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 professional development.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while working on exciting, high-profile events.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing complex events and multidisciplinary 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 large-scale international sporting events, all while enjoying the vibrant culture of one of the world's most iconic cities. With a focus on innovation and excellence, we ensure that our employees are equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed and 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 event management industry. Attend conferences, join relevant groups on social media, 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 meet potential employers or industry leaders, be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Director of Event Project Management. Bring a portfolio or case studies that highlight your successes in managing large-scale events.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its events. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates all in one place.
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 Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Event Project Management & Overlay role. Highlight your experience with large-scale international events and how it aligns with our needs at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and delivered complex projects. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 that align with the role. This will not only show your passion but also your understanding of the complexities involved in event project management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated challenges and driven continuous improvement in past roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your calm and authoritative leadership style.
✨Master the Budget Talk
Since budget management is crucial for this role, come prepared to discuss your experience with financial oversight. Bring specific examples of how you've identified cost efficiencies or improved performance metrics in previous projects. This will showcase your commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with various stakeholders in past roles. Be ready to share stories about your communication and relationship-building skills, especially in high-pressure environments. This will illustrate your ability to collaborate effectively with host city stakeholders and delivery partners.
