Houston Texans
Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service
Houston, TX
Reports to Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Ticketing
Background:
Founded in 2002, the Houston Texans became the 32nd franchise of the National Football League, marking the return of professional football to Houston after the city’s previous team, the Oilers, relocated in 1997. Now led by principal owner, Chairman and CEO Cal McNair, and Team President Mike Tomon, the mission of the Texans is to create and maintain the most valuable and respected professional sports franchise in the world. To achieve this mission, the team operates with three key imperatives:
Win Championships
Create Memorable Experiences
Do Great Things for Houston
Since its inception, the Texans have consistently been ranked in the top 20 of the Forbes World’s Most Valued Sports Teams list. Since their inaugural season, the Texans have steadily built a competitive team, achieving multiple playoff appearances and seven (7) division championships within the AFC South. Notably, the team reached the playoffs for the first time in 2011, and in subsequent years, the Texans have consistently been a strong contender in the league.
In addition to their on-the-field success, the Houston Texans have built a legacy of fostering talent and leadership within their organization while maintaining a strong presence in the Houston community. Central to their identity is the “Texans Vision,” a commitment to Be Champions In Every Way By Cultivating Excellence And Fearlessly Evolving. This philosophy fuels their dedication to each other and their fans, solidifying their status as a premier franchise in professional sports. As they continue to grow and evolve, the Texans remain steadfast in their pursuit of sustained success in the NFL, both on and off the field.
The Texans’ home, NRG Stadium, has also played host to numerous high-profile special events, including two Super Bowls in 2004 and 2017 (XXXVIII, LI), the NCAA Basketball Final Four in 2011 and 2016, and the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship game. NRG Stadium is also home to the Texas Kickoff Classic, the Texas Bowl, and numerous annual international soccer events, such as the Gold Cup and Copa America, operated by the Texan's sister company Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. Finally, NRG Stadium is also home to the world-famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It is part of the larger NRG Park, including a convention center, arena, and domed sports stadium.
The City of Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city and has one of the youngest, fastest growing, and most diverse populations anywhere in the world. One in four of the region’s 7 million residents are foreign-born. Today, Houston ranks as the second fastest-growing major metro area in the U.S., seeing its largest population increase in the past six years. Houston's vibrant culture and diversity make it a top destination for talent, further bolstered by its affordability—boasting the third-lowest living costs among the most populous U.S. metro areas, 5.3% below the national average and 23.4% below other major metros. Houston’s diverse economy is most known for its energy expertise and is home to the world-renowned Texas Medical Center.
Houston, the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, is a vibrant, diverse, and rapidly growing metropolitan hub known for its dynamic economy, rich cultural heritage, and diverse communities. As a global leader in industries such as energy, healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing, Houston offers a wide range of professional opportunities and is home to a thriving arts scene, world-class dining, and an abundance of recreational options. The city's strategic location near the Gulf of Mexico makes it a key center for international trade and commerce. Houston is also recognized for its innovative spirit, commitment to sustainability, and emphasis on community development, offering a unique environment for employees to grow, thrive, and make an impact.
Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.
Contacting the Houston Texans will only delay consideration of your qualifications.
