At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning and delivery of an exciting festival for the Invictus Games.
- Company: Join Invictus UK 2027, a charity founded by Prince Harry, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 30 days annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work closely with diverse teams and volunteers.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic event celebrating the spirit of Wounded, Injured, and Sick service personnel.
- Qualifications: Experience in event management and excellent communication skills are essential.
Organisation: Invictus UK 2027 Ltd.
Salary: Starting from £45,000 per annum (depending on experience).
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid).
Contract: Fixed Term (Full time).
Closing date: 24 July 2026.
Interview date: 27 July 2026.
About Invictus UK 2027
Invictus UK 2027 is a charity and delivery organisation for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, taking place in July 2027 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Sandwell Aquatics Centre. Founded by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex in 2014, the Invictus Games uses adaptive sport to support the recovery of Wounded, Injured, and Sick (WIS) service personnel and veterans. Birmingham 2027 will bring together 550 competitors from over 25 nations across 12 sports, including Archery, Athletics, Cycling, Esports, Indoor Rowing, Laser Run, Pickleball, Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Rugby. The Games are about more than competition. Success is measured in every step forward, every challenge faced, every barrier overcome. Every throw, stride, and lift is a victory. Our mission is to celebrate the unconquered spirit of WIS service personnel and veterans, deliver an outstanding Games, and create lasting social impact across Birmingham and the Midlands.
Role Summary
We are looking to appoint an exceptional individual to our operations team to lead the planning and delivery of the NEC Festival areas, in conjunction with the incumbent venue planning team. The post will report to the Operations Director. The Festival space will be a focus of the event, providing the first and last impression of the Games for spectators and accredited client groups. The Festival will involve free competition sports, have a go sports, activations, sponsor engagement, merchandise, food and beverage, entertainment, and general look and feel of the event. The Festival Operations Manager will work in close collaboration with the wider Operations department and wider Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 team and will be responsible for developing a suite of operational plans including an Event Management Plan, CAD production, workstream operating plans, radio fleet map and operational run sheets. Supplier engagement, contracting and operational budget management will be core to the role. There are several Operations Managers required for Event Delivery. The final per role assignment will be determined based on experience and final workstream planning requirements.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop a full programme of sport, entertainment and activities as part of the festival, working alongside local consultants and partners.
- Lead the procurement of assets and overlay, including AV, power and stage requirements.
- Plan for any back-of-house spaces, equipment and FF&E required.
- Coordinate all logistic and access requirements including accreditation for festival performers.
- Drive the integration of the festival into the wider event.
- Manage all operational aspects of the festival programme including the development of key documentation.
- Games-time delivery and management of the festival.
- Management of festival volunteers.
Key Relationships
- Work with the Operations Director, helping manage the budget for the festival spaces.
- Work alongside the communications team for promotion of the festival programme.
- Work closely with the venue incumbent team, and wider internal and external stakeholders.
- Work closely with the Volunteer Manager for the planning and training of the volunteers.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Degree level in Sports or Events Management - Desirable.
- Professional Qualification in health and safety - Desirable.
Experience
- Previous experience in a similar role - Essential.
- Proven track record of delivering a venue in a major sport environment, preferably multi-sport event - Essential.
- At least 3 years' operational experience of event management - Essential.
- Experience of working with agencies for the booking of entertainment or cultural activities - Desirable.
- Experience of working with emergency services and Safety Advisory Groups - Desirable.
Skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to deal effectively with people at all work levels - Essential.
- Understanding of event planning documentation - Essential.
- Working with stakeholders both internal and external - Essential.
Contract and Benefits
This is a full time, fixed term role to 31 July 2027. The salary for this position is starting from £45,000 per annum (depending on experience). This role shall be based at our Birmingham office and flexible, hybrid working arrangements are available.
Employee Benefits
- 30 days annual leave per annum plus public holidays.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Wellbeing time.
Operations Manager - Festival in Birmingham employer: Invictus UK 2027 Ltd
Invictus UK 2027 Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a meaningful mission that supports Wounded, Injured, and Sick service personnel and veterans through the Invictus Games. Located in Birmingham, the company fosters a collaborative work culture with flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, ensuring that team members can thrive both personally and professionally while making a lasting impact in the community.
