Senior Director, Hospitality

About the Role

The role is the strategic and executional lead for client hospitality programmes, responsible for designing, developing and delivering best-in-class experiences that drive meaningful business impact. It partners closely with Account teams to shape hospitality strategies aligned with client objectives and leads end-to-end execution through vendor partnerships, disciplined planning and operational excellence. The role requires a balance of strategic thinking, creative ideation and hands-on leadership to strengthen client relationships and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of client hospitality strategies, including annual hosting plans and event calendars aligned to business objectives; identify and recommend high-impact hospitality opportunities, experiences and environments; bring forward innovative, culturally relevant ideas.
• Conduct event portfolio analysis to inform strategic recommendations and optimise programme performance.
• Oversee end-to-end planning and execution of hospitality experiences from concept through recap, including event concepts, branding, guest experience and on-site execution plans.
• Provide on-site leadership for key events and ensure all experiences align with client expectations, brand standards and programme goals.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships; partner with Account teams to align hospitality programmes with broader account goals and growth opportunities; identify opportunities to expand scope, deepen partnerships and drive incremental revenue.
• Ensure hospitality efforts are connected to overall sponsorship, marketing and business strategies.
• Leverage deep vendor relationships across venues, hotels, catering, transportation and experiential production partners; negotiate contracts and secure services; collaborate with experiential production teams and internal resources; manage vendor performance.
• Develop, manage and reconcile budgets across hospitality programmes; provide clients with ongoing visibility into budgets, forecasting and programme performance; lead ROI tracking and measurement; ensure scope is managed and opportunities for efficiency or optimisation are identified.
• Lead and mentor hospitality team members; manage internal resources and cross-functional teams; establish and reinforce best practices, tools and workflows; contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8+ years of experience in hospitality, event planning, experiential marketing or a related field.
• Proven experience leading high-level corporate hospitality programmes and events.
• Experience managing client relationships, vendors, budgets and cross-functional teams.
• Strong vendor network across hospitality and experiential environments.
• Deep expertise in hospitality, event planning and experiential programme execution.
• Strong network of vendor and industry relationships across hospitality and production.
• Ability to think strategically while executing with precision and attention to detail.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and contract negotiation.
• Exceptional client service and relationship management skills.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to guide teams and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to manage multiple complex programmes simultaneously.
• Passion for creating high-quality, memorable experiences that drive business results.
• Ability to travel frequently and work nights, weekends and holidays.

Preferred Skills

• Agency, sports marketing or sponsorship experience preferred.

Workplace

• This role can be based in Excel's New York, Charlotte, Miami, West Hollywood or Chicago offices.

Salary

• Salary may vary based upon relevant experience, time in role, business sector, geographic location and other criteria.

Benefits & Perks

• Eligible for benefits and discretionary bonus.

About the Company

Excel Sports Management is an industry-leading sports agency representing top-tier talent, blue-chip brands and marquee properties.