Event Operations Manager

Event Operations Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Greater London Authority

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the operational planning for iconic events like the New Year’s Eve Fireworks.
  • Company: Join the Mayor of London’s team delivering world-class public events.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 30 days annual leave, and competitive salary.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
  • Qualifications: Experience in large-scale event planning and strong stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.

About The Team

Events for London sits within the External Relations unit and is responsible for delivering the Mayor of London’s flagship events programme, including large‑scale public events and high‑profile special projects. The team works closely with the Mayor’s Office and a wide range of external partners to deliver safe, inclusive and impactful events that engage Londoners and showcase London as the best city in the world.

About The Role

As Event Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the operational delivery of major events and special projects within the Mayor of London’s events programme. A key focus of the role is acting as the operational lead for the annual Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks, alongside overseeing other one‑off and ad‑hoc event projects as required. You will work closely with event managers and appointed production companies, acting as the operational lead and ensuring delivery is safe, compliant, value for money and aligned with mayoral priorities. The role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with statutory agencies, delivery partners and internal stakeholders, as well as providing high‑quality advice, briefings and assurance to internal senior leaders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the operational planning for one of London’s most iconic events, working at pace to turn ambitious ideas into safe, world‑class live experiences.
  • Collaborate with emergency services, local authorities, transport partners and renowned event producers to deliver complex, multi‑agency operations.
  • Stepping into a command‑and‑control environment on live event days, making calm, confident decisions under pressure.
  • Shape plans months in advance, then respond swiftly to emerging issues or opportunities the next.
  • Brief senior leaders and Mayoral Directors on progress, risks and recommendations.
  • Review budgets, refine operational approaches and find smart solutions to deliver value for money and maximum impact for Londoners.
  • Play a hands‑on role in delivering the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks.

Essential Criteria

  • Significant experience of planning, delivering and evaluating large‑scale outdoor public events.
  • Proven experience of managing complex, multi‑agency event operations, including local authorities, emergency services and transport partners.
  • Experience of delivering events with significant crowd management requirements.
  • Strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage budgets, report on performance and deliver within financial constraints.
  • IOSH or higher‑level health and safety qualification.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest‑free season ticket loan, interest‑free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Location

This role is based at City Hall, Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE).

Sponsorship

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some internal candidates, in limited circumstances.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome flexible working arrangements. Part‑time work is possible as the role is open to job share.

Event Operations Manager employer: Greater London Authority

As an employer, the Greater London Authority offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, you will enjoy hybrid working options, generous annual leave, and a range of benefits that support your professional growth and work-life balance. Join us at City Hall, where you can play a pivotal role in shaping iconic events that celebrate London's vibrant culture and diversity.
Greater London Authority

Contact Detail:

Greater London Authority Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Event Operations Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the events industry. Attend local meetups, workshops, or even volunteer at events to make those valuable connections that could lead to your next opportunity.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past successes in managing large-scale events. Share specific examples of how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered amazing results.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in working with them. You never know when an opportunity might arise!

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent events and projects. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their future successes.

We think you need these skills to ace Event Operations Manager

Event Planning
Operational Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Budget Management
Crowd Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Decision-Making Under Pressure
Collaboration with Emergency Services
Multi-Agency Coordination
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Delivery
Adaptability
Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Events: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for event management shine through! Share specific examples of events you've worked on and how they made an impact. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about creating memorable experiences.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in managing large-scale public events. Use the job description as a guide and align your skills with what we're looking for. This shows us that you understand the role and are a great fit!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Highlight your key achievements and qualifications in a way that's easy for us to digest.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!

How to prepare for a job interview at Greater London Authority

✨Know Your Events Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the Mayor of London’s events programme. Familiarise yourself with past events, especially the New Year’s Eve Fireworks. Being able to discuss specific challenges and successes will show your passion and understanding of the role.

✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills

Prepare examples of how you've built relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your experience working with local authorities, emergency services, and transport partners. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-agency environment.

✨Be Ready for Pressure Scenarios

Think of situations where you had to make quick decisions under pressure. The interviewers will want to know how you handle command-and-control environments during live events. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.

✨Budget Management Know-How

Brush up on your budget management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past, including any strategies you used to ensure value for money. This is crucial for the role, so having concrete examples will set you apart.

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