Event Operations Manager

Organisation: Glasgow 2026
Salary: Starting salary is from £45,000 FTE. Salary offered will be based on demonstrated skills and experience related to this role.
Location: Glasgow
Contract type: Fixed Term (Full time)
Closing date: 7 November 2025
Interview date: 21 November 2025
Job Description: Help Us Shape the Future of the Commonwealth Games – Glasgow 2026!

The journey to Glasgow 2026 starts now – and we want YOU to be part of it! Get ready for a brilliant new era for the Commonwealth Games, blending world-class sport with a sustainable, future-focused vision.

In just under 300 days, Glasgow will transform into a global hub for sport and culture, welcoming 3,000 athletes from 74 nations, across 11 days of unforgettable action, fuelled by the city’s unstoppable energy and passion. 
 
Glasgow 2026 is set to revolutionise the Games, with a bold, ‘Clyde Built’ experience that reflects the city’s resilience and innovation. This is more than just an event; it’s a movement – a celebration of unity, equality, and sporting excellence. A movement that will not only deliver a world-class sporting experience but will also create a lasting legacy, maximising social and economic benefits for the city and the Commonwealth. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something historic! 

If you have a passion for sport and a drive for excellence and want to be part of creating something truly special, then Glasgow 2026 wants you. 

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as Event Operations Manager within the Games Operations Division.

As Event Operations Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in planning and delivering the Non-Competition Venues (NCVs) — the critical spaces that power the Games experience, from athlete preparation zones and media hubs to logistics compounds and support areas.

Working closely with the Senior Event Operations Manager, you’ll lead the operational planning and delivery of designated venues, ensuring they run smoothly, safely, and successfully — from initial setup to decommissioning.

This role is central to bringing together multiple teams, partners, and functions across the organisation, ensuring alignment, consistency, and excellence in everything we deliver. You’ll lead operational planning, manage stakeholder coordination, and oversee the day-to-day delivery of venue operations, ensuring all services meet agreed standards and safety protocols.

It’s a hands-on role that requires collaboration, composure, and attention to detail. You’ll play a key part in the success of the Games, creating an environment where athletes, staff, and spectators alike experience something truly extraordinary.

You’ll be the key point of contact for multiple stakeholders, coordinating delivery partners, suppliers, and internal functions to ensure every detail aligns with the Games’ standards, policies, and safety protocols.

This is your chance to work at the heart of a world-class event, collaborating with passionate professionals and visionary leaders to showcase Glasgow on the global stage.

Job Summary:

As Event Operations Manager, you will take responsibility for leading the operational planning and delivery of designated non-competition venues, ensuring that every aspect – from logistics and safety to stakeholder engagement – is executed to the highest standard. You’ll act as the central point of contact for all venue stakeholders, coordinating delivery partners, suppliers, and internal Functional Areas (FAs) to ensure that all services are delivered seamlessly and in line with agreed operational plans.

You’ll oversee venue compliance with health and safety, security, and crowd management protocols, while also managing the development and maintenance of venue documentation. During the Games, you’ll manage daily venue operations, incident response, scheduling, and workforce supervision to ensure smooth delivery.

In addition, you’ll contribute to the broader planning and readiness of the Games by supporting other operational areas, such as competition venues and city operations. You’ll participate in testing and readiness programmes, feed into central governance and reporting processes, and support post-event debriefs to capture lessons learned.

This is a high-impact role where no two days will be the same – one that demands organisation, adaptability, and teamwork to help deliver a truly world-class event for Glasgow and the Commonwealth.

Key Skills and Experience:

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring proven experience in event or venue management within large-scale, multi-venue, or major event environments. You’ll be a confident coordinator, experienced in managing multiple projects, teams, and suppliers while maintaining operational excellence. Exceptional communication and collaboration skills are essential, along with the ability to remain calm, decisive, and solutions-focused under pressure.

An understanding of project management processes and tools is expected, coupled with financial literacy to manage budgets and contracts effectively. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a proactive approach will be key to thriving in this fast-paced environment.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and related software (including project management and design tools) is important. The ideal candidate will be adaptable, organised, and comfortable operating in a dynamic, time-sensitive setting.

A natural communicator – reliable, self-motivated, and proud to deliver results in a fast-paced setting. You take pride in your work, value teamwork, and bring positivity, focus, and resilience to every challenge.

Why Glasgow 2026?

Joining the Glasgow 2026 team means being part of something extraordinary. As we embark on this exciting journey, we’re not just planning an event – we’re creating a new legacy for Glasgow and the Commonwealth. This is an opportunity to shape the future of major sporting events, bringing the world together for 11 days of unforgettable competition and culture.

We’re looking for well-organised, passionate, and driven people who are excited to roll up their sleeves and be part of an inclusive, forward-thinking, and sustainable Games. This is your chance to help set the new standard for global events while contributing to the city’s rich sporting legacy.
How to apply: How to Apply If you’re ready to be part of something historic, we want to hear from you! For more information about the role and a detailed job description, visit Glasgow2026.com. To apply, send your CV along with a 250-word summary (or video/voice note) of why you want to be part of our team to recruitment@glasgow2026.com. At Glasgow 2026, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you need assistance with your application, our Recruitment Team is here to support you with any reasonable adjustments. Please note that candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK, which we request is confirmed as part of the application process. This is a mandatory requirement for consideration of the role.