Director of New Structures – Infrastructure

DO & CO is, at its heart, a premium hospitality and experience company. From Formula 1 and major international sporting events to aviation and premium lifestyle, we deliver luxury catering, hospitality, design, production and guest experiences where food is at the centre of everything we do. The Design & Build division designs, fabricates, constructs and delivers world-class hospitality environments, including Formula 1 Paddock Club facilities, VIP suites, activation spaces and temporary event infrastructure. Within it, the Infrastructure team is led by two complementary directors: - Director of Event Delivery (this role): runs live event delivery, day-to-day supplier management and onsite operations. - Director of New Structures: creates and certifies every new temporary structure. Because catering sits at the core of our business, both directors manage catering and non-catering topics alike: the kitchens, utilities and back-of-house that let our chefs perform, and the structures, guest spaces and infrastructure around them. DO & CO is appointing a Director of New Structures to lead the creation of new temporary structures, from first concept to safe, certified handover at the world's most prestigious events. You will own the full lifecycle of new structures: planning, tendering, design development and detailing, fabrication, first delivery and all associated health & safety and compliance. Your remit spans both catering and non-catering infrastructure: the temporary kitchens, servery and back-of-house spaces that power DO & CO's food, as well as multi-storey Formula 1 Paddock Club facilities, VIP areas and activation spaces. Every new structure must be buildable, certified, cost-effective and worthy of the DO & CO name. Working alongside the Director of Event Delivery, who runs day-to-day event operations, you will set the technical standards, systems and supply base that our events depend on for years to come. Key Responsibilities Strategy & Structures Portfolio - Own the strategy for DO & CO's temporary structures portfolio: what we build, invest in, hire or reuse, and why. - Working with our partners to develop modular, reusable and scalable build systems that raise quality and cut cost and across seasons. - Lead innovation in materials, structural systems, fabrication methods and digital design tools. - Maintain a long-term structures roadmap aligned with the Formula 1 calendar, new events and commercial growth. Catering & Non-Catering Structures - Design and deliver new catering infrastructure, including temporary production and finishing kitchens, servery, bars, dishwash, cold rooms and food storage. - Engineer kitchen-critical services into every structure: extraction and ventilation, fire suppression, power loads, potable water, drainage and grease management. - Ensure catering structures meet food safety and hygiene requirements, including HACCP principles and local environmental health rules. - Work with DO & CO's culinary and operations teams on kitchen layouts, workflows and equipment, so structures serve the food, not the other way around. - Deliver non-catering structures with the same rigour: hospitality lounges, VIP suites, media and office space, activation areas and support buildings. - Balance catering and non-catering priorities in every design, so back-of-house works flawlessly and the guest experience stays premium. Planning - Lead technical planning for every new structure, from site surveys and soil load calculations to feasibility through programme and budget. - Assess site constraints, including ground conditions, access, loadings, utilities, weather and venue restrictions. - Build realistic design, fabrication and installation programmes that meet fixed event dates. - Prepare cost plans and business cases for new structures and capital investment. Tenders & Procurement - Run competitive tender processes end to end: scoping, RFQ and RFP preparation, bid evaluation, clarifications and recommendation for award. - Lead new supplier onboarding, including due diligence, insurance and certification checks, safety and sustainability vetting and contracting. - Negotiate contracts, warranties and framework agreements with structure manufacturers, engineers and fabricators. - Build a global supply base for structures, engineering and specialist fabrication. Design & Detailing - Translate creative design intent into buildable, compliant and cost-effective structural solutions. - Lead design development and technical detailing with in-house designers, external architects and structural engineers. - Cross check with other DO & CO departments to approve drawings, specifications, structural calculations and material selections. - Manage design reviews, value engineering and change control through every design stage. - Ensure every structure can be built within the defined parameters. Delivery of New Structures - Lead first installation of every new structure and support the delivery team until it is proven onsite. - Hand over complete technical packs: drawings, certificates, and ongoing maintenance requirements. - Manage new-structure budgets, from approval to handover. - Partner with the Director of Event Delivery so new structures integrate smoothly into live event schedules. Health, Safety & Compliance - Own health & safety and compliance for all new temporary structures, from design through to delivery. - Secure independent structural checks, certification and building or venue approvals in each market. - Ensure compliance with relevant standards and local expectations. - Set sign-off protocols for each structure. - Approve risk assessments and method statements for fabrication, installation and dismantle. - Embed sustainability in design, including material choice, reusability and end-of-life planning. Team Leadership - Build and lead a team of structures project managers, technical and design managers/engineers. - Manage external suppliers and fabrication partners as one integrated team. - Develop technical capability and future leaders within the Infrastructure team. Candidate Requirements You are a technical leader who has taken complex temporary structures from concept to certified build, at scale and across borders. Essential - 15+ years' experience in temporary structures, temporary architecture, exhibition or event build, sports infrastructure or construction. - A proven record of delivering complex temporary structures, including multi-level and bespoke builds, from design through installation. - Experience designing or delivering catering infrastructure, such as temporary kitchens, extraction, utilities and food safety requirements, alongside non-catering structures. - Strong command of structural principles, engineering coordination, technical drawings and specifications. - Deep knowledge of temporary structure regulations, certification and inspection regimes across international markets. - Experience running formal tender processes and onboarding new suppliers. - Senior leadership experience managing technical teams, engineers and fabrication partners. - A track record of owning large capital or project budgets. - Fluent English and willingness to travel internationally. Highly desirable - Experience within Formula 1, motorsport, Olympic events, major sporting events or luxury hospitality. - A degree or professional qualification in structural or civil engineering, architecture or construction management. - Health & safety qualifications (for example NEBOSH or IOSH) and experience as a responsible person for temporary structures. - Experience developing modular, reusable or low-carbon build systems. - Proficiency with CAD and BIM workflows. Leadership Competencies What it looks like in this role Technical authority: The trusted final word on whether a structure is buildable, safe and right. Strategic thinking: Plans structures as long-term assets, not one-off builds. Commercial acumen: Balances capital cost, lifecycle value and margin in every decision. Design sensibility: Respects creative intent and finds engineering answers that protect it. Safety leadership: Treats compliance and certification as non-negotiable and leads by example. Stakeholder management: Aligns designers, engineers, suppliers, venues and the delivery team around one solution. Operational rigour: Runs disciplined tenders, design gates, change control and documentation. Attention to detail: Catches the detail on the drawing before it becomes a problem on site. Global mindset: Navigates different regulations, suppliers and cultures with ease. Innovation: Pushes for better materials, systems and methods every season. Why Join DO & CO - Build what others can't. Create the structures behind Formula 1 Paddock Club and the world's most prestigious hospitality environments. - Shape the future. Define the build systems and supply base our events will rely on for years. - Premium by design. Work where quality, craft and guest experience come first. - Global scope. Take your work to circuits and venues around the world. 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: - Highly competitive executive salary and event performance-related bonus. - Comprehensive benefits package, tailored to location. - International travel to the world's most prestigious events. - Investment in leadership development, and professional qualifications. - A clear path to broader divisional and group leadership as Design & Build grows. - 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 #docolondon