Director, Premium Hospitality (External Agency Staff)

National Football League (NFL); City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization in London is seeking a Director of Premium Hospitality to innovate and lead exceptional experiences during international games. The role involves managing premium packages, overseeing events, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in hospitality and a strong leadership background, focusing on both operational excellence and creative strategies.

Qualifications

• Master-level experience in premium hospitality and major events.
• Proven track record in managing large, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Strong organizational and strategic management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of premium hospitality strategy.
• Design and deliver innovative hospitality packages.
• Oversee food & beverage operations for events.

Skills

Extensive experience in premium hospitality

Leadership and team management

P&L management

Negotiation skills

Event management

Organizational skills

Strategic vision

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or Master’s in Event Management/Hospitality

Job description

Overview

Director, Premium Hospitality (External Agency Staff) — London

The NFL is looking for a visionary hospitality leader to shape unforgettable experiences on one of the biggest stages in global sports. As Director of Premium Hospitality & Events, you will set the standard for innovation and excellence across international games—overseeing suites, club spaces, VIP services, and private hospitality events that define premium. From crafting world-class packages to delivering seamless client service, you’ll elevate every detail of the fan journey. This role also drives the creation of bold, temporary hospitality concepts that enhance in-game, pre-game, and post-game experiences.

It’s an opportunity to lead with creativity, deliver at the highest level, and redefine what premium hospitality means for fans around the world.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive premium hospitality strategy, setting the standard for in-game, pre-game, and post-game experiences across international games.
• Design and deliver innovative hospitality packages, including suites, club spaces, VIP services, private events, and year-round event support for key business verticals.
• Oversee food & beverage operations and catering, ensuring exceptional quality and seamless integration with premium hospitality offerings.
• Build and manage strong relationships with stadium operators, catering vendors, NFL Clubs, and internal departments to ensure flawless execution and alignment.
• Collaborate with the NFL’s Club Business Development team on seat allocations, manifest development, and pricing strategies, balancing delivery costs with revenue goals.
• Partner with the NFL’s Creative department to develop concepts and premium branding that elevate the look, feel, and prestige of all hospitality events.
• Oversee training and standards for front-of-house hospitality staff, ensuring alignment with the NFL’s “Fans First” service program.
• Provide clear, consistent communication and leadership across stakeholders to ensure the seamless delivery of an end-to-end hospitality operation.
• Manage hospitality budgets, including cost controls, production partner tenders, and RFIs.
• Develop and implement client communications for hospitality programs, including pre- and post-game messaging, client servicing, and gifting initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive, master-level experience in premium hospitality, VIP servicing and major event management
• Proven leader with a track record of managing large, complex teams and multi-stakeholder projects
• Strong P&L management experience with accountability for budget, revenue, and cost optimization
• Exceptional negotiation skills, including RFP/RFI management, to secure best-in-class production partners and vendors
• Culture carrier: consistently drives a positive and inclusive work environment, fostering staff development at all career stages
• Experience producing both domestic and international events, including marquee tentpoles and ongoing operational programs
• Strong organizational, strategic, and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to balance operational excellence with creative, high-impact experiences
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including domestic and international markets

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (e.g., MBA, Master’s in Event Management, Hospitality, or related field).
• Minimum of 15 years of leadership experience in live event production and premium hospitality.
• Demonstrated track record of leading large, complex, high-profile events with operational excellence.
• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, external vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong strategic, financial (P&L), and negotiation skills, including experience with RFP/RFI processes to secure best-in-class production partners.
• Experience fostering a positive, inclusive culture and developing staff at all career stages.

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics

• Strategic Vision: Sees the big picture, anticipates challenges, and aligns complex programs with organizational goals.
• Proven Leadership: Inspires, develops, and motivates diverse teams, fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture.
• Collaboration & Influence: Builds strong relationships across teams, stakeholders, and vendors to drive alignment and results.
• Communication Excellence: Articulate, persuasive, and clear in high-stakes internal and external interactions.
• Problem Solving & Adaptability: Thrives under pressure, making sound decisions while managing competing priorities.
• Cultural Intelligence: Ensures programs authentically reflect local communities and promotes inclusivity.
• Emotional Intelligence & Resilience: Demonstrates empathy, self-awareness, and composure in complex situations.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This is a hands-on, live event production role that requires working long hours, often under tight deadlines.
• Must be able to work in a variety of conditions, including outdoor venues, stadiums, and temporary office setups.
• The role requires extensive travel and physical demands during event execution.
• Operates in a high-visibility, high-impact environment where careful attention to detail and sound decision-making under pressure are essential.
• Must be able to manage the physical and mental demands of fast-paced, complex events while maintaining leadership presence and focus

Terms / Expected Hours of Work

• This role requires significant domestic and international travel, approximately 50–60% of the working year.
• Travel will include some weekends due to the event and game calendar.
• Extended periods on the road are expected during event planning and delivery, including multi-day assignments away from a home base.
• Must be flexible and adaptable to changing schedules and locations while maintaining operational oversight and leadership presence
• This is a full-time role, based on a standard 40-hour workweek.
• The NFL operates on a 5-day, in-office schedule when not traveling

EEO / Inclusion

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