Head of Partner Activations

DO & CO is a global premium hospitality and catering group headquartered in Vienna, Austria. Founded on a passion for exceptional food and uncompromising service, the group delivers world-class hospitality across Airline Catering, International Event Catering and Restaurants, Lounges & Hotels.

For decades, DO & CO has been synonymous with the Formula 1 Paddock Club. Our teams design, build and operate the hospitality environments where the world's most discerning guests experience the sport, from Paddock Club spaces and team suites to partner lounges and bespoke experiences.

At DO & CO, every guest is a VIP. We combine culinary artistry, craftsmanship, hospitality innovation and meticulous execution to create moments that are simply unforgettable.

DO & CO is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.

DO & CO is seeking a visionary Head of Partner Activations to lead sponsor, brand and partner activation builds across our Formula 1 hospitality portfolio. This is a senior role for a creative strategist who can turn a partner's ambitions into unforgettable guest experiences.

Within Formula 1, DO & CO designs, builds and operates world-class hospitality environments, from Paddock Club spaces and team suites to partner lounges and bespoke experiences. Our Design & Build team creates, produces and delivers these environments around the world.

You will be the strategic link between our commercial partners, their brand stakeholders and the Design & Build team. You will combine partnership management, experiential strategy, creative development, project leadership and onsite delivery to ensure every activation serves the partner's objectives, delights our guests and upholds DO & CO's reputation for excellence.

You will work with some of the most recognised names in beauty, luxury, food and drink and global sport, including but not limited to:

Beauty & wellness: Sephora, Wella Professionals and other beauty and wellness partners

Champagne & luxury: Moët & Chandon and LVMH Group brands

Food & beverage: Barilla and others

Formula 1: Formula 1 Global Partners

Fashion & lifestyle: Luxury fashion houses and lifestyle brands

Future growth: New strategic commercial partners

Key Responsibilities

Partner Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all Global activation partners.

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with F1 partner stakeholders at every level.

• Develop a deep understanding of each partner's brand strategy, marketing objectives and experiential goals.

• Lead partner planning meetings throughout the Formula 1 season and oversee the project management and build by DO & CO suppliers.

Activation Strategy

• Develop annual and race-specific activation strategies across the DO & CO F1 portfolio.

• Identify innovative opportunities for guest engagement and new guest experiences.

• Create compelling activation proposals and recommendations aligned with partner objectives and supplier strengths.

• Ensure every activation supports business growth and enhances the guest experience.

Creative Development

• Translate partner briefs into distinctive creative concepts and activation strategies.

• Work within the wider Design & Build team throughout concept development.

• Ensure activations honour partner brand guidelines and DO & CO standards and vision.

• Review and approve designs, layouts, finishes and guest journeys.

Design & Build Integration

• Work hand in hand with designers, project managers, producers and installation teams.

• Write clear creative and technical briefs.

• Ensure activation requirements are built into suite and hospitality designs from the outset.

• Guide activation projects from concept through to delivery.

Project Leadership

• Own activation planning timelines and milestones.

• Coordinate internal teams and external suppliers.

• Manage activation logistics across the Formula 1 calendar.

• Ensure activations are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest standard.

Onsite Event Delivery

• Attend selected Formula 1 events around the world.

• Oversee activation installation and operation.

• Manage partner expectations throughout race weekends.

• Act as the senior escalation point for all partner-related matters.

• Ensure flawless execution and outstanding guest engagement.

Commercial Management

• Develop and manage activation budgets.

• Track activation performance and return on investment.

• Identify opportunities to enhance commercial value and future growth.

• Support partnership renewals through consistently exceptional delivery.

Innovation & Growth

• Stay ahead of emerging trends in luxury hospitality, experiential marketing and Formula 1.

• Introduce new activation concepts and technologies.

• Elevate the partner activation offering across DO & CO's hospitality environments.

• Contribute to business development and new partnership opportunities.

Experience & Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in experiential marketing, sponsorship, hospitality, events, luxury brands or Formula 1.

• A proven record of managing relationships with premium and luxury brands.

• Demonstrated success delivering physical activations, brand experiences or hospitality environments.

• A strong understanding of design, fabrication and event production processes.

• Experience managing budgets and external suppliers.

• Confidence presenting to senior stakeholders and client leadership teams.

• A bachelor's degree in Marketing, Event Management, Hospitality, Design, Business or a related field is preferred; exceptional industry experience is equally valued.

• Fluent English is essential; additional languages are highly valued.

• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally during the Formula 1 season.

Core Competencies

• Strategic partnership management: building partnerships that grow in value season after season.

• Experiential marketing expertise: knowing what makes a brand experience memorable, shareable and effective.

• Commercial awareness: connecting every activation to partner ROI and DO & CO's growth.

• Client leadership: guiding senior partner stakeholders with confidence and credibility.

• Creative thinking: generating original ideas that surprise guests and delight partners.

• Design literacy: reading drawings, layouts and finishes, and knowing what works in a hospitality space.

• Project management: running multiple complex projects across a global calendar.

• Negotiation skills: securing the best outcomes with partners and suppliers.

• Financial management: building, controlling and reporting on activation budgets.

• Stakeholder engagement: aligning partners, creative, production and operations teams.

• Leadership and team collaboration: inspiring internal teams and external suppliers to deliver their best.

• Exceptional communication: articulate, persuasive and polished in every setting

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success is measured by the value activations create for partners, guests and DO & CO. Targets will be agreed annually.

KPI and How it is measured

Partner satisfaction: Post-race and end-of-season partner feedback scores

Partner retention and renewal: Share of partners renewing and expanding their activations

Activation delivery success: Activations delivered to brief, brand standards and quality benchmarks

Revenue generated through activations: Activation revenue and incremental commercial value

Guest engagement: Footfall, dwell time, participation and guest feedback

On-time, on-budget delivery: Projects delivered to agreed timelines and budgets

Portfolio growth: New partners, categories and activation formats added

Internal stakeholder satisfaction: Feedback from Design & Build, Operations, Sales and Marketing

We believe that our employees are the driving force behind our success and strive to create a positive and supportive work environment. As a member of our team, you will have access to a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary
• Location: Global, with travel to selected Formula 1 events
• Enjoy perks by referring your friends through our Refer a Friend Scheme
• Save money and time with On-Site Free Meals
• Expand your skills and knowledge through our in-house training opportunities.
• A business where you can have a real impact, we’re not afraid of new ideas!
• Genuine career development opportunities, both nationally and internationally
• The opportunity to work with and represent one of the most innovative players in the luxury global gourmet entertainment market

DO&CO is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status