Director, Product Innovation & Design
On Location
On Location (OL) is a premium experience provider, offering world class hospitality, ticketing, curated guest experiences, live event production, and travel management across sports, entertainment, and fashion. From unrivaled access for corporate clients to guests looking for fully immersive experiences at marquee events, On Location is the premier and official service provider to over 150 iconic rights holders, such as the IOC, NFL, NCAA, UFC and PGA of America, and numerous musical artists and festivals. The company also owns and operates multiple unique and exclusive experiences, transforming the most dynamic live events into a lifetime of memories. On Location is a subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings, a global sports and entertainment company.
The Role
The Director, Product Innovation & Design is a senior member of the strategic and cross-functional planning team, overseeing the development and delivery of two areas of innovative hospitality products for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games : Immersive Hospitality Packages (IHP) and New Innovative Assets (NIA). This role will serve as the primary lead for the design, development, strategic direction, and operational execution of these programs, while also supporting innovation and strategic commercial hospitality product design across On Location's portfolio of offerings. This key position requires a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader who can foster an innovative, efficient, and profitable commercial product strategy through utilization of key assets and experiences. The Director will collaborate with internal and external constituents to strategize, plan, sell, manage and deliver an optimal guest experience.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Lead strategic planning, commercialization, and operational management of NIA and IHP programs, coordinating with OL and LA28 Functional Areassuch as hospitality, product, sales, marketing, finance, accommodations, transportation, accreditation, security and workforce operationsto ensure budget alignment, effective guest communication, high service standards, operational readiness and effective reporting.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive operational framework for NIA / IHP concept development that aligns with market demands and sales targets.
- Drive innovation and support On Location's holistic commercial hospitality product portfolio by collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure a strategic, scalable approach aligned with revenue and profitability goals.
- Provide leadership to NIA / IHP and other Special Projects with respect to team hiring, goal setting, milestones, and deliverables.
- Enhance our capability to identify and track opportunities to improve quality across all product offerings and customer experiences, working closely with Event Production to develop best-in-class offerings.
- Provide leadership and support as required during LA28 marketing partner events, Organizing Committee meetings, RFPs and other key stakeholder planning initiatives.
- Ensure effective communication and information sharing across functional areas (FAs) and manage ongoing program updates and changes.
- Prepare and distribute event materials, presentations, and communication for both internal and external audiences.
- Collaborate with the Ticketing, Product Operations, and Digital Team on inventory management, data reports, and itinerary building required for operational program delivery.
- Facilitate relationships with the IOC, International Sport Federations, LA28, vendors, suppliers, client leads, and functional areas, driving program progress as needed.
- Develop and implement best practices, operational efficiencies for program management and successful execution of NIA / IHP experiences.
- Support contract negotiations to secure venue use for NIA / IHP Olympics and Paralympics program-related needs.
- Develop the NIA / IHP program management operational budget, aligning with service standards and product budgets while allowing scalability based on sales.
- Oversee financial aspects, including program management operational budget management and post-event reconciliations for NIA / IHP and Special Projects.
- Lead NIA / IHP staffing strategy and planning in coordination with Program Management, ensuring the right talent is in place for Olympic and Paralympic program execution.
- Mentor and support team members to achieve performance goals.
- Support planning and execution of site visit logistics including hotels, venues, and restaurants.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
Prepare presentations, documentation, and communication materials in Microsoft Office (PPT, Word, Excel) or Keynote as needed and assigned.Develop and implement specific event procedures and systems.Attend and conduct meetings, record updates, and track progress.Participate in brainstorming sessions, contributing ideas and creative insights.Demonstrate strong leadership and managerial skills.Manage timelines and deadlines related to overall program and individual assignments.Execute all other duties assigned by the team or leadership.Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
Extensive experience with global events, major sporting events, teams and operations, including (but not limited to) multiple Olympic Games and / or FIFA World Cups, or similar.Proven track record managing the entire lifecycle of a global event, from strategy through execution.Background in Operations, Venue Planning and Product Development with a strong interest in travel, major sporting events, and guest experience innovation.Skilled in strategic planning, budget management, guest services, and event operations including putting process and best practices in place.Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively at all organizational levels.Strong leadership and team development abilities, with a commitment to ongoing self-improvement.Travel
Must be adaptable with work and travel schedule and be available to travel for work which may include extended work hours during nights, weekends, and holidays. This position may require up to 20% travel more is the position is remote from Los Angeles.