Job Description
Expect the best. Experience Better.
For the world’s most discerning individuals, brands and corporates, Quintessentially is the ultimate destination for comprehensive lifestyle management and brand experiences. It’s the pinnacle of personalisation and the epitome of exclusivity.
Combining an unwavering commitment to redefining excellence with a clientele that demands nothing short of perfection, Quintessentially elevates every aspect of its clients’ lives to unparalleled heights through meticulous attention to detail.
Quintessentially Experiences is the award-winning agency behind the world’s most legendary events and experiences. We build lasting connections between businesses and high-value audiences by leading the way in global Events & Activations, Experiences, Incentives & Rewards and luxury Weddings and Celebrations.
Our mission
We elevate lives by granting access to the very best that life has to offer and creating unforgettable moments through unparalleled personalisation and attention to detail.
Our personality
Curious: Our innate drive to learn and grow elicits innovation. Culturally attuned and inquisitive by nature, we seek always-on inspiration to deliver ideas impactfully.
Proud: Drawing upon our British heritage, we celebrate our accomplishments in a sophisticated and discerning manner that is executed through everything from our people to our communications.
Connected: Relationships are at the core of who we are. We make meaningful and lasting connections on a global scale between people, places, and perspectives that make an impact.
Our values:
Expertise and industry knowledge: Always at the forefront of industry trends, our team of experts has the most extensive knowledge in the luxury sector. This enables us to service the most discerning individuals, create exceptional brand and travel experiences, and provide unparalleled corporate concierge support. But we never rest on our laurels. We continuously seek to enhance this reputation in order to give our members and clients the best service possible.
Attention to detail: We know it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference. That’s why we’re committed to providing an exceptional service through the highest level of attention to detail. From the ordinary everyday lifestyle requests to the extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we ensure that every interaction, touchpoint, and detail is executed to the highest standard.
Member-first and client-focused: Our members and clients are our raison d’être. They place their trust in us, so we place them at the heart of everything we do. By building personal, long-lasting relationships with each individual member and client, we understand all their needs, preferences, and aspirations perfectly and tailor our services accordingly. With them in mind, we always strive to go above and beyond.
Pursuit of perfection: We know all our clients expect nothing but the best. That’s why we strive not only for excellence but to exceed all expectations. Our unmatched dedication to the pursuit of perfection – whatever that looks like to each individual client – is what sets up apart from the competition.
Philanthropic activity: We believe in the power of philanthropy and aim to contribute positively by leveraging our knowledge and influence across the luxury landscape. Bringing our clients and members along with us, we want to incite meaningful change and have a positive impact on the communities around us – from raising vital funds to spreading awareness.
Job summary:
* The Interim Head of Quintessentially Experiences & Weddings – UK will oversee the reputation, development, and delivery of our events and experience business in the UK whilst collaborating with our Global teams.
* Responsibilities include client relationship management, team management, business development, strategy, pricing and finances as well as deep involvement in local and international projects to ensure execution levels are of the highest standard.
* The work is across a multitude of formats: activations and events (including event design and production), guest management and experiences, incentives and rewards programmes as well as private events including weddings and celebrations amongst others.
* Our work is fast-paced and diverse. Our clients are government entities, global businesses and luxury brands, as well as UHNW individuals.
* An innate understanding of the wider luxury landscape is crucial as well as a natural ability to service clients and manage a team at the highest level.
* A proven track record building teams and overseeing the delivery of live experiences to both HNW individuals, luxury businesses / corporate entities is essential.
* Accordingly, the role will require a presence onsite at events when necessary, working some weekends and public holidays.
* We are looking for someone with exceptional client relationship development and management skills and a true team-first attitude to manage a small but growing team to drive and convert new business and deliver exceptional work to meet our ambitious growth plans.
Main duties & responsibilities to include but not limited to:
* Ensure exceptional ideation for all types of events, insights and projects.
* Identify and develop business growth opportunities locally and regionally.
* Manage preparation of strategic and creative pitches: assess and direct response to complex briefs with exceptional attention to detail.
* Resource and manage project calendar.
* Detailed oversight and attention to detail with the delivery of projects across all levels.
* Overall responsibility for events business P&L – track against financial targets.
* Retain a high-performance team.
* Meticulous management of department budgets, contracts and cash flow.
* Oversee event budgets to ensure they are delivered on target to meet client expectations and company profit margin.
* Ensure smooth operational processes across projects.
* Ensure best practices are shared across the team.
* Oversee business development strategy, supported by the UK Business Development team.
* Oversee and refine internal processes and procedures for governance; CRM management systems, legal, finance, insurance etc.
* Drive marketing initiatives for the UK business to generate exposure and sales alongside marketing team.
* Ensure the very best suppliers have been sourced and are engaged at best possible preferential rates.
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with all Quintessentially divisions both in the UK and globally.
Requirements:
* 15 years+ experience in an agency environment with at least 5 years’ experience in a leadership role with direct reports.
* Experience and a contact list in the Weddings Industry.
* Proven leadership and team motivation & coaching skills.
* Understanding & interpretation of client needs to deliver winning pitch solutions.
* Outstanding client and account management, experienced in handling and developing strong relationships with senior clients and HNWIs.
* Experience working within the luxury or UHNW industry and understanding of the ‘above and beyond’ client servicing required.
* Proven experience in mid-scale event production, brand experiences, incentive travel, private events.
* Track record of delivery of exceptional events, campaigns and strategies.
* Ability to shape & manage client budgets (multimillion) in multiple currencies.
* Strong entrepreneurial mindset and commercial acumen.
* Strong interpersonal skills and a ‘can do’ attitude.
* Discretion and sensitivity.
* Well-connected and regarded within the industry.
* Thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
Hours of work:
Contractual hours are from 0900 to 1730 Monday - Friday
However, it may be the case that in order to fulfill the duties of the role, different or additional hours may be necessary. Requirement to be on call outside working hours in case of service-related emergency.
Travel will be required for this role, sometimes on short notice.