Director of Events & Experiences

Introduction to QE:

QE is Quintessentially’s Brand Experience Agency, arising from the merger of our two legacy teams, Quintessentially Events and Quintessentially Travel.

QE harnesses Quintessentially’s unique insight and our strategy, live experience, travel, and guest management expertise to help brands and businesses understand, engage with, and retain their high-value audience. Our work is global, fast-paced, and diverse and we work across a broad range of specialisms, most notably event production, incentive travel, guest management & logistics, and event strategy work for brands looking to target and/or engage with the U/HNW audience. We have a reputation for creativity, service excellence, and integrity – with gold-standard client servicing as our north star. We are known as the global specialists in the luxury sector and have QE offices in 7 countries globally (with this number due to grow).

QE is part of Quintessentially, the world’s leading luxury lifestyle group. Quintessentially has been providing unparalleled access to the world of luxury experiences across the globe for 22 years, leveraging our network of 30 global offices to deliver tailor-made connectivity to our members. As well as providing both Private and Corporate concierge to our members, Quintessentially has an in- house Travel agency, Estates division and Education consultancy.

Job Summary:

The Director of Events & Experiences is responsible for leading QE market-specific project management teams in the planning and execution of premium events and brand experiences for global clients. This role demands extensive expertise in event production and guest management, coupled with strong leadership and client relationship management skills, as well as a sharp commercial acumen. The Director plays an integral role throughout all phases of a project, from initial pitch to final delivery, ensuring that all events and experiences meet the highest standards of execution.

The scope of the role includes overseeing a variety of formats such as event design and production, private events, brand activations, corporate incentives, guest management and logistics, as well as gifting programs.

The Director will manage a full-time team of 2 based in New York, alongside a network of consultants and freelancers. A proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams is essential, with a focus on fostering a collaborative, team-first culture to nurture and grow the department’s talent.

Key responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary account service lead for key client accounts, ensuring the delivery of exceptional service and client satisfaction.
• Lead, support, and mentor a growing team, fostering professional development and a collaborative work environment.
• Identify and capitalize on business growth opportunities within existing client accounts to drive expansion and revenue.
• Oversee and ensure the development of innovative, high-quality ideas for a diverse range of events, experiences, and projects.
• Provide meticulous oversight and attention to detail in the execution and delivery of projects at all levels.
• Lead the end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of projects, ensuring alignment with client expectations and organizational objectives.
• Interpret and understand client needs to develop compelling pitch solutions that align with their objectives and deliver successful outcomes.
• Manage the preparation of strategic and creative proposals: guide and direct the team in responding to complex briefs with precision and excellence.
• Ensure the seamless operation of key internal processes, including template usage, event bibles, risk assessments, and other operational tools.
• Foster team well-being by managing workload distribution, providing ongoing support, and promoting career growth and development.
• Allocate resources and assign team members to new events and projects based on skillsets and project needs.
• Exercise detailed oversight of live projects, taking the lead on high-profile and large-scale initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for client issues, ensuring prompt and effective resolution.
• Oversee and monitor event budgets, ensuring they meet client expectations and profitability targets.
• Resource and manage a dynamic project calendar to ensure timely delivery across multiple initiatives.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention strategies for high-performing team members and freelancers.
• Manage project budgets, contracts, and cash flow, tracking against financial targets and P&L in collaboration with the Financial Controller.
• Ensure smooth operational processes across projects and within team management, leveraging support from the wider team.
• Source and engage the best suppliers, ensuring competitive rates and high-quality service.
• Maintain high staff morale and cultivate a positive company culture that aligns with organizational values.
• Share best practices across regional teams to ensure consistent and high-quality outcomes.
• Provide onsite presence at events as necessary, including during weekends and public holidays, to ensure flawless execution.

Experience Required:

• Over 10 years of experience in an agency environment, including 5 years in leadership roles, with proven skills in team development and directing cross-functional operations across regions.
• Extensive experience within the U.S. market is essential.
• Proven expertise in delivering high-quality live events and brand experiences for both private and corporate clients, with a strong track record in managing seamless event productions from concept to completion and building lasting relationships with senior executives and high-net-worth individuals.
• In-depth experience within the luxury and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) industry, with the ability to deliver premium service at the highest level and anticipate client needs.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a proactive, solution-oriented approach to challenges.
• Significant experience in managing large-scale event productions, including brand activations, incentive travel, and high-profile private events.
• Strong commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to drive profitable outcomes and identify growth opportunities.
• Highly discreet and well-networked within the industry, with established relationships with key stakeholders, suppliers, and the ability to handle confidential client information.
• Able to lead teams and deliver exceptional results in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Who You Are:

Dynamic | Positive | Smart | Kind | Leans In | Fast moving | Entrepreneurial | Quick thinking | Strong Work Ethic Organized | Curious | Efficient | Conscientious | Supportive | Personable | Ambitious | Problem Solver | Innovative Connected | Professional

Additional Requirements:

Regional and some international travel will be required for this role

Hybrid work schedule and must be available to work from the Quintessentially office in New York Mondays and Thursdays.

Salary Range: $120k – $140k (Commensurate with experience) Commission & discretionary bonus.

Quintessentially is an Equal Opportunity Employer.