Senior Operations Manager

Organisation: RunThrough Events
Salary: Salary range: £30k – £40k per year (depending on experience) + Bonus scheme
Location: Hersham, Surrey KT12 3PW (travel is involved for events)
Contract type: Fixed Term (Full time)
Closing date: 31 July 2025
Job Description: Start date: 1st September
Job Type: Initial 12 month maternity cover, with the opportunity for a full-time role following the end of the initial term
Type of work: Events/Office-based/Remote working

About RunThrough
RunThrough is the UK's largest and Europe’s fastest growing running events company, dedicated to delivering exceptional running experiences and fostering a vibrant community of runners. We are in an extremely exciting period of growth, with over 300 events planned and 400,000 entrants expected in 2025. As we expand our reach and continue to build our team, we are looking for a Senior Operations Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team initially as maternity cover but with a view to an extended contract at the end of the initial term.

The Role
We are looking for a dynamic, hands-on Senior Operations Manager who shares our passion for physical activity and community impact. This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and is eager to lead from the front — ensuring our events are delivered to the highest standard while shaping our company culture and community offering.
You will play a key role at senior leadership level, helping drive strategic decisions, overseeing critical operational functions, and being a champion for our vibrant RunThrough Membership Community.
This is initially offered as maternity cover however there is scope to extend this beyond the initial term for the right individual.

Key Responsibilities
🏃‍♀️ Operational Management & Event Delivery
- Support on the operational management and seamless delivery of the Women’s Run Series events, ensuring they exceed expectations for all participants.
- Deliver high-quality event village operations, proactively identifying and solving issues to continually enhance the runner experience.

👥 Event Staffing Leadership
- Hold overall responsibility for line managing and leading our Event Staffing team to ensure all events are fully and appropriately staffed.
- Develop team capabilities and foster a collaborative, motivated culture that’s committed to outstanding service on event day.

💜 Community Engagement
- Be a leading figure for our Community team, shaping and delivering the best possible experience for our RunThrough Membership Community.
- Work closely with marketing and partnerships teams to integrate community-led initiatives into our events and wider brand.

🏆 Strategic Leadership & Company Culture
- Play an influential role on our Senior Leadership Team, actively contributing to high-level strategic conversations.
- Drive initiatives that promote an exceptional company culture aligned with our mission, values, and passion for health and well-being.

What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years’ experience in operations or event management, ideally within large-scale public events, mass participation, or sport.
- A proven ability to manage, develop, and inspire teams in a busy, fast-moving environment.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills — able to think on your feet and make decisions under pressure.
- Passion for promoting running, active lifestyle, community, and inclusivity through events with a customer-centric focus.
- Experience working with volunteer teams.
- A hands-on, flexible approach with the willingness to travel and work evenings or weekends when our events demand it (on a rota basis).
- Full UK Manual Driving Licence and willingness to drive a van.

Why Join RunThrough
- Be part of a purpose-led, rapidly growing company at the heart of the UK running scene.
- Play a key leadership role in shaping both our events and our internal culture.
- Enjoy a flexible work environment (hybrid working), travel to exciting event locations, and perks like free race entries (+ discounts for your friends and family) and wellness benefits.
- Additional benefits such as: Enhanced Parental Leave, free personalised running coaching, free RunThrough Kit and exclusive Partner discount codes, regular team socials and bi-annual away days!
How to apply: Ready to run with us? Send your CV and a short note about why you’re the right fit to careers@runthrough.co.uk. RunThrough is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.