Head of Events & Entertainment
The Head: Entertainment & Events leads the strategic and commercial direction of our group-wide entertainment and events portfolio. This includes developing high-value partnerships, driving revenue growth across sports and entertainment platforms, and positioning the brand as South Africa’s premier destination for world-class entertainment. The role requires a strategic, relationship-driven leader who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments - balancing commercial returns with brand integrity and guest experience. This individual will build and manage large budgets, negotiate major deals, and work closely with marketing managers across Sun International’s properties to deliver exceptional, profitable events.
About this position
Budget: R1.6million per year
Work Location: Sandton, JHB
Start Date: ASAP
Work Environment: Full time in office
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership & Commercial GrowthPartnership Development & Negotiation
- Define and implement a group-wide entertainment and events strategy that maximises revenue, brand visibility, and venue utilisation.
- Develop commercial models and partnership structures to drive profitability across all event properties
- Support partnerships that strengthen our entertainment and sporting presence nationally and internationally.
- Identify and leverage brand collaborations within sports, music, and entertainment to expand audience reach.
- Use market intelligence, analytics, and financial insight to make data-driven strategic decisions.
- Lead negotiations with promoters, event partners, and entertainment agencies to secure high-value deals.
- Manage strategic relationships with sponsors, tourism boards, and industry associations.
- Drive the development of new income streams through brand partnerships, sponsorships, and cross-industry collaborations.
- Ensure all contracts are commercially sound, aligned with governance standards, and structured for maximum ROI.
- Oversee planning and execution of large-scale entertainment and sporting events across all our properties.
- Work closely with property marketing managers to ensure alignment between group strategy and local execution.
- Maintain operational excellence and brand consistency across all activations.
- Be visible and present at major events — representing and ensuring top-tier delivery.
- Lead and mentor a management layer of four direct reports, each responsible for specific entertainment and sports portfolios.
- Build capability within the wider events and entertainment function, coaching teams for commercial excellence and negotiation skill.
- Foster collaboration between central marketing and property-based teams to drive alignment and consistency.
- Partner with group marketing, digital, and revenue management to promote entertainment offerings and maximise engagement.
- Align all event initiatives with our broader marketing and brand objectives.
- Develop innovative promotional concepts (e.g., bundled experiences, exclusive offers) that enhance attendance and guest experience.
Technical Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Event Management, or related field.
- 10–12 years of relevant experience in entertainment, events, or venue management, with at least 5 years at senior management level.
- Proven success in revenue generation, commercial deal-making, and partnership development.
- Experience managing multimillion-rand budgets and complex event portfolios.
- Established network in entertainment, live events, sports, and brand partnership sectors.
- Strong business and financial acumen with a results-driven mindset.
- Strategic Commercial Management
- Contract Negotiation & Deal Structuring
- Partnership & Sponsorship Development
- Budget & Revenue Management
- Event Portfolio Oversight
- Marketing Integration & Campaign Collaboration
- Business & Financial Acumen
- Market & Trend Analysis
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