At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead travel and event services, optimising workforce planning and logistics for global events.
- Company: Join SailGP, the world’s most exciting on-water racing league with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while promoting clean energy and inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing international travel logistics and budget management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on-water. The annual, global championship – established in 2018 and now in its fourth season – features national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe. The high‑tech, high‑speed action features sailing's best athletes racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, flying at speeds approaching 100 km/h and competing for the sport's top prize money, with US$4.3 million at stake over the season. SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. In 2020, SailGP set a new standard as the first climate‑positive sports and entertainment property and began delivering actions and innovations that advance the global adoption of clean energy. Underpinning the organization’s purpose‑driven agenda is a diversification of the league, with the goal of immediately progressing gender and racial equity and inclusivity. SailGP is a global organization with defined values that shape the culture of its diverse team: deliver quality, break boundaries, make an impact, stand together and strike a balance.
Summary The Head of Travel and Event Services is responsible for building and leading a high‑performing, strategically driven travel and event services function. With ownership of the master event workforce list, you will drive workforce planning, ensure deployments align with the One Event Plan and transition the department from reactive booking to proactive planning and procurement. By reducing operational inefficiencies and maintaining strong financial discipline, you will build a scalable, professionalised operating model that supports efficient event delivery and SailGP’s 2030 growth ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Workforce Planning & Optimisation
- Centralised Tracking: Maintain the ‘Single Source of Truth’ master ledger for all global event deployments to ensure total operational visibility.
- Roster Optimisation: Partner with department heads to audit and ‘right‑size’ rosters, leveraging ‘dual roles’ and ‘leapfrog’ scheduling to maximise efficiency.
- Milestone Alignment: Link the Master Travel List directly to the ‘One Event Plan’ (OEP) so travel dates are driven strictly by operational necessity.
- Proactive Planning: Utilise a 12‑month runway to lock requirements early, shifting from reactive bookings to cost‑optimised group procurement.
- Global Travel Operations & Systems
- End‑to‑End Management: Oversee global travel logistics, including flights, accommodation, ground transport, visas and immigration compliance.
- Policy & Governance: Develop, standardise and continuously improve global travel policies, processes and booking tools across all regions.
- Data & Sustainability: Monitor travel metrics, KPIs and financial data to drive continuous improvement, efficiency and cost control.
- Event Services Integration & Supplier Management
- Functional Integration: Align travel operations with wider event services (e.g., workforce management, crew catering) to ensure a seamless, high‑standard delivery.
- Procurement & Performance: Lead global supplier strategy and negotiations for travel and event services, establishing robust KPI and SLA frameworks.
- Continuous Improvement: Lead comprehensive post‑event reviews to identify optimisation opportunities across travel and event services.
- Leadership, Finance & Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Leadership: Direct and develop the event services team, fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.
- Financial Oversight: Manage the event services budget with direct ownership of the travel budget, ensuring strict cost control, accurate forecasting and transparent reporting.
- Stakeholder Alignment: Partner with internal business leaders to ensure travel solutions and resource allocations directly support league requirements.
Key Expectations
- Promotes SailGP Values and contributes to a positive culture.
- Fosters a work environment where diversity is valued, respected, and celebrated through inclusive leadership.
- Develop creative solutions that allow for quality work to be delivered.
- Drive collaboration and teamwork within their team and amongst the wider department recognising their personal impact and utilising this effectively.
- Promote working practices that enable a healthy work-life balance within the team and celebrate wellbeing.
- Supports and displays out of the box thinking guiding this to align with SailGP's strategic objectives.
- Support teams with developmental goals and growth plans utilising a coaching mindset to enable and empower.
- Seizes opportunities to impact Better Sport, Better Planet.
- Strives for the commercial sustainability of SailGP considering this at all parts of budget management.
- Effectively presents with impact.
About You
- Experience auditing and right‑sizing complex rosters, using scheduling approaches such as dual roles and leapfrog coverage to improve staffing efficiency.
- Strong experience managing large international deployments, including flights, accommodation, ground transport and visa/immigration requirements.
- Proven budget management skills, with experience moving organisations from reactive purchasing to planned 12‑month procurement cycles.
- Strong vendor management and negotiation experience, including defining and monitoring KPIs and SLAs with travel and event service providers.
- Experience leading event services teams and managing relationships with senior stakeholders.
Location SailGP HQ in London, United Kingdom. Hybrid working model with a minimum of 3 days per week in the London Office. This role will have some event travel. SailGP is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion.
Head of Travel and Event Services employer: SailGP
SailGP is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion while driving innovation in the sports industry. With a commitment to sustainability and a focus on employee growth, the Head of Travel and Event Services will thrive in a dynamic environment that values collaboration and creativity. Located in London, the role offers a hybrid working model, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful global events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Travel and Event Services
✨Get Involved in Local Travel Events
Join local tourism fairs or travel expos in your area. These events are a treasure trove for networking, and you can often meet hiring managers from companies like SailGP who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Head of Travel and Event Services.
✨Showcase Your Travel Know-How
Create a travel blog or use social media to share your experiences and insights about different destinations. This can help you stand out to recruiters in the travel industry, demonstrating your passion for the sector and your ability to engage with an audience.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your School
Check out alumni groups linked to the travel and tourism sectors. Often, these connections can lead to inside info about opportunities at companies like SailGP and give you a leg up for your Head of Travel and Event Services application.
✨Don’t Shy Away from Cold Emails
If there's a dream company you want to join, don’t hesitate to send a friendly email to their HR or recruitment team. Express your interest in their vision and mention that you’re keen on any Head of Travel and Event Services openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Travel and Event Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, your love for exploration and different cultures should shine through in your application. Make sure to share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for travel—this can really set you apart when applying for the Head of Travel and Event Services role at SailGP.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is king in travel and tourism. When detailing your work experience, focus on situations where you provided outstanding service or resolved customer issues, as this demonstrates your ability to ensure client satisfaction. Include specific examples in your CV to show that you're ready to face the challenges of the Head of Travel and Event Services position at SailGP.
Keep Your CV Travel-Themed:When it comes to CV conventions in the travel industry, think of including any relevant certifications or training you've completed, like first aid or tour guiding courses. If you've travelled widely yourself, don't hesitate to mention that—it's all about showing your background fits the globetrotting vibe of SailGP.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're a great fit but also reflect your personality! Use this space to express what excites you about the travel sector and how you can contribute to SailGP's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Head of Travel and Event Services.
How to prepare for a job interview at SailGP
✨Show Off Your Travel Knowledge
For a role in travel and tourism, it’s vital to demonstrate your knowledge of different destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Brush up on popular destinations and recent changes in travel restrictions. We suggest bringing some interesting travel stories or experiences to share—this can help you connect personally with the interviewer!
✨Prepare for Customer Scenarios
Expect to be hit with customer service scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a challenging traveller or resolve a booking issue. Think of a few real-life examples from your experiences, even if they’re just from customer service roles. This will show that you're ready for the field and have the right mindset to tackle on-the-ground challenges!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Passion
In a full-time travel position, there are often irregular hours and spontaneous travel opportunities. Be sure to convey your flexibility and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of this industry. Let’s showcase that enthusiasm for travel and how it drives your decision-making!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Get familiar with travel booking systems and tools, such as Amadeus or Sabre. If you have experience using any specific software or even social media for travel promotions, bring that up! We want to show that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to their processes at SailGP.
