Event Coordinator

Job Title: Event Coordinator

Reporting to: Event Coordination Manager

About The Great Run Company

"We started the Great North Run in 1981 because we were runners – and if you're a runner you want everybody to run." – Brendan Foster, President & Founder

The Great Run Company is the UK's biggest mass participation sport business, home to the Great North Run, the world's largest half marathon. Every year we inspire over 200,000 people to take part in events in cities all over the country accompanied by world class athletes.

We are also home to FilmNova, the TV production arm of the Great Run Company, producing programmes and events for clients including BBC Sport, Channel 4, UEFA, Olympic Broadcasting Services, IAAF, European Athletics and British Triathlon.

The Great Run Company welcomes everyone and anyone who is inspired to get active.

Our values

Teamwork, Excellence, Accountability and Ambition are lived and breathed by the team at Great run. We work hard as one team to ensure every event that we deliver is the best it can be, creating an amazing experience for our participants, partners, charities, and our employees.

The Role

The Event Coordinator will be responsible for assisting the Operations team by providing full administrative support across the spectrum of Great Run events including the Great North Run and Great Swim.

The Event Coordinator will act as a support role for the Event Coordination Manager and the wider Operations team as required, whilst taking accountability for the key tasks identified below;

Key accountabilities:

• Responsible for leading operational support activity of key events to ensure the event runs smoothly.
• Working with the Event Manager and wider team to ensure projects remain on-track and schedules/timelines are updated regularly.
• Performing all the administrative tasks associated with events including assisting in the preparation of event safety plans, crew manuals and traffic management plans.
• Recruiting, managing and briefing event volunteer teams and temporary staff.
• Providing outstanding customer service to all event stakeholders via written and verbal communication
• Ensuring all event content is brand-aligned and meets guidelines
• Building strong relationships with external suppliers, consultants, emergency services, councils, event crew and the public to successfully deliver events
• Liaise with the Project Manager and Finance team to ensure that budgets are met and costs are managed reporting the progress of raising purchase orders through the P2P system
• Writing and proof-reading content throughout the event process
• Identifying areas for growth and future opportunities for our events.
• Manage and maintain data in a responsible way in accordance with GDPR and internal data processing procedure

We are looking for:

The ideal candidate would be educated to degree level or equivalent and would have event experience.

• Have excellent communication skills both in written and verbal with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• A Strategic thinker with excellent planning, and organisational skill.
• The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Takes a creative approach to every-day challenges.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to change and innovate processes.
• Passionate for events: creating meaningful experiences for our attendees and long-lasting sustainable futures for our events.
• Environmentally aware: supports GRC objective of continuing to adapt our events to be more sustainable.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Other information

• This role is based in Gateshead with Hybrid working available.

What we offer

You'll receive a competitive annual salary, with an annual holiday entitlement of 25 days plus bank holidays.

We value your diversity and individuality and want to support your life choices whilst rewarding you for your dedication to us. This includes:

• Employee Assistance Programme, providing advice, information, services and training to help and support you deal with events and issues in your work and personal life
• Salary Sacrifice Cycle to work Scheme
• Volunteering policy, enabling you to support the causes most important to you
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Workplace contributory pension scheme operated through salary sacrifice, enabling you to get ahead in planning and saving for your future
• Employer funded life assurance scheme
• Private Healthcare
• Great run Company event entry benefits and competitor event entries (up to £100 per person per year)
• Open, modern, and friendly working environment with a strong culture
• Informal and relaxed dress code
• Twice a year company conference events and Christmas party, celebrating our successes and all fully company funded

Additional Information

• Occasional travel nationally to attend meetings and our events across the UK which would including some weekend work. Any days worked on a weekend you receive back as compensatory rest days.

How do I apply:

Please send an email with your CV and a covering letter explaining what you will bring to the role to:

At Great Run we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all so that every applicant has a fair opportunity. During any stage of the application process, we are happy to make any adjustments that may support you if required. Please contact the HR team if reasonable adjustments are required.

Closing date: 28th November 2025

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid volunteer time
• Private medical insurance
• Work from home

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Gateshead NE8 2AR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Event Management: 1 year (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person