The Role
The Director, Special Events is responsible for leading the relationship, strategy, planning, and operational delivery of On Location's Special Events & Experiences, together with local expert supplier(s) for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Acting as the Functional Area lead, this role partners closely with Platinum and Stakeholder teams, as well as the Business Development and wider Global Operations team to develop, implement, and deliver premium hospitality solutions across all client programs. The role is responsible for establishing the local operating model, managing appointed agency partners, and ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery of services throughout the planning and Games-time phases.
Key Responsibilities
Special Events
- Lead the RFP process for the selection of local agency partners in collaboration with the Procurement team.
- Lead agency onboarding and establish governance, communication flows, operational processes, reporting structures, and ways of working between On Location and appointed partners.
- Act as the primary relationship owner for appointed agencies, driving performance, innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
- Oversee the delivery of premium activities, experiences, dining programs, hotel concierge services, and remote concierge operations across all client programs.
- Serve as the Functional Area lead, liaising with local experts for Special Events, cultural or entertainment experiences, unique dining requests, and concierge service delivery (where and if required) across all LA28 programs.
- Partner with PLAT Program Management teams to understand program objectives and develop bespoke hospitality solutions supporting individual client requirements.
- Support Business Development during the sales phase by working with the local agency in developing hospitality concepts, operational solutions, budgets, and client presentations.
- Coordinate external agencies, suppliers, and operational partners to ensure consistent quality, operational readiness, and exceptional guest experience.
- Work in close partnership with the Stakeholder Services Production team (Ben Rodber) to ensure seamless integration of Functional Area services into the overall program delivery.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Transportation, Accommodations, Staffing, Technology, and other Functional Areas to ensure successful execution of Special Event program elements.
- Maintain financial oversight, supplier performance, operational readiness, risk management, and continuous improvement across the Functional Area.
Local Resource
- Support Program Management teams with destination expertise, local market intelligence, and operational recommendations throughout the planning lifecycle.
- Coordinate venue familiarization visits, supplier meetings and site visits to support program planning and operational readiness.
- Provide recommendations on experiences, restaurants, entertainment, concierge solutions, and local partners aligned with program objectives and client expectations.
- Act as the liaison between Program Management, appointed agencies, suppliers, and operational partners to ensure timely communication, efficient coordination, and seamless delivery across all Special Events services.
Location
This role is ideally Los Angeles based; remote candidates will be considered based upon industry knowledge and expertise. Travel to host city will be required. Working schedules may include extended hours during nights, weekends, and holidays.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Olympic Games or related global sports event experience preferred.
- Minimum 5+ years' experience in luxury hospitality, special events, event production, destination management, or premium travel experiences.
- Proven experience delivering high-end events and bespoke experiences for VIP and premium clients.
- Experience managing complex supplier relationships, contract negotiations, budgets, and operational delivery.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; additional languages are a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint), with willingness to utilize additional operational platforms including SharePoint, Slack, Salesforce, and other event management systems.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Highly organized with excellent project management, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Creative, solution-oriented, and capable of balancing innovation with operational excellence.
