Freelance Account Director - F1

Handle Recruitment is partnering with a leading global brand consulting agency to find an experienced Freelance Account Director to support the delivery of world-class Formula 1 hospitality programmes for a portfolio of internationally recognised brands. West London | Hybrid Freelance Contract Day Rate Negotiable This is an opportunity to work within an award-winning Brand Consulting team, partnering with brands including OKX, Volvo, Salesforce, Qualcomm, Allianz and Etihad Airways. The team combines the scale of a global agency with the culture of a boutique business, offering a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where premium client experiences are at the heart of everything they do. We're looking for an experienced Events & Hospitality specialist with significant expertise in Formula 1 guest management programmes, who can hit the ground running and lead the delivery of high-profile international hospitality experiences. The Opportunity Reporting into the Head of Events & Hospitality, you'll take ownership of premium Formula 1 hospitality programmes, leading projects from strategic planning through to on-site execution at races around the world. You'll work closely with internal teams, clients, suppliers and rights holders to deliver exceptional guest experiences while ensuring seamless operational delivery. Key Responsibilities • Partner with the account team to shape and enhance Formula 1 global hospitality programmes. • Provide strategic guidance on hospitality planning, guest experience, audience strategy and programme design. • Lead the planning and execution of premium guest management programmes across the Formula 1 calendar. • Manage hospitality teams and coordinate all operational delivery from pre-event planning through to on-site execution. • Oversee accommodation, travel, logistics and ancillary event programmes alongside official race hospitality. • Manage Formula 1 hospitality inventory, ticket allocations and contractual assets. • Build and maintain relationships with Formula 1 rights holders, suppliers and key stakeholders. • Act as the senior point of contact for clients, providing regular updates, reporting and strategic advice. • Travel internationally to lead hospitality programmes and manage VIP guest experiences at races. About You We're looking for someone who can step into a busy programme with minimal onboarding and confidently lead delivery. You'll have: • 10+ years' experience delivering premium hospitality and event programmes, ideally within Formula 1 or global sports partnerships. • Proven strategic expertise, with the ability to advise senior clients, shape long-term hospitality strategies, and develop programmes that maximise commercial value, guest engagement and sponsorship objectives. • Extensive experience leading complex, international hospitality programmes on behalf of global brands, with responsibility for budgets, governance and operational excellence. • A deep understanding of the Formula 1 ecosystem, including rights holders, promoters, teams and hospitality products, with an established network of industry relationships. • Exceptional leadership skills, with experience building, mentoring and inspiring high-performing teams while fostering a collaborative culture. • The ability to influence and build trusted relationships with C-suite clients, senior stakeholders and executive leadership, acting as a strategic advisor rather than solely a delivery lead. • Outstanding operational judgement, with the ability to oversee multiple high-profile programmes simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail. • Strong commercial acumen, including experience developing scopes of work, managing budgets, identifying growth opportunities and contributing to new business. • Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills. • Previous agency or client services experience is advantageous but not essential. • Availability to travel internationally throughout the contract. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced freelance Account Director with deep Formula 1 hospitality expertise to join a globally recognised agency and deliver exceptional guest experiences for some of the world's leading brands. Apply below today if you have the relevant experience! Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.