Director, Events (External Agency Staff)

National Football League (NFL); Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A major sports organization is seeking a Director of Events to lead the UK NFL events team across EMEA. This role focuses on developing event strategies, executing fan experiences, and managing budgets up to £2 million. Ideal candidates will have at least 10 years in events or hospitality, with a strong background in stakeholder management and sports marketing. The position requires exceptional leadership and organizational skills, with a commitment to delivering outstanding fan experiences.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits offerings

Inclusive work environment

Development and growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in event management and/or hospitality.
• 5 years management experience required.
• Ability to manage budgets up to £2 million.
• Strong understanding of sports marketing.
• Knowledge of American football is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee UK based NFL events team.
• Plan and execute various events across EMEA.
• Manage budgets and agency relationships.
• Lead team to achieve NFL business objectives.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Event planning and delivery

Budget management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Education

10+ years in events/hospitality

Management experience

Job description

Director, Events (External Agency Staff)

London

Oversee and manage the UK based NFL events team across EMEA with primary focus on international game (currently: UK, Germany, Spain and Ireland) to build event strategies, operational plans and execute fan experiences and year-round activities and events ensuring a best-in-class delivery and fan experience that meets the wider business, commercial, marketing and local market objectives.

Essential Functions

• Event Management
  • Extensive experience of planning and delivering both large- and small-scale events across EMEA
  • Strong operational delivery experiences across both sport and fan/public events
  • Experience with all aspects of public events including, but not limited to licenses, health and safety, authorities’ management, programming, scheduling, branding/creative, and procurement
• Planning and execution of a range of events during games weeks, as well as year round activities to support local offices and key business initiatives, including gameday fan experiences, Kickoff events, local market activations, NFL club activations, community, partner integration and lead development, OnePass app content strategy, NFL FLAG, NFL Academy event support, and overall best practices.
• Budgeting
  • Oversight of all fan event budgets:
    • Ensure the team track, manage, and communicate their budgets to ensure events are delivered to target including identify risk & opportunity
    • Strong knowledge and ability to build event budgets in line with event strategy including League procurement practices
• Agency Management
  • Ability to drive and lead relationships with event agencies across EMEA including budget oversight
  • Experience with robust RFP process and onboarding of new vendors
• Team Management
  • Ability to manage and drive the team to ensure success, development, and coordination with key internal and external stakeholder groups, including managing cross organizational working groups, across both EMEA and US
    • Support events team in successfully managing cross functional events with key focus delivering against NFL business objectives
    • Support events team in successfully managing external partnerships, including but not limited to City / Host authorities, Local organizing committees, Government Sports bodies and Stadium & Team partners

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the events and/or hospitality industry
• 5 years management experience
• Extensive knowledge within a highly technical discipline of managing and executing large scale fan events
• Ability to manage budgets up to the value of £2 million
• Experience in managing multiple partners and agencies
• Strong knowledge and understanding of sports marketing to drive attendance and engagement
• Commercially astute and able to identify revenue generating opportunities
• Ideally, an understanding of American Football

Leadership Attributes

• Highly organised, with exceptional time management and the ability to prioritize tasks as necessary and meet key deadlines
• Effective problem‑solving, can identify issues, find solutions and make informed decisions.
• Proven ability in managing upwards and communicating effectively
• Excellent communication skills used to drive collaboration across business areas and functions.
• Strong presentation skills with ability to deliver key information to large audiences and senior leadership
• Ability to adapt and be resilient within an ever‑changing environment and event landscape
• Strong capability for stakeholder management; confident in influencing and negotiating with both internal colleagues and external partners whilst maintaining key relationships
• Demonstrates integrity, motivates team members and is recognized as a valuable team player
• Enthusiastic, self‑starter with a positive attitude and a commitment to delivering at the highest standard

Management Requirements

• Strong track record of managing a team (minimum 5+)
• Ability to communicate effectively and deliver key information to all team members
• Proven track record of supporting and developing team members

Travel

• Willingness to travel within EMEA and US, work long hours and weekends when required

Benefits Information
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits offerings, please visit: NFL BENEFITS

NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED.

The NFL is committed to building an inclusive work environment that reflects our incredible fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.

WHO WE ARE:

NFL Core Values:

• Respect: Everyone matters. We celebrate diverse opinions, honor hard work, and value every contribution.
• Integrity: We do what's right, even when it's tough. We hold ourselves accountable and always follow through.
• Team Responsibility: We support each other and our communities. No one is bigger than the game, and every action impacts others.
• Resiliency: We set high standards, overcome adversity, and adapt to challenges, always striving for excellence.
• Build Talent: We develop and nurture potential, empowering individuals to grow and succeed.
• Execute: We take action with precision, delivering results that drive our goals forward.
• Inspire: We motivate others through vision, energy, and a commitment to excellence.
• Live Our Values: We embody our core principles in every decision and action.
• Know the Business: We stay informed, understand our industry, and make decisions that strengthen our position.
• Think Big: We challenge the status quo, envision bold possibilities, and strive for transformative impact

WHO YOU ARE:

Talent Attributes: What we expect for our employees:

• Embody an enthusiastic, proactive can‑do attitude
• Embrace grit, free from ego or entitlement
• Excel as a relationship builder, with the ability to influence
• Eager learner, driven by passion rather than just ambition
• Encompasses an incredible work ethic with an agile mindset