Event Operations Director (Golf Experience Essential) in London
Event Operations Director (Golf Experience Essential)

Event Operations Director (Golf Experience Essential) in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
We Are 54

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage event operations for exciting golf events globally.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing sports and entertainment agency with a passion for innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and generous leave policies.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of sports events.
  • Qualifications: Experience in event management, especially in golf, and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Opportunity for international travel and career growth in a vibrant environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Application Deadline: 2 February 2026

Department: Event Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London

Reporting To: Tom Warneke

ABOUT 54GROUP:

54 is a sports and entertainment agency operating across five regions and nine offices: United Kingdom (London), Europe (Sotogrande, Spain), MENA (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia & Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), APAC (Singapore, Vietnam & Adelaide, Australia) and USA (West Palm Beach, Florida). It works with rights holders, governing bodies, developers, household brands and major investors who share its belief in the power of sport. 54 comprises three service areas each consisting of two divisions: Strategic Advisory (Consultancy and Data & Insights), Asset Optimisation (Operations and Commercial) and Activation & Engagement (Events and Marketing). At its core, the company has an unwavering belief in embracing the opportunities offered by pushing at the edges of conventional wisdom.

Since its inception, 54 has gained significant recognition for its rapid growth and innovation in the golf industry. The company was named the 4th and 12th fastest-growing company in the United Kingdom by the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, 54 was ranked 171st in the Financial Times’ FT1000 list of the fastest-growing companies in Europe in 2021 and has been honoured five times consecutively as ‘Golf Business of the Year’ at the World Golf Awards, most recently in November 2024.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The opportunity exists for a dynamic, motivated and experienced Event Operations Director with experience in Golf Events to join the 54 team, to oversee, lead and grow the Event Operations team regionally and to support the company’s growing international portfolio of professional events. The candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the operational delivery, including rightsholder, partner and client liaison, budget and project management, operations, production and logistics. An understanding of the professional sports event ecosystem specifically within Golf, its stakeholders, rightsholders and suppliers is an advantage but an ability to navigate and learn about the global events environment is also sufficient for the role. The events portfolio is expanding into new sports and territories and therefore, experience in producing a wide range of major sports events is an advantage. The desired candidate must boast extensive international event experience, strong personal motivation, demonstrate innovative and forward-thinking practices, and be comfortable working remotely as well as at the Company’s Offices. As a senior role in the 54 events division, the candidate must have extensive project management experience, with a track record of delivering multiple events successfully within tight and competitive deadlines. The candidate must be comfortable managing a variety of relationships and have the ability to travel and work in a variety of different environments and cultures.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Strategy & Planning
  • Create and review key operational planning documents to ensure smooth, successful implementation and delivery across multiple projects
  • Design, implement and evaluate standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to operational event delivery for continuous improvement
  • Future planning and manage human resource within Operations across all events regionally
  • Liaise with Event Directors and other key internal stakeholders to ensure SOPs are fit for purpose
  • Management and review of the event delivery budgets across the event portfolio
  • Liaise with internal legal and HR teams, and external H&S consultants to maintain best practice in insurance, legal and health and safety across the international event portfolio
  • Collaborate effectively with Procurement Manager and international Operations Directors to deliver cost efficiencies and high quality of product or service across events
  • Support across supplier negotiations, requirements, and services
  • Keep up to date with the latest innovations in event operations
  • Leadership & Co‑ordination
    • Be an excellent communicator and team player
    • Liaise regularly with other departments to ensure alignment
    • Contribute regularly, provide good insights and support in event planning meetings
    • Encourage and develop best‑practice across the business
    • Always create a positive team culture, providing support where required and creating clear development pathways for team members
    • Lead a team of skilled professionals to deliver a wide range of activities ensuring high standards
    • Act as a mentor, coach and support network for immediate and extended teams
    • Must be willing to travel to oversee and/or support on international events – circa 16 weeks
  • Operational Delivery
    • Create and review key operational planning documents to ensure smooth, successful implementation and delivery across multiple projects
    • Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to operational event delivery as required to ensure the event operates within 54’s Global Event standards
    • Own and lead on event operations delivery and execution of specific allocated events
    • Oversee the build, design and usage of key operational documents including CAD Plans, Operational Schedules, Budgets and Logistics plans in line with 54 Event Operational standards
    • Implement, oversee and operate at all times according to the Event Operations Safety & Risk Management System and within 54’s Event Operations Risk framework
  • Management Standards
    • Conduct regular meetings within the operations team on the event ensuring all key areas and specialties are aligned and delivering as required
    • Act as a subject matter expert or key expert across the range of event operations services including site & infrastructure, site services, technical production, safety and risk, branding and signage, and general support services
    • Oversee and lead safe operations onsite, ensuring the highest safety & security standards are adhered to at all times and that work is always conducted in a safe manner
    • Drive world‑class event operations standards in all aspects of delivery
    • Proactively monitor, prosecute and report on event delivery, working with the Head of Event Operations to remedy issues before they occur
  • Monitoring & Evaluation
    • Concise updates to the Head of Event Operations, the leadership team and stakeholders in a timely manner about event delivery and status
    • Ensure project management tools are used consistently and effectively at all times
    • Produce clear and concise reports for senior management and client review in a timely manner, including but not limited to budget reports, resourcing and post‑event reporting

