May 06, 2026
Full time
Event Operations Director (Golf Experience Essential) Application Deadline: 29 May 2026 Department: Event Operations Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time Location: London Description ABOUT 54GROUP 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). At its core, the company has an unwavering belief in embracing the opportunities offered by pushing at the edges of conventional wisdom. Since its inception, 54 has gained significant recognition for its rapid growth and innovation in the golf industry. The company was named the 4th and 12th fastest-growing company in the United Kingdom by the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, 54 was ranked 171st in the Financial Times' FT1000 list of the fastest-growing companies in Europe in 2021 and has been honoured five times consecutively as 'Golf Business of the Year' at the World Golf Awards, most recently in November 2024. ROLE OVERVIEW The opportunity exists for a dynamic, motivated and experienced Event Operations Director with experience in Golf Events to join the 54 team, to oversee, lead and grow the Event Operations team regionally and to support the company's growing international portfolio of professional events. The candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the Operational delivery, including, rightsholder, partner and client liaison, budget and project management, operations, production and logistics. An understanding of the professional sports event ecosystem specifically within Golf, its stakeholders, rightsholders and suppliers is an advantage but an ability to navigate and learn about the global events environment is also sufficient for the role. The events portfolio is expanding into new sports and territories and therefore, experience in producing a wide range of major sports events is an advantage. The desired candidate must boast extensive international event experience, strong personal motivation, demonstrate innovative and forward-thinking practices, and be comfortable working remotely as well as at the Company's Offices. As a senior role in the 54 events division, the candidate must have extensive project management experience, with a track record of delivering multiple events successfully within tight and competitive deadlines. The candidate must be comfortable managing a variety of relationships and have the ability to travel and work in a variety of different environments and cultures. KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Strategy & Planning 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 Management and review of 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 and safety across 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 across supplier negotiations, requirements, and services Keep up to date with the latest innovations in event operations Leadership & Co-ordination Be an excellent communicator and team player Liaise regularly with other departments to ensure alignment Contribute regularly, provide good insights and support in event planning meetings Encourage and develop best-practice across the business Always create a positive team culture, providing support where required and creating 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 Must be willing to travel to oversee and/or support on international events - circa 16 weeks Operational Delivery Create and review key operational planning documents to ensure smooth and successful implementation and delivery across multiple projects Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to operational event delivery as required to ensure the event operates within 54's Global Event Operations Framework Own & 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 Event Operational standards Implement, oversee and operate at all times according to the Event Operations Safey & Risk Management System and within 54's Event Operations Risk Management Standards Conduct regular meetings within the operations team on the event ensuring all key areas and specialties are aligned and delivering as required Act as a subject matter expert or key expert across the range of 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, ensure the highest safety & security standards are adhered to at all times and that work is always conducted in a safe manner 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. Monitoring & Evaluation Concise updates to the Head of Event Operations, the 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 Be an excellent communicator and team player, Comfortable talking to stakeholders at all levels Have a 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 RFP's & RFQ's Valid driver's license. Proficiency of AutoCAD would be an advantage Performed in a Golf environment SALARY AND BENEFITS Competitive Salary Annual Discretionary Company Bonus - up to 8% - 3% Company & 5% Individual Pension scheme Life Assurance Income Protection25 days annual leave (+ public holidays), pro-rated & Birthday off Increased annual leave with years of service Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Private Healthcare Enhanced Parental Leave Staff clothing Working hours will be from 09.00 to 17.30 with an hour taken for lunch between 12.00 and 14.00