Deputy Director, Events and Host City Programmes in City of London

Reporting directly to the Director of External Relations, you\’ll provide strategic oversight of the Events for London programme, the Major Sports Events portfolio, and the Host City strategy. You\’ll identify and maximise future commercial opportunities which align with the Mayor\’s vision for economic growth, international collaboration, and community engagement through city-wide celebrations, major international partnerships, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Ellwood Atfield is thrilled to partner with the Greater London Authority (GLA), who are the driving force shaping London\’s future.

• Lead and maximise the GLA\’s strategic events portfolio, overseeing the development, planning and delivery of major cultural, sporting and statutory events across London, while developing and resourcing new host city projects and managing a large high‑performing team.
• Provide senior oversight of flagship events such as New Year\’s Eve celebrations, Trafalgar Square community events and London\’s contributions to global sporting events like UEFA Euro 2028.
• Shape and implement the Mayor\’s strategic priorities for events through active involvement in GLA programme boards, delivery planning and the development of a host city strategy that supports future event bids and world‑class execution.
• Advise internal and external stakeholders including the senior Mayoral leadership team on event planning and bidding, while building strong relationships with senior government officials, c‑suite sport stakeholders, event producers and community partners to maximise impact and sustainability.
• Manage key GLA event contracts, ensuring compliance, safety, infrastructure readiness and the successful delivery of London\’s host city obligations, while supporting departmental operations and budget management.
• Promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity across all events, ensuring they reflect London\’s communities, and provide high‑quality briefings and reports that demonstrate the economic and international value of London\’s events programme.
• In‑depth knowledge and experience of working at a senior strategic level in a complex and high‑profile organisation delivering high‑profile and high‑impact events; with a high‑level understanding and appreciation of, and capability in, operating within a high‑profile and political environment.
• Ability to solve complex problems in a fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder environment; and strategic, tactical and operational knowledge of developing, securing and delivering pan‑London events.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a successful track record of building and nurturing senior relationships, including with C‑Suite stakeholders, and influencing at the most senior levels, both externally and inside the organisation.
• Understanding of and commitment to the GLA\’s role in promoting equal opportunities in employment and service delivery; combating discrimination; and promoting the diverse needs of London\’s communities.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) is the strategic regional authority responsible for governing London. It works to improve the lives of all Londoners by developing and implementing policies across key areas such as transport, housing, economic development, the environment and policing. Headed by the Mayor of London and supported by the London Assembly, the GLA ensures that London\’s growth is managed sustainably and inclusively, helping the city remain a vibrant, safe and globally competitive capital.

The opportunity:

The Greater London Authority are looking for a dynamic and commercially thinking leader to take the helm of the Mayor of London\’s Events and Host City programme. This is a unique opportunity to create unforgettable moments that define a world‑class city. From overseeing the delivery of iconic celebrations like London\’s New Year\’s Eve fireworks, watched by millions worldwide, to spearheading the city\’s role in Euro 2028, you\’ll be at the heart of major cultural and sporting milestones that bring Londoners together and captivate global audiences. This is your chance to develop high‑profile projects that reinforce London\’s reputation as the event and sporting capital of the world.

Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy and advocacy. An employee‑owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently. Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best.

If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

• The starting salary for this role will be £98,973
• Office based in London (E16 1ZE)
• Hybrid working (2 days minimum per week in the office)
• 30 days annual leave (in addition to statutory public holidays)
• Incremental salary scheme
• A range of flexible working arrangements available