    Special Skills / Experience / Aptitudes Needed

    • Excellent communicator and team player, comfortable talking to stakeholders at all levels
    • Passion for sport
    • Accountable and a problem solver
    • Promotes trust and respect within the team
    • Leads by example
    • Flexible and adaptable
    • Collaborative and a good contributor in a team setting
    • Innovative thinker
    • Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint
    • Strong understanding of managing budgets and conducting RFPs & RFQs
    • Valid driver’s license
    • Proficiency in AutoCAD would be an advantage
    • Experience in a golf environment

    Salary and Benefits

    • Competitive salary
    • Annual discretionary company bonus – up to 8% (3% company & 5% individual)
    • Pension scheme
    • Life assurance
    • Income protection
    • 25 days annual leave (plus public holidays), pro‑rated & birthday off
    • Increased annual leave with years of service
    • Employee assistance program (EAP)
    • Private healthcare
    • Enhanced parental leave
    • Staff clothing
    • Working hours from 09:00 to 17:30 with an hour taken for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00

    Event Operations Director (Golf Experience Essential) in London employer: We Are 54

    54GROUP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides extensive opportunities for professional development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare and enhanced parental leave. Join a passionate team that values creativity and excellence in delivering world-class sports events, while enjoying a supportive culture that encourages work-life balance and personal well-being.
    We Are 54

    Contact Detail:

    We Are 54 Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Event Operations Director (Golf Experience Essential) in London

    ✨Network Like a Pro

    Get out there and connect with people in the golf and events industry. Attend networking events, 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!

    ✨Show Off Your Skills

    When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in managing events, especially in golf. Share specific examples of how you've successfully delivered projects under tight deadlines. This will show them you’re the real deal!

    ✨Research the Company

    Before any interview, do your homework on 54GROUP. Understand their values, recent projects, and what makes them tick. This will not only help you tailor your answers but also demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their team.

    ✨Apply Through Our Website

    Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on joining the 54GROUP family.

    We think you need these skills to ace Event Operations Director (Golf Experience Essential) in London

    Event Operations Management
    Golf Event Experience
    Project Management
    Budget Management
    Stakeholder Liaison
    Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
    Team Leadership
    Communication Skills
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Health and Safety Compliance
    Supplier Negotiation
    Operational Planning
    Adaptability
    Proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint
    AutoCAD Proficiency

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Event Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in golf events and any relevant project management skills that align with what we're looking for at 54GROUP.

    Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for sports, especially golf, shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the industry and can bring that energy to our team!

    Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out, and ensure your key skills are easy to spot.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining the 54GROUP family!

    How to prepare for a job interview at We Are 54

    ✨Know Your Golf Inside Out

    Since this role is all about event operations in the golf industry, make sure you brush up on your golf knowledge. Understand the key stakeholders, rightsholders, and the latest trends in golf events. This will not only show your passion but also your ability to navigate the golf ecosystem.

    ✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills

    Be ready to discuss your experience with managing multiple events under tight deadlines. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully delivered projects in the past, focusing on your budget management and operational delivery skills. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.

    ✨Communicate Like a Pro

    As an Event Operations Director, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've effectively communicated with teams and clients to ensure smooth event execution.

    ✨Embrace Innovation and Adaptability

    54GROUP values innovative thinking, so be prepared to discuss how you've implemented new ideas or processes in your previous roles. Highlight your flexibility and adaptability in different environments, especially when it comes to international events, as this will resonate well with the company's ethos.

    Event Operations Director (Golf Experience Essential) in London
    We Are 54
    Location: London

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