At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Event Operations team to ensure seamless planning and delivery for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- Company: Join Glasgow 2026 Limited, the team behind a world-class sporting event uniting athletes from across the Commonwealth.
- Benefits: Be part of a historic event, collaborate with passionate professionals, and make a lasting impact on Glasgow's global reputation.
- Why this job: This is your chance to shape an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators at a major international event.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Event/Venue Management with experience leading dynamic teams in high-pressure environments.
- Other info: Ideal for multi-taskers who thrive in fast-paced settings and are ready to tackle complex projects.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Event Operations: Glasgow 2026 Limited
Glasgow will host the 23rd edition of Commonwealth Games between 23 July and 2 August 2026. Approximately 3,000 athletes and team officials from up to 74 nations and territories across the Commonwealth will come together in an 11-day celebration of sport and culture. Events will take place across Glasgow, entertaining around 500,000 ticketed spectators and reaching a global broadcast audience of more than one billion.
Glasgow 2026 Limited, the Organising Company (the OC), is organising the Games along with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS). Each has key parts to play in the planning and delivery of the Commonwealth Games – individually and collectively – to ensure that Glasgow 2026 is a huge success.
We have an exciting opportunity available to join the team!
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head of Event Operations to work within the Games Operations department as part of the wider Games Operations, Sport & Games Services division. Event Operations is a critical function in ensuring integrated planning and joined-up delivery takes place between the Organising Company (OC), our Venues and Event Delivery Partners to deliver safe, sustainable and successful operations.
As one of two, Head of Event Operations, you will be responsible for leading the OC’s Event Operations teams in the coordination and delivery of all aspects of event planning. The purpose of this role is to work with all operational OC departments, partners and stakeholders including Venue Owners and Event Delivery Partners to ensure integrated planning, issue resolution and will develop the framework to support venue planning processes.
The Head of Event Operations will play a key role in executing the operating model for the Games, specifically the contract management, scoping and direct integration of the Event Delivery Partners and Venue Operators. This role will establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, integrate with and advise and guide other OC departments as required.
This is a key appointment within the OC’s Games Operations division. The postholder will support Glasgow 2026 to deliver a memorable experience through effective planning, delivery and collaboration.
This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of a world-class event, working with passionate professionals and visionary leaders who are committed to showcasing Glasgow on the international stage as well as delivering an event of excellence to athletes and the local community.
Job Summary:
The Head of Event Operations will be responsible for designing and implementing a seamless approach to operational planning, delivery and venue readiness for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The post holder will be required to develop the Venue Use Agreements with the Venue Owners, ensuring scope, service levels, roles and responsibilities are clear and understood. As Head of Event Operations, you will act as the OC’s primary contract manager for these agreements, ensuring they are delivered to scope and budget.
There will be a requirement for this role to be a key contributor to scope development and procurement of Event Delivery Partners and accompanying strategies.
The Head of Event Operations will be required to develop, communicate and manage change control procedures for both Venue Use Agreements and Event Delivery Partner Agreements in line with wider OC governance structures and procedures. In addition, they will be required to track, monitor and assure the operational budgets associated with Venue Use Agreements and Event Delivery Partner contracts, working closely with Corporate Services.
The Head of Event Operations will be required to provide advice and internal critical review of the Glasgow 2026 operating model, ensuring it is fit-for-purpose and designed to deliver successful Games outcomes. As well as acting as a strategic link between the OC and Event Delivery Partners and contractors to ensure positive working relationships are developed and issues are resolved quickly, and that a collaborative working ethos is always maintained.
Education:
The Head of Event Operations should have more than 5 years’ experience working within Event/Venue Management on previous multi-venue major events at a senior level. Experience of leading large, dynamic and hybrid teams in a high-performance environment is essential and a proven record of working in and supporting successful and varied teams on large, complex projects.
Key Skills and Experience:
The Head of Event Operations will need to have strong communication and relationship management skills to deliver a seamless sports programme that meets operational and strategic objectives.
In addition to having strong technical and operational planning skills, the successful candidate should also display high levels of financial literacy and be able to interrogate and challenge costs and budgets.
If you are experienced in Event/Venue management on previous multi-venue major events and are a strong multi-tasker in a dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you!
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Head of Event Operations: Glasgow 2026 Limited employer: Triathlon Scotland
Contact Detail:
Triathlon Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Event Operations: Glasgow 2026 Limited
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your experience in managing large-scale events. Highlight specific examples where you successfully coordinated multiple venues and teams, as this role requires a strong background in event operations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the event management industry, especially those who have experience with major sporting events. Building relationships with key stakeholders can give you insights and potentially valuable connections that could help you land this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with the operational models used in previous Commonwealth Games or similar events. Understanding the unique challenges and solutions from past experiences will demonstrate your preparedness for the complexities of Glasgow 2026.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in event management and venue operations. Being knowledgeable about innovative practices and technologies can set you apart as a candidate who is ready to contribute to the success of the Games.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Event Operations: Glasgow 2026 Limited
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Event Operations position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in event and venue management. Emphasize your leadership roles, particularly in multi-venue major events, and showcase your ability to manage teams and budgets effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for event operations and your vision for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the success of the event.
Highlight Key Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to emphasize your strong communication and relationship management skills, as well as your financial literacy. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and built relationships in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Triathlon Scotland
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in event and venue management, especially in multi-venue major events. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led teams and managed complex projects.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since this role requires excellent communication and relationship management skills, practice articulating how you've built and maintained relationships with stakeholders in past roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you resolved conflicts or issues effectively.
✨Understand the Operational Framework
Familiarize yourself with the operational planning processes and governance structures relevant to large-scale events. Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing Venue Use Agreements and managing Event Delivery Partner contracts.
✨Financial Acumen is Key
Prepare to discuss your financial literacy and experience with budget management. Be ready to explain how you've tracked and assured operational budgets in previous roles, and how you would approach cost interrogation and budget challenges in this position.