Alicante
Description
π Contract Duration: May 2026 β July 2027 (Full-Time)
Guest Experience Concept
At The Ocean Race, every guest should leave feeling informed, inspired, cared for, and truly part of The Ocean Race Family.
The Sailors Terrace venue serves as the central hub for VIP stakeholder hospitality within the Ocean Live Park in each stopover. It hosts premium hospitality experiences, private events, and our flagship Guest On Board programme.
The Head of Guest Experience will ensure these experiences are flawlessly planned, commercially successful, operationally robust, and delivered to the highest standards during race periods.
Role Description
As Head of Guest Experience, you will lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the Sailors Terrace (VIP Stakeholder Hospitality) and the Guest On Board Programme.
You will be responsible for end-to-end planning and execution β from concept development and venue construction to budget management, sales strategy, and on-site delivery during race periods.
This role requires a commercially driven mindset combined with operational excellence. You will oversee premium hospitality environments, manage multi-layered stakeholder relationships, and ensure that every guest touchpoint reflects The Ocean Race values of Care, Trust, and Excellence.
You will play a key role in attracting and engaging high-value audiences, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and contributing to the commercial success of the event.
This role reports to the Commercial Relationships & Operations Director and works closely with the Host Cities & Events Director to ensure strategic alignment and seamless delivery across all host cities.
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Project Management
- Develop conceptual guest experience plans, operational strategies, and detailed run-sheets for each stopover.
- Oversee venue hire, build, and construction processes in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety regulations and sustainability best practices.
- Manage the overall budget, including financial tracking, cost control, and invoicing.
- Oversee Food & Beverage strategy, including menu development and budget adherence.
- Direct the strategy and execution of Guest Experience and Event Sales initiatives to maximise revenue and stakeholder engagement.
Operational Delivery
- Lead the full operational management of the Sailors Terrace during race periods.
- Oversee the Guest On Board Programme, ensuring seamless coordination with race teams and stakeholders.
- Serve as the visible host and figurehead of the Sailors Terrace, personally welcoming VIP guests and key stakeholders while ensuring the highest standards of hospitality.
- Ensure exceptional service standards across all hospitality environments.
- Act as the primary on-site liaison for The Ocean Race Leadership Team.
- Troubleshoot operational challenges in fast-paced, high-profile event environments.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and direct the team responsible for delivering all facets of the Guest Experience portfolio.
- Direct reports include:
- Guest Experience Sales & Bookings Manager
- Guest Experience Coordinator
- TV/AV Coordinator
- You will also oversee a significant cohort of hosts and catering staff during race periods.
- Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented, and high-performance team culture.
- Ensure clear communication, accountability, and alignment with commercial objectives.
Commercial & Stakeholder Management
- Drive revenue generation through strategic hospitality and event sales initiatives.
- Manage high-level stakeholder relationships with sponsors, partners, and VIP guests.
- Identify opportunities to enhance guest engagement and commercial value.
- Ensure premium experiences align with sponsor objectives and brand positioning.
Sustainability & Compliance
- Ensure strict adherence to The Ocean Race sustainability policies and best practices.
- Support responsible event delivery aligned with environmental commitments.
General Support & Event Contribution
- Assist colleagues in the production and success of The Ocean Race events.
- Contribute to sustainability initiatives, reflecting The Ocean Raceβs commitment to ocean conservation.
What We Offer
π The opportunity to lead premium hospitality experiences within a globally recognised sporting event.
π₯ A dynamic, international, and fast-paced environment.
π The chance to play a central role in delivering world-class event experiences across multiple international host cities.
π€ Collaboration with passionate, driven colleagues committed to excellence.
π The opportunity to contribute to an event that combines elite sport with sustainability leadership.
Minimum requirements
Qualifications & Skills
Experience & Leadership
- Proven experience leading teams within premium hospitality, major sporting events, or large-scale international events.
- Demonstrated experience managing and delivering high-end VIP experiences.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience driving revenue through hospitality or event sales.
- Experience managing multi-layered operational projects across multiple venues or cities.
Project & Operational Management
- Exceptional organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, track financial performance, and oversee invoicing processes.
- Experience overseeing venue build, supplier coordination, and F&B management.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety compliance and sustainable event practices.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
- Confidence managing senior stakeholders and VIP audiences.
- Ability to represent The Ocean Race professionally in high-level environments.
- Strong negotiation and relationship management capabilities.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on, solutions-focused mindset.
- Resilient and adaptable in high-pressure, live event environments.
- Positive leadership style with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
- Commitment to excellence and alignment with The Ocean Race values: Care, Trust & Excellence.
Additional Considerations
- Preference for candidates based in or willing to relocate to Alicante, Spain, although flexibility is possible.
- Must be willing and able to travel internationally during race periods.
- EU national or ability to obtain necessary EU working permits.
- Commitment to the full contract period (April 2026 β July 2027).
How to Apply
π© Send your CV and a cover letter in English. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Join us in delivering world-class guest experiences and shaping unforgettable moments at The Ocean Race. πβ΅
