At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead large-scale international sporting events from planning to execution with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a leading event management company in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive travel opportunities, and a chance to work on global events.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting world of international sports events.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing complex events and leading diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London (with extensive international travel)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Director of Event Project Management & Overlay to provide strategic leadership across the planning, delivery, and operational execution of a portfolio of large-scale international sporting events. This senior role oversees end-to-end event project management and temporary venue overlay, ensuring events are delivered safely, efficiently, on budget, and to the highest global standards. Reporting into senior Event Operations leadership, you will translate overarching event strategy into seamless on-site execution, while driving continuous improvement across the event lifecycle. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, collaborate closely with host city stakeholders and delivery partners, and play a pivotal role during live event operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Event Planning & Delivery
- Lead the coordination of the full event lifecycle, ensuring strong cross-functional integration across planning, build, live event and de-rig phases.
- Establish and embed standardised event frameworks, methodologies, tools, and processes to support consistent delivery across multiple events.
- Chair key event meetings, including planning reviews, race-week coordination, and post-event debriefs.
- Act as senior operational lead during live events when required, providing oversight, escalation management, and crisis leadership via the Event Command Centre.
- Own departmental budgets, maintaining a season-wide view to identify efficiencies, cost control opportunities, and performance improvements.
- Support Event Leads in integrating external stakeholders, local operators, and technical suppliers, promoting long-term efficiencies and scalable solutions.
- Conduct technical site visits for new and existing venues, contributing to layout design, operational planning, and feasibility assessments.
- Project & Programme Management
- Oversee a complex portfolio of interdependent projects across multiple international locations.
- Monitor project roadmaps, milestones, dependencies, and risks, ensuring alignment across events and departments.
- Proactively identify issues, drive corrective actions, and maintain overall programme quality and integrity.
- Ensure timely and accurate project reporting, status updates, and senior-level insights.
- Organise and support strategic workshops to improve delivery, governance, and planning capabilities.
- Champion continuous improvement in project tools, systems, and processes.
- Event Overlay & Operations
- Lead the Event Overlay function, overseeing all temporary infrastructure build and de-rig operations.
- Ensure all event infrastructure complies with global technical standards, safety regulations, and local permitting requirements across diverse markets.
- Act as the primary liaison between technical, sporting, and operational teams to ensure fully integrated event plans.
- Support infrastructure budgeting and procurement strategies, identifying opportunities for economies of scale and year-on-year cost efficiencies.
- Leadership & Team Management
- Line manage a London-based team of 15+ across event project management and venue overlay disciplines.
- Work closely with Host City Directors and senior Project Managers to ensure consistent delivery approaches across all events.
- Facilitate internal workshops and reviews to drive collaboration, efficiency, and best practice.
- Act as a senior operational representative, providing oversight across broader Operations functions when required.
Skills, Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Proven experience leading complex, large-scale international events or projects.
- Strong background in event project management, operational delivery, or major programme leadership.
- Demonstrable experience managing multidisciplinary teams and multi-stakeholder delivery environments.
- Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on and detail-focused.
- Commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets, reporting, and performance metrics.
- Advanced knowledge of project and programme management methodologies.
- Strong proficiency with digital collaboration tools and programme management software.
- Clear understanding of the dynamics of live sporting or major event environments.
- Degree-level intellectual capability.
Desirable
- Experience within motorsport or elite sporting events.
- Formal project management qualification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2).
Personal Attributes
- Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
- Calm, authoritative leader with strong decision-making capability under pressure.
- Highly organised, adaptable, and resilient.
- Comfortable working autonomously in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
- Emotionally intelligent with the ability to lead diverse teams across cultures.
- Willingness to travel extensively, including sustained periods and short-notice deployments.
Travel Requirements
Regular international travel required, typically supporting 6-8 event locations per season, plus additional site visits for future event planning.
Director of Event Project Management & Overlay. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
As a leading employer in the event management sector, we offer an exciting opportunity for the Director of Event Project Management & Overlay to thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment in London. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our extensive training programmes and the chance to lead multidisciplinary teams on high-profile international sporting events, all while enjoying a culture that values innovation and excellence. With competitive benefits and the unique advantage of working in one of the world's most vibrant cities, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where your contributions make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Event Project Management & Overlay. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨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 about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent events. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in event project management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you handle high-pressure situations, as these are key for a Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that dream job in event project management!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Event Project Management & Overlay. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Event Project Management & Overlay role. Highlight your experience in managing large-scale international events and leading multidisciplinary teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in event project management and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams and collaborating with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your leadership style and any relevant experiences. We want to see how you've successfully managed teams and navigated complex project environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of large-scale international events. Familiarise yourself with recent projects in the industry, especially those related to sporting events. This will not only show your passion but also help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Be ready to discuss how you handle crisis situations and ensure smooth operations during live events.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since managing budgets is crucial for this role, come prepared to discuss your experience with financial oversight. Share specific instances where you identified cost efficiencies or improved budget management in past projects. This will illustrate your commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated and built relationships with different parties. Highlight your ability to integrate external stakeholders and local operators into event planning, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
