Major Sports Events Manager

LeedsGraphicDesigners.co.uk; Little London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public organization is seeking a Major Sports Events Manager to oversee involvement in international sports events in London. The candidate will lead day-to-day operations, manage relationships with key partners, and ensure effective delivery of the sports events strategy. Strong project management experience and knowledge of the sports industry are essential. This position is hybrid, offering competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Hybrid working options

30 days annual leave

Interest-free season ticket loan

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience of managing high-profile projects in public sector or contract management.
• Significant knowledge and experience of the sports industry in a management role.
• Ability to operate in a politically sensitive environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of major sports events in the city.
• Manage relationships with sporting organizations and partners.
• Work closely with the Mayor's Office and Senior Managers.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Knowledge of sports industry

Communication skills

Job description

Strategy and Communications

Strategy and Communications sits at the centre of the organisation, bringing together several teams with organisation-wide remits and mutual collaboration opportunities. The work of the directorates teams includes delivery of major events, designing and leading public affairs or marketing campaigns, providing data, evidence and analysis, leading cross‑organisational programmes, to making sure we plan for and can respond to emerging events or emergencies in our city.

About The Team

The Major Sports Events Manager is responsible for managing the GLAs involvement in the portfolio of international major sports events that take place in London; and for overseeing the development and delivery of the GLAs major sports events strategy.

About The Role

A key fundamental of the role is to act as the day‑to‑day lead for the multitude of major sports events that take place across the city; and to manage the GLAs relationships with a range of sporting organisations and other key partners.

The role involves working closely with the Mayors Office and Senior Managers on key GLA policies relating to the Major Sports Events portfolio; and forging excellent relationships with senior people across international and national sports federations and national governing bodies of sport.

The successful candidate will need to start the role by 5th January 2026.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of managing high‑profile projects either in the public sector or in a commercial contract‑management setting; and first‑hand experience of grant/contract negotiation and financial and performance monitoring.
• Significant knowledge and experience of working in the sports industry in a management role.
• Knowledge of the structure of London government, in particular the respective roles of local authorities, the Mayor and the GLA Group and national government. A good understanding of how sport is managed and administered in London and nationally.
• Experience of operating in a politically sensitive environment and handling communications in this environment.

Behavioural Competencies

Stakeholder focus: consulting with, listening to and understanding the needs of those our work impacts; and using this knowledge to shape what we do and manage others expectations.

Level 3 Indicators Of Effective Performance

• Seeks to understand requirements, gathering extra information when needs are not clear.
• Presents the GLA positively by interacting effectively with stakeholders.
• Delivers a timely and accurate service.
• Understands the differing needs of stakeholders and adapts own service accordingly.
• Seeks and uses feedback from a variety of sources to improve the GLA service to Londoners.

Planning and Organising

• Prioritises work in line with key team or project deliverables.
• Makes contingency plans to account for changing work priorities, deadlines and milestones.
• Identifies and consults with sponsors or stakeholders in planning work.
• Pays close attention to detail, ensuring team work is delivered to a high standard.
• Negotiates realistic timescales for work delivery, ensuring team deliverables can be met.

Building and Managing Relationships

• Develops new professional relationships.
• Understands the needs of others, the constraints they face and the levers to their engagement.
• Understands differences, anticipates areas of conflict and takes action.
• Fosters an environment where others feel respected.
• Identifies opportunities for joint working to minimise duplication and deliver shared goals.

Communicating and Influencing

• Communicates openly and inclusively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Clearly articulates key points of an argument, in both verbal and written communication.
• Persuades others, using evidence‑based knowledge and modifying approach to deliver message effectively.
• Challenges the views of others in an open and constructive way.
• Present a credible and positive image both internally and externally.

Strategic Thinking

• Works with a view to the future, prioritising own and others work in line with GLA objectives.
• Briefs and prepares team to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Communicates the GLA strategic priorities in a compelling and convincing manner, encouraging buy‑in.
• Balances own team needs with wider organisational needs.
• Identifies synergies between team priorities and other relevant agendas.

Decision Making

• Takes decisions as necessary on the basis of the information available.
• Makes decisions without unnecessarily referring to others.
• Involves and consults internal and external stakeholders early in decisions that impact them.
• Identifies potential barriers to decision making and initiates action to move a situation forward.
• Demonstrates awareness of the GLA decision‑making processes and how to use them.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework.

Location

This role is based at City Hall, Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE) but the team often convene at London Fire Brigades Head Office (Union Street SE1 0LL).

How to Apply

• Up to date CV.
• Personal statement (maximum 1500 words) addressing how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5 MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the CV and Cover Letters section of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement. Word or PDF format is preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (e.g., CV applicant name – 012345).

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

Contact

Laura Pierce, hiring manager – [e-mail]. For recruitment questions contact [e-mail].

Assessment process

Applications will be reviewed by a panel. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview/assessment on 3rd December 2025.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

London’s diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. This role is open to job share.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, you will automatically be invited to interview. Where adjustments are required we will accommodate as far as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. The role offers a good salary package, paid every four weeks. Additional benefits include 30 days annual leave, interest‑free season ticket loan, interest‑free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

All candidates must confirm that information provided is true and correct. False information, including the use of AI software, will disqualify the candidate. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check, and some roles may require additional security screening.

Secondment Opportunity

Internal GLA employees may be eligible for a secondment, subject to the secondment policy criteria listed below:

• Permanent contract or fixed‑term contract where the time left on the contract at the point of application is longer than the secondment period.
• Successfully completed probation and performing to required standard for current role.
• At least 18 months service with the GLA.

If criteria are met, the employee must complete the approval for secondment application form and gain line‑manager approval. The form must be received by the closing date of the vacancy. Failure to provide the form will mean the application cannot progress.

If the employee is on a fixed‑term contract due to end before the vacancy end date, they do not need to complete the approval form as it is not a secondment.

Further information on secondment policy and procedure is available.

Support

For disabilities making online applications difficult, contact [e-mail]. GLA is a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and is committed to inclusive and accessible workplace and culture. We welcome disabled applicants. If you wish to opt‑in, let us know during your application.