Senior Hospitality Manager (Global Sports Programs) (Financial Services Client)

THE JOB / Senior Hospitality Manager (Global Sports Programs) (Financial Services Client)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs.

***Our headquarters is in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (2-3 days week in office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL,  or Atlanta, GA. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.”

Do you consider yourself a hospitality specialist and claim excellence as your standard?

Skilled with running multiple hosting programs across the globe?  

If you have exceptional account management skills, are a standout colleague, and are passionate about ensuring guests at major events enjoy the best experience possible, this could be the role for you. 

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Senior Hospitality Manager to assist in the development and execution of guest programs for one of our key clients in soccer. The role requires operational experience and excellent understanding of high-end hospitality and customer hosting, in-person event operations, as well as account management.  You enjoy working in a team environment and know how to effectively work with clients and partners to deliver premium service in a fast-paced atmosphere.    

The candidate will be responsible for delivering successful guest experiences, sourcing local suppliers, logistics planning, and on the ground event execution for global hospitality events at FIFA World Cup.  You are organized and detail oriented, willing to travel and work across multiple geographies and take pride in delivering a flawless event.  Enjoy the challenge of working at the speed of light and balancing sophisticated programs? We do too. You will be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, delivering exciting and exclusive programs to our clients. 

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Strategic and operational planning of C-suite level FIFA hospitality programs offering unique content, experiences, and best-in-class delivery 
• Operational planning of detailed hospitality packages, including (but not limited to) transportation, logistics, talent procurement, staff operations, and venue management
• Event development including (but not limited to) scheduling, logistics, health and safety, insurance, creative production, and briefing documentation providing in-depth brand relevant content and insight 
• Research, procure, and contract relevant third-party suppliers 
• Financial account management including the creation of budgets, tracking, and reconciliation 
• Development and delivery of pre- and post-event reporting 
• On-site management of C-suite level guests 
• Management of direct reports as assigned 
• Leadership of client relationships, day-to-day account management, project management, internal team coordination 
• Development of operational program strategy; driving through to execution
• Proactive thinking to foresee issues and propose solutions before they arise
• Financial management of invoices, vendor payments, budget tracking documents, and reporting and reconciliation on overall project finances
• Coordination with other global Octagon account teams to ensure efficiencies and best practices across regions
• Management of junior account staff, overseeing specific project workstream deliverables 

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU’LL JOIN

Recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work in Sports”, Octagon is the global sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing arm of the Interpublic Group.

We take pride in being Playmakers – finding insightful, bold ways to create play in our work, our lives, and in the world. We believe in the power of play to create big ideas and unlock potential for our clients and talent.

We can put ourselves in the shoes of fans because we ARE fans – of sports, entertainment, and culture at large. This expertise allows us to continually evolve the fan experience across sports and entertainment alongside some of the biggest brands and talent in the world.

The world needs play more than ever. Are you a Playmaker?

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Have a passion for hospitality, sports, entertainment & travel 
• 5-7 years(s) work experience in hospitality or experiential marketing with focus on operations
• Have experience with on-site management and execution within major sports events and properties 
• Have experience working on programs at scale with multiple hotels in multiple locations
• Have outstanding organization, interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written)  
• Have strong attention to detail, the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and produce quality work within deadlines 
• Ability to think on your feet and use your initiative. You enjoy learning new things and can quickly adapt when things change 
• A natural at building relationships with just about anyone at any level in an organization  
• Thrives when solving problems and finding creative solutions to challenges 
• Can collaborate across disciplines, departments and projects  
• Have demonstrated experience in positions requiring discretion, judgment, tact, and poise and you are reliable and trustworthy 
• Exhibits emotional intelligence and can adapt to working with various personalities 
• Is an ambitious team player that works well within a growing, diverse team in a fast pace environment
• Not afraid to “pitch in”, “roll up your sleeves” and get it done. You take initiative. No task is too big or too small 
• Have staff management and scheduling experience, can empower others, driving the team to success 
• Have excellent computer skills – mastery of the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 
• Willing to work weekends, holidays, and non-traditional hours, as required 
• Multiple languages are a plus! 
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

L4: The base range for this position is $65,000 – 75,000. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background pertinent experience, and qualifications

Octagon’s comprehensive benefit package includes:

• Unlimited PTO policy – we understand you need time for play!
• Competitive medical/dental/vision insurance plans with FSA/HSA and Dependent Care FSA options. Pet Insurance for those who need it too!
• Generous Family and Parental Leave Policy (12 weeks) with eligibility extended to all parents regardless of gender or primary/secondary caregiver status 
• Access to our parent company (IPG) Savings plan (401K program) with company match as well as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Pretax Transportation/Commuter Benefits and Parent Travel Program
• Dedicated Mental Health resources including Headspace membership, Employee Assistance Program (CCA) and more
• Discount portal for everyday goods and services
• Employee Resource Groups and inclusive diversity programming and initiatives
• Personal Development programs 

Octagon is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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