growth, operational efficiency and profitability.
It will also play a leading role in business development activities, identifying opportunities to monetise MARI Arts & Entertainment properties while building a profitable and sustainable event portfolio.
The Senior Business Director will continue to play a significant role in the operational and commercial success of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
During the first 12 months of the role, there will be a transition period during which existing Hyde Park Winter Wonderland responsibilities will be handed over to the newly appointed Senior Event Director.
This is a fulltime rol and qualified candidates must be based in the Greater London area.
You'll be part of a hybrid team that values both connection and flexibility.
We'll cover the details of our hybrid schedule during the interview process.
What Success Looks Like
- Meet and exceed event revenue and profitability targets.
- Develop innovative and efficient processes that drive commercial and operational excellence across the division.
- Partner with the EVP, SVP and VP to deliver measurable financial performance, operational improvements and cross-functional efficiencies.
What You'll Own
- Operations
- Partner with the SVP and VP on the budgeting and delivery of the Arts & Entertainment event portfolio, including operational delivery, budget planning, financial management, staffing and overhead planning, workplace and event health & safety, and risk management.
- Lead and oversee supplier and partner procurement, contract management, resource planning, event forecasting, capital expenditure and onsite Finance Operations (Finance Operations will report into this role).
- Commercial Revenue
- Partner with the commercial teams across all revenue streams, including sponsorship, hospitality and ticketing.
- Develop commercial proposals and business plans, support contract negotiations, track revenue performance and oversee revenue collection.
- Over time, the remit is expected to expand to include leadership of the Customer Operations & Ticketing function.
- Financial Management & Event Profitability
- Meet and exceed profitability targets across the event portfolio.
- Ensure procurement activity is managed effectively to meet or exceed financial projections and maximise profitability.
- Partner with the SVP, VP and Event Directors to execute revenue programmes, support key stakeholder relationships, and optimise ticketing performance, consumer marketing outcomes and yield management.
- Prepare and present regular reports to senior leadership on financial and operational performance.
- New Business Development
- Lead the preparation and presentation of new business proposals and tender submissions.
- Develop resource plans to support the successful delivery of new projects and event acquisitions.
- Leadership
- Recruit, develop and retain a diverse, high-performing team while providing coaching, development and career support for direct and indirect reports.
- Ensure the team is aligned with the company's mission, vision and strategic objectives.
- Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across the organisation.
- Champion MARI's culture and values across the Arts & Entertainment division.
What You Bring
- Proven ability to develop, commercialise and deliver large-scale events within complex stakeholder environments.
- Exceptional commercial judgement, problem-solving and negotiation skills.
- Outstanding communication, influencing and relationship management skills.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Significant experience within the sports, entertainment or live events industry.
- Strong financial management experience, with a proven track record of delivering commercial and financial targets.
- Demonstrated success leading teams within a complex matrix organisation.
Benefits
Here are some of the Benefits and Perks offered at MARI Group
- BU/team/location dependent) Hybrid work environment (blend of in-office and at-home days)
- Pension match and access to a bespoke pension scheme
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced gyms, wellness and financial wellbeing apps access via Wellhub
- Flexible Paid Time Off
MARI believes in the power of live experiences to unite people — and we know that can only be achieved when we reflect the full diversity of the world around us.
As a global company that shapes culture across sports, art, and entertainment, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and to practicing anti-discrimination across race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and beyond.
We recognise that systemic inequality and discrimination remain challenges across the events and entertainment industry, and we are dedicated to driving meaningful progress — both within our own organisation and across the wider industry we are proud to be part of.
Senior Business Director, EMEA, Arts & Entertainment employer: Mari
IMG's Hospitality Department offers an exceptional work environment for a Senior Sales Executive, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering premium live experiences at iconic London events. With a strong focus on employee growth, a hybrid work model, and a commitment to inclusivity, IMG fosters a culture that values innovation and collaboration, ensuring that every team member can thrive while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Director, EMEA, Arts & Entertainment
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Senior Business Director, EMEA, Arts & Entertainment at Mari!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Mari or be willing to refer you for that Senior Business Director, EMEA, Arts & Entertainment position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Mari who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Business Director, EMEA, Arts & Entertainment star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Senior Business Director, EMEA, Arts & Entertainment role at Mari!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Director, EMEA, Arts & Entertainment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Mari. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mari
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Mari. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
