Head of Events & Stakeholders - Sporting Event

Hybrid: 2 days per week in office

Gala dinners, opening ceremonies, official functions for a half-million-attendee sporting event with a stakeholder list that runs from international governing bodies to royalty and heads of government.

- Own the official functions programme for an iconic sporting event

- Direct working relationships with government bodies and international governing bodies

- High level stakeholder management

- Collaborative team with genuine cross-functional support

- A fixed-term contract through October 2027 with a clear scope and an unmissable finish line

The Company

This is a major sports rights holder and internal events operation, with teams spanning operations, partnerships, design, technology and logistics all working under one roof. The event at the centre of this role draws over half a million attendees and is sold out at full price. It is the kind of programme that attracts serious event professionals, and the right Head of Events and Stakeholders will find the internal structure genuinely reflects that scale.

The Role

The Head of Events and Stakeholders leads the full planning and delivery of all official functions and stakeholder programmes for one of the sporting worlds most prestigious global events, working directly with host venue representatives, governing bodies, commercial partners and government stakeholders to ensure every experience reflects the stature of the occasion.

- Lead planning and delivery of all official functions including opening ceremonies, host nation events and closing celebrations

- Build and manage relationships with government bodies, host venue and international governing body counterparts

- Develop and oversee stakeholder ticketing, inventory allocation and fulfilment processes

- Manage seating plans, guest lists and protocol requirements for official functions

- Develop and manage budgets across all stakeholder events and functions

- Oversee event agencies, production suppliers and service providers

- Coordinate attendance, registration and event access alongside the guest services function

- Onsite support and management

The Candidate

You will have a strong background in the planning and delivery of large-scale functions, galas or ceremonies, alongside demonstrable experience managing stakeholder relationships across government, venues and commercial partners. Budget management and supplier oversight at this level of event are essentials, as is a confident grasp of event operations and protocol requirements.

Experience managing VIP or celebrity guest programmes is beneficial but not essential. Candidates from premium sporting events, major hospitality programmes or high-profile ceremony delivery are all encouraged to apply for the Head of Events and Stakeholders provided the stakeholder relationship management piece is genuinely there.

In return you will take on one of the most distinctive senior events contracts for this premium global sporting event!

Live specialises in all disciplines (and at all levels) across events, experiential and exhibitions. If this position isn't quite what you're looking for please visit live-recruitment.co.uk to view all of the opportunities we are recruiting.

As a specialist events recruitment agency we help our clients build the most talented and diverse teams in the UK. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, embracing diversity across all intersecting dimensions, including ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, well-being, abilities, and neurodiversity. We are dedicated to ensuring a supportive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations for any reason, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Vacancy Ref: LGK19154