Overview

Major Sports Events Manager role at Greater London Authority.

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

Responsibilities

• Act as the day-to-day lead for the multitude of major sports events that take place across the city; manage the GLA’s relationships with a range of sporting organisations and other key partners.
• Work closely with the Mayor’s Office and Senior Managers on key GLA policies relating to the Major Sports Events portfolio; forge excellent relationships with senior people across international and national sports federations and national governing bodies of sport.
• Coordinate and deliver the GLA’s major sports events strategy and ensure involvement in relevant international events.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of managing high-profile projects either in the public sector or in a commercial contract-management setting; 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 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.
• Planning and organising – thinking ahead, managing time priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.
• Building and managing relationships – developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.
• Communicating and influencing – presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate, and engage with us.
• Strategic thinking – using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term, and to turn these into a compelling vision for action.
• Decision making – forming sound, evidence-based judgements, making choices, assessing risks to delivery, and taking accountability for results.

Location and Other information

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

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB 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 preferred. Do not include photographs or images. Save files with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (e.g., CV – applicant name - 012345).

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

Additional information

If you have questions about the role contact the hiring manager, Laura Pierce, at [email protected] or the recruitment support team at [email protected]

Assessment process

Details: applications reviewed by a panel; shortlisted candidates invited to interview/assessment. Interview/assessment date: 3rd December 2025.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London’s diversity is its biggest asset. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applicants from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are underrepresented. We are an inclusive employer and support flexible working; part-time or job share arrangements are welcome. This is a Disability Confident Employer; applicants who meet the essential criteria will be invited to interview. Adjustments available on request.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in offices and remotely. Salary package with regular payments; benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, interest-free season ticket loan, interest-free bicycle loan and a career-average pension scheme.

Expiry and policy

Please note: candidates must confirm information is true; misrepresentation may disqualify. Successful candidates may require a DBS check and other security screening as applicable. For internal secondments, refer to Secondment Policy and Procedure. If you are a current GLA employee with a fixed-term contract ending before the vacancy end date, you do not need to complete the secondment form.

Secondment support and contact: If you are a GLA employee applying for an internal fixed-term position, ensure you satisfy the policy criteria before applying; complete the Approval for secondment form and obtain line manager approval before emailing it to the Resourcing Assistant. The form must be received by the closing date to progress. More information is available in the Secondment Policy and Procedure.