Hospitality Manager

THE JOB / Hospitality Manager

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

***Our headquarters are 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 or Atlanta, GA. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.”

We are looking for a dedicated and hardworking person to join our skilled and energetic Hosting x Hospitality Team. The programs incorporate unique sport/culinary/entertainment elements coupled with travel destinations all over the world. If collecting frequent-flyer miles excites you, this job is for you!

In this outstanding role, your principal responsibilities will include development and creation of pre-event planning documents, daily program operations, and presentation materials. You will play a key role in the onsite implementation of hospitality programs, working with a team committed to providing a seamless, high-touch hospitality experience to our brand clients’ most important guests. With the team located across a few Octagon offices, there will be broad exposure to the hospitality industry with a tremendous potential to learn and gain hands-on experience. This position will be exposed to high profile partners and will be expected to collaborate with internal teammates, agency colleagues, preferred vendors, and highly worthy clientele.

You will be responsible for a variety of project-based hospitality work, as well as the management of a client’s hospitality programs related to their NCAA sponsorship.

This position requires travel and is best suited for a candidate interested in working in a team environment with a diverse group of people from different countries and cultural backgrounds.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Project manage multiple hospitality programs simultaneously; using superior attention to detail and client management skills
• Design, develop, and present strategic program recommendations and program execution guides
• Research and implement tactical plans, handling client and vendor relationships
• Develop and distribute guidelines, presentations, and best practices documents for internal and client usage
• Participate in weekly status calls and other key meetings with both internal and external constituents
• Review and distribute planning and execution materials, including status meeting notes, event execution guides, and staff implementation guides
• Manage precise financial records, including budget creation, client invoicing, budget forecasting, reconciliation, and personal travel expenses
• Provide exemplary service onsite for clients and guests at all events
• Serve as onsite host during implementation of programs
• Provide internal and client updates as needed
• May supervise temp staff in the implementation of programs and events
• Lead all aspects of online guest registration systems and databases
• Design templates and acquire invitee information from various clients
• Create personalized itineraries for various events (e.g., golf, football, private events, entertainment)
• Handle all event logistics to include, but not limited to, gifting, decor, lodging, transportation, food and beverage, production services, and talent
• Compile event results reporting and wrap-up report development
• General account management and assistance with client requests
• Weekend/holiday work as needed

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 and expertise in sports, entertainment, gaming, music and/or celebrity & lifestyle culture!
• 5ish years’ experience in related events field; past hospitality experience preferred
• Extraordinarily well-organized and efficient
• A great teammate who wants to know what others are working on and wants to help
• A self-starter with the ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to form effective links with clients; flexible and adaptable in working with various personalities
• Always one or 10 steps ahead; always thinking forward and figuring out answers and solutions before they become questions or challenges
• A sense of humor and good storytelling; we like to laugh
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both written and oral
• Ability to thrive despite any pressure and is outstanding at problem solving; offering creative solutions (though there will always be help, your mantra is: I will figure it out!)
• A go-getter, you demonstrate initiative and accept new challenges (there'll be plenty of last-minute client requests)
• Knowledgeable in the Microsoft Office suite; particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Experience handling a budget and Excel does not scare you
• Though not a requirement, a second language is a plus
• A jet-setter: your bags are packed, and you are thrilled at the idea of travel
• Can work weekends/holidays as needed.

• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and international, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

L3: The base range for this position is $60,000 – 65,000. 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.

#LI-JR1