DIRECTOR - NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

The Director of Nightlife & Entertainment will be responsible for transforming select Hard Rock Cafe locations into premier late-night destinations by curating entertainment, driving foot traffic, and maximizing revenue opportunities. This role is critical in repositioning Hard Rock Cafe as a go-to nightlife brand, expanding beyond traditional dining experiences to capture late-night audiences. Through strategic entertainment programming, industry partnerships, and data-driven market expansion, this position will develop high-impact nightlife initiatives while evolving Hard Rock Cafe’s hospitality offerings. Success in this role will be measured by increased late-night revenue, elevated brand perception, and the ability to create buzzworthy nightlife experiences that resonate with modern consumers. This high-visibility role requires a proven leader with deep expertise in nightlife operations, entertainment booking, and hospitality management. The Director will work closely with global and regional operations and sales & marketing teams to execute late-night activations, ensuring alignment with Hard Rock’s brand DNA while tailoring concepts to individual markets and modernizing Hard Rock Cafe nightlife presence. 

In addition to reimagining late-night opportinities across Hard Rock Cafe, this role will also help support nightlife-driven opportunities at a global level. From high visibility Hard Rock activations to offsite pop-ups, the Director will help ensure Hard Rock’s nightlife footprint is strengthened in relevant, high-impact ways.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Nightlife & Entertainment Strategy Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive nightlife strategy to enhance Hard Rock Cafe late-night offerings in key markets.
• Identify opportunities to transform select Hard Rock Cafes into premier nightlife destinations through differentiated concepts and experiences.
• Work closely with the F&B team to develop nightlife-driven F&B offerings, including exclusive late-night menus, themed cocktails, and bottle service experiences that complement entertainment programming.
• Monitor global nightlife and entertainment trends to ensure Hard Rock remains competitive and ahead of industry shifts.
• Conceptualize and produce nightlife pop-ups in partnership with promoters, DJ’s and brands, extending Hard Rock’s nightlife presence into high-profile locations.
• Partner with key Hard Rock properties to develop nightlife activations aligned with hotel, Cafe and master brand strategies.

2. Nightlife Programming & Talent Management

• Curate and oversee a diverse entertainment calendar, including but not limited to DJ residencies, live music performances, pop-up activations and celebrity guest appearances.
• Establish and maintain relationships with DJs, promoters, booking agents, and entertainment industry leaders to secure high-caliber talent and events.
• Oversee event logistics, including but not limited to artist contracts, technical riders, hospitality requirements and production schedules.
• Collaborating with local teams to tailor programming that aligns with regional market trends and demographics.
• Act as the conduit between Hotel, Cafe and Corporate teams to ensure Hard Rock nightlife maintains a consistent identity while being locally relevant in respective markets.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Entertainment and Nightlife to support the planning, operations and execution of large-scale nightlife activations across the Hard Rock portfolio.

3. Business Development & Partnerships

• Forge strategic partnerships with beverage brands, sponsors, and music industry leaders to elevate programming and maximize revenue opportunities.
• Work with marketing to identify and execute brand collaborations and/or sponsorships that align with Hard Rock’s entertainment-driven DNA.
• Secure corporate and private event buyouts, leveraging nightlife programming to drive additional revenue streams.
• Collaborate with brand partnerships team to identify sponsors and co-branded opportunities for nightlife events

4. Operations & Financial Oversight

• Work closely with Cafe GMs and operational teams to ensure smooth execution of nightlife activations.
• Develop and manage budgets, ensuring financial targets are met while optimizing entertainment spend.
• Establish best practices for late-night service operations, including staffing, security, and VIP hospitality.
• Oversee financial performance by tracking and analyzing event pro formas, including post-event financial reviews to assess profitability.

5. Marketing & Promotional Support

• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop captivating promotional campaigns that drive foot traffic and engagement for nightlife activations.
• Working with marketing on developing digital-first marketing strategies, leveraging influencer partnerships, content creation, and experiential activations to amplify event reach.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all nightlife initiatives while maintaining Hard Rock’s global identity and integrating localized cultural elements for authenticity in regional markets.

6. Leadership & Team Development

• Provide guidance and training to local Cafe teams to elevate nightlife operations and entertainment execution.
• Build and oversee a network of nightlife managers across key locations to ensure consistency and quality in programming.
• Foster a culture of innovation, creativity, sustainability and quality in nightlife and entertainment programming.

• 5+ years of experience in Nightlife, Hospitality, or Entertainment programming at a senior level.
• Proven track record in nightlife venue management, event production, brand collaborations, or restaurant operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• Extensive network within the nightlife, music, and entertainment industry.

Industry Knowledge & Relationships

• Deep understanding of global nightlife trends, entertainment programming, and audience engagement.
• Strong network of DJs, promoters, event producers and industry professionals, with the ability to secure talent and events.
• Knowledge of venue operations, including bar and bottle service dynamics, crowd management, and VIP hospitality.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute large-scale entertainment initiatives.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple markets simultaneously.
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills to coordinate with internal teams, talent, and external partners.
• High-energy leadership style with a passion for nightlife, music, and guest experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with event management software.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to travel frequently to Hard Rock Cafe locations worldwide.
• Comfortable working in high-energy nightlife environments with exposure to music, crowds, and late-night hours.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent interaction with artists, DJs, promoters, and nightlife professionals.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture focused on delivering best-in-class entertainment experiences.
• High visibility role with direct impact on the evolution of Hard Rock nightlife and entertainment strategy.

Additional Details

Hard Rock International including Seminole Hard Rock Support Services are equal opportunity employer. We live our motto LOVE ALL – SERVE ALL, and strive to foster an inclusive workplace culture for every team member.  Hard Rock welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Hard Rock to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact a member of our Human Resources team.

Disclaimer 

While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the current job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change, (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technical developments).