At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for UEFA EURO 2028, ensuring a top-notch experience at all venues.
- Company: Join the UK & Ireland 2028 Limited team, delivering a world-class sporting event.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the UK & Ireland and a focus on inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a landmark international event and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale events and strong stakeholder relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Location: Wembley Stadium, London (with travel across the UK & Ireland)
Contract: Fixed-term | October 2026– Summer 2028
About UK & Ireland 2028 Limited
UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is the local organising committee responsible for delivering UEFA EURO 2028 across the UK & Ireland. We work on behalf of the five Football Associations and in partnership with governments, host cities, stadiums and delivery partners to plan and deliver the tournament safely, inclusively and to world‑class standards.
About UEFA EURO 2028
UEFA EURO is one of the world’s largest sporting events. In 2028, it will be hosted across multiple cities in the UK & Ireland, requiring large‑scale coordination across transport, infrastructure, stadiums and public services. UEFA owns the tournament and sets requirements; UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is responsible for delivering it locally.
The Role
This role coordinates venues, Host Cities and mobility teams to deliver best‑in‑class Zone Ex operations at all 9 venues, building on existing operations and elevating them to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive and entertaining experience on arrival.
What you’ll be doing:
- Develop a clear set of roles and responsibilities with partner organisations.
- Build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
- Develop best‑in‑class concepts for Zone Ex at 9 venues, in collaboration with Host Cities, venues, transport operators, Safety & Security teams and relevant policing authorities.
- Plans to integrate:
- Pedestrian routing
- Signage and wayfinding
- Elevated experience activities, such as music, branding, food and beverage and activations
- Community protection, including cleaning and wet spot prevention
- Outer security perimeter plans
- Last KM transport operations
- Local area traffic management plans
- Communications plans and digital integration
- C3 structures
- Work with stakeholders to deliver the concepts.
- Ensure delivery against timelines, budgets and operational requirements.
- Demonstrate inclusive behaviours that support a respectful, safe and collaborative work environment.
- Represent the values of UK&I 2028 in all interactions.
- Comply with relevant processes, including safeguarding and safety.
- Manage and support team performance.
- Provide direction and decision‑making in a fast‑paced environment.
- Create an inclusive and high‑performing team culture.
Essential experience and skills:
- Knowledge and experience of developing and managing Zone Ex operations at major venues and/or events.
Technical Skills:
- Understanding of Green Guide and application to Zone Ex
- Understanding of crowd dynamics
- Understanding of public transport operations and traffic management
- Working in complex multi‑agency stakeholder environments
- Budget management and prioritisation
- Project and portfolio management
How you’ll succeed:
- Adaptable – leads in complex environments.
- Catalyst – enables and motivates others.
- Critical Thinker – makes sound decisions.
- Inclusion – creates inclusive team environments.
- Performance Focus – drives results and standards.
- Positive Impact – shows resilience and solutions focus.
- Pride – sets and upholds standards.
- Relationship Manager – builds trusted partnerships.
These strengths may be assessed during application, assessment and interview.
Why apply?
We offer a competitive salary and benefits (including 25 days holiday, pension and private medical insurance), alongside the opportunity to be part of a landmark international sporting event.
Location & Working Pattern:
Based at Wembley Stadium, with travel across the UK & Ireland as required.
- 2026: 3 days/week onsite
- 2027: 3–4 days/week onsite
- 2028: Full‑time onsite during tournament delivery
Everyone is welcome
We’re hiring for excellence through inclusion. We’re building a skilled, values‑led workforce that reflects the diversity of the UK and Ireland. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and don’t expect a traditional career path. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments—please contact careers@uki2028.com. All roles are subject to appropriate DBS checks.
Senior External Operations Manager employer: UK & Ireland 2028
UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of the prestigious UEFA EURO 2028 tournament at Wembley Stadium. With a strong focus on inclusivity and collaboration, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits including 25 days holiday and private medical insurance. The role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic environment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior External Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand what they’re looking for in a Senior External Operations Manager and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practice common interview questions and have your own ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When you get the chance to talk about your experience, use specific situations where you’ve successfully managed operations or built relationships with stakeholders. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team delivering UEFA EURO 2028. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior External Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing Zone Ex operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills:This role is all about building relationships, so give us examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder interactions in the past. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their ability to collaborate effectively!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK & Ireland 2028
✨Know Your Zone Ex Operations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Zone Ex operations, especially in relation to major events. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Think about specific examples where you've successfully managed similar operations.
✨Stakeholder Relationships Matter
This role involves a lot of collaboration with various stakeholders. Prepare to talk about how you've built and maintained effective relationships in previous roles. Have a few anecdotes ready that showcase your ability to work in complex multi-agency environments.
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given the fast-paced nature of this role, it's crucial to demonstrate your adaptability. Think of instances where you've had to pivot quickly in response to changing circumstances and how you managed those situations effectively.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Team Culture
The company values inclusivity and a high-performing team culture. Be prepared to discuss how you've fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles. Share examples of how you've motivated your team and created a collaborative atmosphere.
