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- Tasks: Lead high-profile sports events from strategy to delivery, ensuring seamless operations.
- Company: Join Steer, a leader in event transport and venue operations with a global reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the sports industry while working with top-tier clients like UEFA and World Rugby.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in event operations, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we encourage diverse applicants to apply.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Who We Are - Sports And Major Events Team Steer’s Sports & Major Events team are trusted specialists in event transport, crowd dynamics, and venue operations. With decades of hands‑on experience at global tournaments and iconic venues, we deliver safe, seamless, and sustainable solutions for world‑class events. Working globally, we acted as trusted advisors to an amazing range of clients covering all the world’s best sporting and festival events.
What do we need? An inspiring leader with vision, integrity, and drive—someone who can set a clear direction, motivate and develop the team, build trusted relationships, and deliver outstanding results in complex, high‑profile environments. You must combine strategic thinking, excellent communication, and a collaborative approach to take the Sports & Major Events team to the next level.
Why Steer? At Steer we have been supporting our clients by delivering specialist consultancy services across transport, cities and infrastructure, building upon successes in supplying solutions to some of the world’s most prestigious events we seek a proven senior leader to further grow our Sports and Major Events offer. Within a niche market, we have worked with international organisations including UEFA, The FA, World Rugby, The R&A. Our diverse team delivers inclusive and accessible transport operational plans across men’s and women’s events and we pride ourselves on supporting continual improvements.
Requirements
- Proven experience in sports and major event operations and transport planning, or venue design
- Existing network of sector specific clients
- Project Director level stakeholder management and negotiation skills
- Proven ability to lead complex projects under tight deadlines
- Familiarity with stadium safety regulations and operational planning best practice
- Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Transport Planning, Engineering, or related field)
- Project management and / or industry certification desirable
Key Responsibilities
- Project Leadership: Lead high‑profile projects for major events, from strategy to delivery and sofa to seat
- Client Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor, building strong relationships and ensuring confidence in our delivery. Take ownership of client relationships, ensuring projects meet strategic objectives and deliver exceptional value
- Team Management: Manage multi‑disciplinary teams and coordinate with architects, venue operators, and local authorities
- Commercial Management: Drive commercial success through accurate cost management, invoicing, and negotiation of fixed‑price agreements
- Business Development: Prepare bids and proposals for major event frameworks, identify new opportunities within existing accounts, and develop strategies to expand our footprint
- Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise with venue operators, local authorities, and event organisers to align operational plans with regulatory requirements
- Mentorship: Mentor junior staff and share expertise to strengthen team capability
- Industry Representation: Represent Steer at industry events and networking forums to build brand presence and generate leads
To be successful in the role, you will:
- Demonstrate a strong existing client network with a proven track record of winning and delivering major events
- Project Director responsibility for key tasks and workstreams, managing multiple deadlines in parallel
- Demonstrate strong analytical skills as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven project management/delivery experience in a Sports and Major events transport environment.
Why join us We believe in empowering our people and giving them the opportunities to shine. As an employee‑owned company means that our team are dedicated and passionate about what they do, and that’s the reason why we are at the forefront of our industry. Steer has 5 offices in the UK: London, Leeds, Hemel Hempstead, Manchester and Birmingham.
Equal Opportunity Employer Steer is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation, now or throughout your employment, please let us know.
We offer a competitive benefits package including:
- Private medical insurance and health screening
- Life assurance and group income protection
- Company pension scheme
- EAP and mental health first aiders
- 25 days annual leave and ability to buy and sell annual leave days
- Season Ticket Loan/ Cycle to Work
- Group Share Incentive Plan
- Up to 5 days for volunteering activities
- Discretionary bonus scheme based on annual compensation (dependent upon individual and company performance)
Compensation Steer is committed to ensuring that all its employees are compensated a fair, livable wage. All initial compensation, regardless of location, may be subject to change as skills, abilities, internal equity and geographic location are taken into account. In addition to base salary, all employees will be eligible for an annual discretionary performance bonus. Please review the benefits section for more information on total reward. Steer reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional compensation.
Work Environment All Steer employees seeking a full‑time opportunity are encouraged to spend 60% of their time either in the office or on‑site with clients. An employee’s typical work week consists of 37.5 hours (Hours, expectations, and exemption status will be adjusted for any applicant seeking a part‑time opportunity.) We understand that some may be dissuaded to apply based off their compatibility with the job description. That being said, we understand that not everyone is a perfect match on paper and encourage anyone to apply regardless of how much the work experience directly relates to the job description. Part‑time and flexible working applications will be considered.
Ready to apply? Just complete our brief online application form and attach your CV and covering letter.
Associate Director - Sports & Major Events in Leeds employer: Steer
Contact Detail:
Steer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Sports & Major Events in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with people in the sports and major events sector. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies of your past projects. When you meet potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like Steer, and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their needs. And remember, we love candidates who are genuinely excited about what we do!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Sports & Major Events in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sports and major events shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role and what we do at Steer.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in event operations and transport planning. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed complex projects in the past. We want to hear your story!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to review your materials and get back to you. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Steer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Steer
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of sports and major event operations. Brush up on your knowledge of transport planning, venue design, and safety regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a potential leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your existing connections within the industry during the interview. Discuss how these relationships can benefit the company and help drive business development. This is your chance to demonstrate that you’re not just a lone wolf but someone who can leverage their network for success.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams and managed complex projects under tight deadlines. Use specific instances where your strategic thinking and collaborative approach made a difference. This will illustrate your capability to inspire and motivate others, which is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Steer’s mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to taking the Sports & Major Events team to the next level. Showing that you’re on the same page will make a strong impression.
