Associate Director - Sports & Major Events

Steer; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Leader for its Sports and Major Events team. The role involves overseeing high-profile projects, engaging with clients, and managing multi-disciplinary teams. Candidates should have proven experience in event operations, a strong client network, and excellent leadership skills. This is a unique opportunity to work within a dynamic environment to lead significant projects in the sports sector, offering a competitive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Company pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Discretionary bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in sports and major event operations and transport planning.
• Existing network of sector-specific clients.
• Project Director level stakeholder management and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-profile projects for major events.
• Build strong relationships with clients.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams and coordinate activities.

Skills

Leadership

Client Engagement

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

Degree in Transport Planning, Engineering, or related field

Job description

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 for an impressive range of clients.

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. As an example please read https://steergroup.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/Steer_Insight_Report_Playing_to_the_Crowd.pdf

Requirements

Minimum 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.