Managing Director

• Access Your Potential.
• Join us to create and deliver experiences that inspire people, spark connection, and bring imagination to life—while having a lot of fun doing it.

We’re looking for a Managing Director to join our team in the San Diego area.

About the Job

We are seeking a Managing Director to lead our San Diego territory—one of our most dynamic, multi-million-dollar markets.

This role is both strategic and operational, serving as the senior leader responsible for driving revenue, profitability, and team performance across multiple cities and resort markets. You will partner closely with Executive Leadership and Corporate teams to shape strategy, then translate that vision into execution across Sales, Events, and Creative.

Success in this role means building a high-performing, accountable, and engaged team while growing market share, strengthening partnerships, and delivering exceptional client experiences.

Location: San Diego, CA

Work Model: Hybrid with consistent in-market presence

Travel: Regional travel as needed

This role requires strong visibility with clients, partners, and internal teams.

What You'll Be Doing

Business Ownership & Corporate Partnership

Co-develop and execute the annual business plan aligned to revenue, gross profit, and net income targets

Own full P&L accountability, including forecasting, budgeting, and resource allocation

Lead regular business reviews, identifying risks and opportunities and driving performance improvements

Team Leadership & Accountability

Lead, coach, and develop a team of Directors across Sales, Events, and Creative

Set clear expectations and hold leaders accountable to KPIs, performance standards, and behaviors

Build a strong, values-driven culture focused on collaboration, ownership, and results

Market Leadership & Growth

Serve as the face of Access in the market—building and maintaining high-value client relationships

Strengthen partnerships with hotels, venues, and key suppliers

Identify and drive new business opportunities and market expansion strategies

Maintain an active industry presence through networking, events, and thought leadership

Cross-Functional Strategy & Execution

Partner with Executive Leadership to translate company strategy into market-level execution

Collaborate with peers across territories to share best practices and drive consistency

Ensure alignment across Sales, Events, and Creative to deliver seamless client experiences

Operational & Contract Oversight

Oversee client and vendor contract strategy, negotiation, and compliance

Ensure agreements align with company risk standards and profitability goals

Standardize processes across markets, including contract management and vendor onboarding

Support national partnerships and Master Service Agreements (MSAs)

Process, Governance & Infrastructure

Implement scalable systems, SOPs, and reporting frameworks

Drive consistency in forecasting, pipeline visibility, and operational execution

Lead adoption of tools, technology, and best practices across the territory

About Access

Access is a women-owned and women-led destination management company that collaborates with clients to design and execute corporate events and programs. Our expert teams are in coast-to-coast destinations, designing and producing ultimate experiences for our clients.

About You

You are a business-minded leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, operations, and people leadership. You know how to scale teams, drive accountability, and build strong market presence.

Nice-to-haves:

10+ years of experience in hospitality, events, or DMC environments

5+ years in senior leadership with P&L ownership

Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and drive revenue growth

Strong commercial acumen and decision-making ability

Executive presence with the ability to influence at all levels

Deep understanding of client relationships and partnership-driven business

Why Access?

CULTURE & EXTRAS

Certified as a Great Place to Work – 3 years in a row and counting!

50+ years in the industry!

Women-owned and women-led

Fun, creative, and supportive culture

Focus on recognition and employee value – including annual and quarterly awards

Paid day off to serve your local community

Annual all-company retreat to connect, learn, and have fun together

Annual qualifier-based incentive trip for top performers (certain departments eligible)

Regional team outings

Monthly companywide meetings to connect, learn, and celebrate wins

COMPENSATION

Highly competitive total compensation, including strong base salary and quarterly bonuses

Very strong performance-based quarterly commission plans

401k with company match (eligible after 1 year – up to 4% of salary matched, vested immediately

Monthly cell phone stipend

WORK LIFE BALANCE

Work from home opportunities and flexibility (including full home office setup)

Flexible schedule opportunities

Generous PTO

Sick days

9 full holidays

5 half days off prior to holidays to unplug early

2 floating holidays off to be used on holidays of your choice

½ day Fridays in July & August (based on achievement of goals)

HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND FAMILY

Extensive menu of health plans to choose from

Paid parental leave

Pet insurance program

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Mentorship program

“Masterclasses” in industry/department-specific topics

State-of-the-art technology platforms and tools – including training

Annual and monthly meeting content that focuses on professional development

Ready to ACCESS your next big opportunity? Apply today!

Access is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].