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- Tasks: Lead and grow the Event Operations team for exciting sports events.
- Company: Join a dynamic sports and entertainment agency with a global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the sports industry while travelling and working on major events.
- Qualifications: Experience in event operations, strong communication skills, and a passion for sports.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
ABOUT 54GROUP: 54 is a sports and entertainment agency operating across five regions and nine offices: United Kingdom (London), Europe (Sotogrante, Spain), MENA (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia & Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), APAC (Singapore, Vietnam & Adelaide, Australia) and USA (West Palm Beach, Florida). It works with rights holders, governing bodies, developers, household brands and major investors who share its belief in the power of sport. 54 comprises three service areas each consisting of two divisions: Strategic Advisory (Consultancy and Data & Insights), Asset Optimisation (Operations and Commercial) and Activation & Engagement (Events and Marketing). At its core, the company has an unwavering belief in embracing the opportunities offered by pushing at the edges of conventional wisdom.
Application Deadline: 2 February 2026
Department: Event Operations
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: London
Reporting To: Tom Warneke
Description: The opportunity exists for a dynamic, motivated and experienced Event Operations Director with experience in Golf Events to join the 54 team, to oversee, lead and grow the Event Operations team regionally and to support the company's growing international portfolio of professional events. The candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the Operational delivery, including stakeholder liaison with rightsholders, partners and clients, budget and project management, operations, production and logistics.
An understanding of the professional sports event ecosystem specifically within Golf, its stakeholders, rightsholders and suppliers is an advantage but an ability to navigate and learn about the global events environment is also sufficient for the role. The events portfolio is expanding into new sports and territories and therefore, experience in producing a wide range of major sports events is an advantage.
The desired candidate must boast extensive international event experience, strong personal motivation, demonstrate innovative and forward-thinking practices, and be comfortable working remotely as well as at the Company's offices. As a senior role in the 54 events division, the candidate must have extensive project management experience, with a track record of delivering multiple events successfully within tight and competitive deadlines. The candidate must be comfortable managing a variety of relationships and have the ability to travel and work in a variety of different environments and cultures.
Key Roles And Responsibilities
- Strategy & Planning
- Create and review key operational planning documents to ensure smooth and successful implementation and delivery across multiple projects
- Design, implement and evaluate standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to operational event delivery for continuous improvement
- Future planning and manage human resource within Operations across all events regionally
- Liaise with Event Directors and other key internal stakeholders to ensure SOPs are fit for purpose
- Management and review of the event delivery budgets across the event portfolio
- Liaise with internal legal and HR teams, and external H&S consultants to maintain best practice in insurance, legal and health and safety across international event portfolio
- Collaborate effectively with Procurement Manager and international Operations Directors to deliver cost efficiencies and high quality of product or service across events
- Support across supplier negotiations, requirements, and services
- Keep up to date with the latest innovations in event operations
- Leadership & Co-ordination
- Be an excellent communicator and team player
- Liaise regularly with other departments to ensure alignment
- Contribute regularly, provide good insights and support in event planning meetings
- Encourage and develop best-practice across the business
- Always create a positive team culture, providing support where required and creating clear development pathways for team members
- Lead a team of skilled professionals to deliver a wide range of activities ensuring high standards
- Act as a mentor, coach and support network for immediate and extended teams
- Must be willing to travel to oversee and/or support on international events - circa 16 weeks
- Operational Delivery:
- Create and review key operational planning documents to ensure smooth and successful implementation and delivery across multiple projects
- Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to operational event delivery as required to ensure the event operates within 54's Global Event framework
- Operations Framework
- Own & lead on event operations delivery and execution of specific allocated events
- Oversee the build, design and usage of key operational documents including CAD Plans, Operational Schedules, Budgets and Logistics plans in line with 54 Event Operational standards
- Implement, oversee and operate at all times according to the Event Operations Safety & Risk Management System and within 54's Event Operations Risk framework
- Management Standards
- Conduct regular meetings within the operations team to ensure all key areas and specialties are aligned and delivering as required
- Act as a subject matter expert across the range of event operations services including site & infrastructure, site services, technical production, safety and risk, branding and signage and/or general support services
- Oversee and lead safe operations onsite, ensure the highest safety & security standards are adhered to at all times
- Drive world class event operations standards in all aspects of delivery
- Proactively monitor, prosecute and report on event delivery, working with the Head of Event Operations to remedy issues before they occur
- Monitoring & Evaluation:
- Provide concise updates to the Head of Event Operations, leadership team and stakeholders in a timely manner; ensure project management tools are used consistently and effectively; produce reports for senior management and client review in a timely manner (including budget reports, resourcing and post-event reporting)
Special Skills/Experience/Aptitudes Needed
- Be an excellent communicator and team player, comfortable talking to stakeholders at all levels
- Have a passion for sport
- Accountable and a problem solver
- Promotes trust and respect within the team
- Leads by example
- Flexible and adaptable
- Collaborative and a good contributor in a team setting
- Innovative thinker
- Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint
- Strong understanding of managing budgets and conducting RFPs & RFQs
- Valid driver's license
- Proficiency in AutoCAD would be an advantage
Salary And Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Annual Discretionary Company Bonus – up to 8% (3% Company & 5% Individual)
- Pension scheme
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays), pro-rated & Birthday off
- Increased annual leave with years of service
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Private Healthcare
- Enhanced Parental Leave
- Staff clothing
- Working hours from 09:00 to 17:30 with lunch
Event Operations Director in London employer: 54
Contact Detail:
54 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Event Operations Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sports and events industry. Attend conferences, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or colleagues, make sure to highlight your experience in managing events, especially in golf. Share specific examples of how you've successfully delivered projects under tight deadlines. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you’re keen on, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest. A well-timed email can put you on their radar before they even start looking for candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews like a champ! Research the company’s recent events and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they’ve been looking for to lead their event operations team!
We think you need these skills to ace Event Operations Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Event Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in managing sports events, especially in golf, and showcase your project management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about sports and event operations. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the role. Let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an Event Operations Director, communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to liaise with various stakeholders. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to mention any experience you have in leading teams or collaborating across departments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at 54GROUP!
How to prepare for a job interview at 54
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of sports events, especially golf. Familiarise yourself with recent trends, major tournaments, and key stakeholders in the industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple events under tight deadlines. Prepare to share your strategies for budget management and stakeholder communication, as these are crucial for the Event Operations Director role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a senior role, they’ll be looking for someone who can lead a team effectively. Think of instances where you’ve mentored or developed team members, and be prepared to discuss how you foster a positive team culture and encourage best practices.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s future plans in the events sector, especially regarding new sports and territories. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