Position Summary:
Oversee all aspects of the Houston Texans and Lone Star Sports and Entertainment ticket sales, renewals, customer service, computer ticketing software and accounting systems, ticket operations for general seat ticketing, non-suite premium seat ticketing, special events ticketing and ticket financial reporting.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Ticket Sales
Develop multi-year ticket sales strategy, business plan, and annual unit/revenue targets
Lead ticket sales across the sales organization responsible for Season Ticket Sales, Business Development (GA and Club), Groups Sales, and Inside Sales
Determine best practice metrics and key performance indicators to run a best-in-class organization, aside from sales metrics
Determine product mix between Season Tickets, Group Tickets, and Single Game tickets to maximize revenue, while maintaining a core base of repeat, annual customers
Fan Services
Develop multi-year fan services strategy, business plan, and annual unit/revenue targets
Lead the fan services organization responsible for customer service, fan relationship management, retention efforts, upgrades/relocations, and unit/revenue renewal targets sales and renewal (GA and Club)
Determine best practice metrics and key performance indicators to run a best-in-class organization, aside from renewal metrics
Determine annual season ticket member gifting strategy and execute flawlessly (on time, on budget, fan centric)
Ticket Operations
Develop ticket operations, distribution, invoicing, and overall manifest strategy
Manage ticketing systems relationship(s) for primary and secondary ticket market
Develop pricing and inventory criteria in partnership with the SVP of Business Analytics for each class of ticket; maintain season ticket waiting list accounts
Supervise all financial aspects including making deposits of all funds, updating account balances and reporting all aspects of finances to appropriate departments
Coordinate customer service staffing for games and outside events
Box Office
Coordinate the staffing and selling of all event day tickets and servicing of those tickets with stadium operations
Work with financial services on invoicing and collecting all ticket revenues on a timely basis
Additional Notes
Collaborate with other business leaders in future stadium development projects impacting ticketing/fan experiences (new product development, stadium renovations, new business ventures)
Develop sales strategy and revenue plans for new product development, stadium renovations, and new business ventures
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university required
Minimum of fifteen (15) years progressive growth, management and ticketing experience industry required
Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office software and Archtics ticketing system
Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize and manage multiple diverse tasks with multiple in a high-energy environment
Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communications
Ability to maintain confidential and/or proprietary information
Display strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create and maintain solid working relationships
Proven ability to effectively lead, direct and motivate staff in a competitive, high-energy environment and industry
Decision making on high-level, significant matters, including budget development and allocation, resource expenditure, staffing levels and policies and procedures
Policy setting capabilities associated with the job’s purpose and essential responsibilities
Ability and internal drive to demonstrate a positive, winning attitude and a strong work ethic in the performance of all job responsibilities
Measurements of Success:
Deliver a game experience that is considered among the best in the League and the industry
Consistently sell out every Club home game
Maintain a season ticket base at 90%+ of capacity
Manager and department exhibit high level of customer service behaviors with both internal and external customers
Adhere to departmental annual budget constraints
Be recognized as a team player by providing support to all other departments as necessary
Exhibit initiative in seeking ways to improve departmental processes and procedures in terms of efficiency and cost effectiveness
Create and maintain a world-class service delivery system
Create innovative applications for ticket operations and use the information to benefit the franchise and its customers more effectively.
Maintain a minimum of 90% renewal of ticket holders
Department demonstrates superior customer service
Develop a strong sales and operations staff
Demonstrate strong analytical skills
Demonstrate strong leadership and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate a positive, winning attitude and a strong work ethic in the performance of all job responsibilities great work ethic
TurnkeyZRG’S Commitment:
At TurnkeyZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. TurnkeyZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.
TurnkeyZRG’S Practice Leader:
James Jordan - Director, Revenue
James Jordan joined TurnkeyZRG in early 2023 in the role of Director, Marketing Partnerships, focused on corporate partnership recruiting. Mr. Jordan has made an immediate impact, placing partnership executives at organizations including the Golden State Warriors, LA Chargers, LaLiga, the Laver Cup, and more. Prior to joining TurnkeyZRG, James garnered valuable experience on both the strategy side and sales side of the corporate partnership business and has represented marquee teams and venues including the LA Rams (NFL), LA Chargers (NFL) and SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park (Los Angeles, CA).
Jamie Spencer - Managing Director, Revenue
Jamie Spencer most recently served as Executive Vice President of Revenue for the Chicago Blackhawks, where he was responsible for all functions of revenue including Ticket and Membership Sales, Corporate Partnerships, Retail, Amateur Hockey, and Fifth Third Arena Operations (Chicago Blackhawks Community Rink). Jamie guided the revenue department out of the COVID-19 pandemic and brought a new cultural philosophy to revenue that helped shape an incredibly successful model that focused on the idea that selling tickets and caring for fans is an all-organization initiative – a mindset that helped the Blackhawks set a new all-time regular-season gate revenue record last season and drove nearly a 90% increase in retail revenue over the last three years. Additionally, he set the foundation for a “fewer, bigger, better” approach to corporate partnerships and launched several new youth hockey initiatives, including the Blackhawks Arena Network, Rivalry Series, and first-ever NIHL Youth Hockey Championships at the United Center.