Events Director

The Ocean Race and our Evolution

The Ocean Race is the toughest test of a team in sport, and a leader in sustainability. The Ocean Race has been undergoing a significant transformation in the last 6-7 years, taking a new direction that is seeing the platform of the race utilised to drive impact for a healthier ocean, using the emotion, interest and global reach of sport to inspire action and drive advocacy.

The Ocean Race is also creating more on-water action than ever before. We are entering a new, ‘always on’ era, with our ongoing ocean health initiatives and two new races - The Ocean Race Europe (2025) and The Ocean Race Atlantic (2026) - building into our main, iconic, around the world event - The Ocean Race 2027.

Role Description

The Ocean Race is looking for a proactive and strategic thinker, hands-on, creative, and detail-oriented events professional to join The Ocean Race Family. Building on our award-winning event and sustainability program, this person will manage the new Ocean Live Park concept, ensuring its successful execution during the races alongside its portfolio of events.

This role involves managing the new Ocean Live Park for The Ocean Race, overseeing its strategic and operational execution, with a strong focus on sustainability and content, and designing and delivering a portfolio of events including The Ocean Race Summits, ensuring adherence to sustainability policies, and leading a collaborative team effort across departments to achieve successful outcomes.

This role will be based in Alicante, and we are looking for a start date at the beginning of January 2025 or as early as possible for a permanent, full-time position.

Candidate Profile

The Events Director must possess the following key personal skills and attributes:

• Strategic and proactive mindset with a keen attention to detail and a strong passion and expertise for sustainability.
• Creative thinker with a commitment to innovation and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, driving value in all initiatives.
• Exceptional planning and operational management skills, complemented by strong leadership capabilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities, fostering collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptable problem-solver, able to navigate challenges with flexibility and resourcefulness.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, promoting effective teamwork and social interaction.

Responsibilities

Pre-event:

• Ocean Live Park concept
  • Contribute to the creation and strategy of the Ocean Live Park, with a special focus on sustainability, sailing, and the sea.
  • Oversee the project management and delivery of the Ocean Live Park.
• Events and Content Portfolio
  • Design and plan the full content of the Ocean Live Park, including daily programming and event TV.
  • Develop and manage a portfolio of events for the races, including Arrivals Ceremonies, The Ocean Race Summits, In-Port Race dock-out shows, prize-giving ceremonies, Leg Start dock-out shows, Awards Nights, and other events as needed.
• Sustainable Event Delivery
  • Develop and implement the Sustainability Policy and strategies to ensure plastic-free events and sustainability excellence.
• People and Management
  • Management of People: Participate in the hiring process for department members and lead, manage and inspire the department members.
  • Financial Management: Create and manage budgets for various projects and events.

Event:

• Ocean Live Park:
  • Position the Ocean Live Park as a leader in content and animation for the general public, aligning with The Ocean Race's communication objectives.
  • Oversee daily operations and maintenance of the Ocean Live Park.
  • Lead the planning and finalization of the official events schedule, collaborating effectively with all departments and Host Cities.
  • Deliver the full content of the Ocean Live Park, including daily programming and event TV.
  • Communicate event information clearly and professionally to race stakeholders, including leading the content design for RaceNet (TOR's online extranet site) and working with the communications team for external messaging.
• Events Delivery:
  • Ensure the successful delivery of all public and private events, including Arrivals Ceremonies, The Ocean Race Summits, In-Port Race dock-out shows, prize-giving ceremonies, Leg Start dock-out shows, Awards Nights, and other events as needed.
  • Complete risk assessments for all events and ensure the events group is trained and experienced in health and safety protocols in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Sustainable Event Delivery
  • Monitor the execution of the Sustainability Events Policy, ensuring environmental sustainability in all aspects.
  • Compile sustainability data for reporting, meeting targets and standards such as ISO, GRI, S4N, S4CA, SDGs, B Corp, etc.
  • Audit the Ocean Live Park’s sustainability performance and collaborate with the Finance Department to measure GHG emissions.
  • Measure performance against identified sustainability targets and assess the impact on stakeholders, including behavior change and retention.
  • Support race stakeholders (host cities, partners, teams) in achieving sustainability goals and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Managing Partner commitments
  • Liaise with the Commercial Director and Client Service Managers to ensure effective execution of sponsor activations, realizing opportunities, and maintaining positive relationships.
• People and Management
  • Management of People: Lead, inspire, and manage the department team members.
  • Financial Management: Oversee and control the budgets for assigned projects.
  • One Team: Proactively contribute to fostering a one-team approach with other departments within The Ocean Race, and with our extended The Ocean Race Family.

Post-event:

• Inventory and store Ocean Live Park elements.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the Sustainability report, providing a comprehensive overview of the race’s sustainability achievements.

Minimum requirements

• Experience in Event Management: Proven experience in managing large-scale events from concept to execution, preferably in a high-profile, international setting.
• Project Management Skills: Strong project management skills with a track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Sustainability Expertise: Deep understanding of global sustainability principles and experience in the creation and management of sustainable events.
• Leadership and Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and manage a diverse team, including experience in the hiring and development of staff.
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including experience in budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively liaise with stakeholders at all levels and a proven ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
• Health & Safety Knowledge: Familiarity with event health and safety regulations and experience in conducting risk assessments.
• Creativity and Innovation: A creative mindset with the ability to develop engaging and innovative event concepts.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of additional languages, particularly Spanish, French, German or Italian, is a plus.
• Education: Knowledge of sustainable event creation and management is required, along with relevant event-related qualifications or licenses.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong IT skills, including expertise in Google Drive, Mac environment, Keynote, and other relevant IT tools.
• Legal requirements: EU national or ability to obtain necessary EU working permits.
• Location and Travel: Willingness to be based in Alicante, with occasional travel during non-race periods and travel during event periods.