Director, Hospitality & Events

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.

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 elevate 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.

Qualifications

• 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‑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.
• Location
• London
• Contract Type
• Permanent
• 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.
• 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.

• We welcome you to bring your authentic selves to work and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered.
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