At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning and delivery of exciting running and cycling events in the stunning Scottish Highlands.
- Company: Join Caledonian Concepts, part of the London Marathon Events Group, known for exceptional community-focused events.
- Benefits: Enjoy a career-defining role with lifestyle perks in one of the UK's most picturesque regions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mass participation events while making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in large-scale event operations and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
- Other info: This is a hands-on role with excellent career growth opportunities in a vibrant environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
McBride Sport Executive Search is proud to be retained by Caledonian Concepts, part of the London Marathon Events (LME) Group, to manage the search for a Senior Event Operations Manager – a newly created and career-defining role based in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This is more than just a job - it’s a lifestyle and long-term career move. If you’re ready to step into a senior role, move to live and work in one of the UK’s most picturesque regions, whilst being part of an organisation that blends community impact with world-class event standards and shape the future of mass participation events in Scotland… then we’d love to hear from you.
Founded and led by Malcolm and Caroline Sutherland, Caledonian Concepts delivers a growing portfolio of exceptional running and cycling events across the Highlands, including the iconic Loch Ness Marathon. Now, as part of the LME family, the company is poised for further growth and innovation, combining local expertise with the backing and resources of one of the UK's pre-eminent event organisations.
As Senior Event Operations Manager, you’ll take a senior role in the planning and delivery of existing events and help shape the expansion of the event portfolio. Working closely with the company’s founders and in collaboration with colleagues at London Marathon Events, you'll ensure the operational success and community alignment of all activities. This is a hands-on role for an assured and experienced operations professional with a track record in delivering high-quality, safe, and successful mass participation events.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the operational planning and delivery of running and cycling events across the Highlands.
- Work closely with local stakeholders, suppliers, and authorities to ensure seamless event delivery.
- Input strategically into the development of new events and improvement of existing ones.
- Collaborate with finance, procurement, and commercial teams across the LME network.
- Maintain rigorous safety and logistical standards throughout all planning and delivery stages.
- Manage complex budgets (upwards of £500k) and multiple concurrent projects.
- Motivate cross-functional teams and share best practices across the business.
We are looking to identify someone with proven experience in delivering large-scale mass participation events (ideally running and/or cycling events) coupled with strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams, projects, and deadlines. You will be proficient in high-level meetings (e.g. SAGs, local authority, emergency planning), have knowledge of health & safety and community impact considerations for large events and have familiarity with project management tools and methodologies. This is a rare opportunity to take the next step in your mass participation event operations career while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of living in one of the UK’s most beautiful and vibrant regions.
Senior Event Operations Manager employer: McBride Sport
Contact Detail:
McBride Sport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Event Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the event management scene. Attend industry meetups, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching 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 chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with large-scale events. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges and delivered successful outcomes. This is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company! Before any interviews, dive deep into Caledonian Concepts and the LME Group. Understand their values, recent events, and community impact initiatives. This will help you tailor your conversation and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It not only streamlines the process but also shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it gives us a chance to get to know you better right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Event Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for event operations shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely excited about shaping the future of mass participation events in Scotland.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in delivering large-scale events, especially in running or cycling. We’re keen to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on those specific examples!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps to break down your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at McBride Sport
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Caledonian Concepts' portfolio of events, especially the Loch Ness Marathon. Familiarise yourself with their operational strategies and community impact initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with local stakeholders, suppliers, and authorities in past roles. Highlight specific instances where your collaboration led to seamless event delivery. This is crucial for a role that requires strong relationship management.
✨Demonstrate Budget Management Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience managing complex budgets, particularly those over £500k. Bring concrete examples of how you've navigated financial challenges in previous events, ensuring both quality and safety standards were met.
✨Emphasise Your Hands-On Approach
This role is hands-on, so be prepared to talk about your practical experience in event operations. Share stories that illustrate your ability to motivate cross-functional teams and implement best practices, showcasing your leadership style and operational success.