Event Operations Director

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). Application Deadline: 15 December 2025 Department: Event Operations Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time Location: London Reporting To: Tom Warneke Role Overview The opportunity exists for a dynamic, motivated and experienced Event Operations Director to join the 54 team. The role is responsible for overseeing, leading and growing the Event Operations team regionally and supporting the company’s expanding international portfolio of professional events. The candidate will manage all aspects of operational delivery, including rightsholder, partner and client liaison; budget and project management; operations, production and logistics. An understanding of the professional sports event ecosystem and stakeholders is an advantage, but the ability to navigate and learn about the global events environment is sufficient. Key Roles And Responsibilities Create and review key operational planning documents to ensure smooth and 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. Manage and review 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 & 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 supplier negotiations, requirements and services. Keep up to date with the latest innovations in event operations. Be an excellent communicator and team player. Liaise regularly with other departments to ensure alignment. Contribute regularly, provide insights and support in event planning meetings. Encourage and develop best‑practice across the business. Always create a positive team culture, support where required and create 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. Be willing to travel to oversee and/or support international events (approximately 16 weeks). 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’s 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. Conduct regular meetings within the operations team to ensure all key areas and specialties are aligned and delivering as required. Act as a subject‑matter expert across event operations services including site & infrastructure, site services, technical production, safety and risk, branding and signage and/or general support services. Oversee and lead safe operations onsite, ensuring the highest safety & security standards are adhered to at all times. 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. Provide concise updates to the Head of Event Operations, 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 communication and teamwork skills, 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 licence. Proficiency in AutoCAD would be an advantage. 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 Programme (EAP). Private healthcare. Enhanced parental leave. Staff clothing. Working hours 09:00‑17:30 with an hour lunch break between 12:00 and 14:00. Seniority Level Director Employment Type Full‑time #J-18808-Ljbffr