Senior Pre-Match Ceremonies Manager

Organisation: UK & Ireland 2028 Limited
Salary: Competitive
Location: Wembley Stadium, London
Contract type: Fixed Term (Full time)
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Job Description: Senior Pre-Match Ceremonies Manager

Location: Wembley Stadium, London (with travel across the UK & Ireland)

Contract: Fixed-term | February 2027 – Summer 2028

About UK & Ireland 2028 Limited

UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is the local organising committee responsible for delivering UEFA EURO 2028 across the UK & Ireland. We work on behalf of the five Football Associations and in partnership with governments, host cities, stadiums and delivery partners to plan and deliver the tournament safely, inclusively and to world-class standards.

About UEFA EURO 2028

UEFA EURO is one of the world’s largest sporting events. In 2028, it will be hosted across multiple cities in the UK & Ireland, requiring large-scale coordination across transport, infrastructure, stadiums and public services. UEFA owns the tournament and sets requirements; UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is responsible for delivering it locally.

The Role

This role will deliver all pre-match Ceremonies, excluding Opening and Final matches, in collaboration with other projects and according to protocol. Ceremonies will provide a compelling experience and amazing images to all target groups in the UEFA EURO 2028 stadiums and for millions of television viewers worldwide.

What you’ll be doing

Contract / Budget management
• Lead all phases of the process to appoint an Agency and any other relevant suppliers, including the preparation of all tender documents, the definition of the Agency scope, technical and financial evaluation, in close cooperation with the Procurement function.
• Oversee and negotiate the contract with the Agency in close cooperation with the Legal function.
• Ensure the Agency budget is invested correctly, compliant with UEFA’s expectations and needs.
• Manage cost reconciliation and reporting during and after the tournament.

Project management
• Manage the Agency in all phases of work, from concept to execution within budget, timelines and guidelines.
• Establish a detailed project plan for the pre-match ceremonies.
• Lead organisational meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor event production and ensure the project is on track.
• Prepare updates to upper management to ensure alignment on the output.
• Define standard operating plans to ensure alignment between Agency and relevant UEFA functions.

Operations
• Develop the pre-match integrated delivery plans, working closely with the relevant UEFA functions and all key stakeholders to support and facilitate an effective planning and a seamless execution.
• Manage the production of any banners through UEFA’s appointed supplier and plan for their disposal after the event.
• Act as key interface between the Agency and UEFA venue related functions, such as accreditation, access, venue management, volunteers, technical services, giant screen operations, etc.
• Supervise offsite and onsite rehearsals to ensure all staff and volunteers are informed and prepared to deliver the pre-match Ceremonies on match day.
• During the tournament, monitor the execution of the pre-match ceremonies, ensure quality control and implement corrective measures if required.

Team
• Recruitment of all UKI 2028 team members according to approved staffing plan.
• Prepare training material for the venue teams, according to UEFA ceremonies guidelines.
• Manage briefings and trainings for pre-matches venue team.
• Manage the pre-match ceremonies volunteers.

What we’re looking for

Essential experience and skills:

Knowledge & Experience
• Proven experience of live stadium events for major sport events and international organisations.  
• Ability to deliver complex projects within scope and budget and non-negotiable deadlines.
• Enjoy leading a team and must be able to build strong relationships to ensure that you understand the expectations and constraints of all stakeholders as well as ensuring that they understand their responsibilities.
• Familiar with excel, word, PowerPoint, outlook, and teams.

Technical Skills
• Experience in managing significant contracts with Ceremonies agencies.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Proficient in Budget Management.
• Previous experience of managing big teams.
• Willingness to travel across UK and Ireland.

Please see the attached role profile for full details

How you’ll succeed

Adaptable – leads in complex environments.
Catalyst – enables and motivates others.
Critical Thinker – makes sound decisions.
Inclusion – creates inclusive team environments.
Performance Focus – drives results and standards.
Positive Impact – shows resilience and solutions focus.
Pride – sets and upholds standards.
Relationship Manager – builds trusted partnerships.

Why apply?

We offer a competitive salary and benefits (including 25 days holiday, pension and private medical insurance), alongside the opportunity to be part of a landmark international sporting event.

Location & Working Pattern

Based at Wembley Stadium, with travel across the UK & Ireland as required.

- 2027: 3–4 days/week onsite
- 2028: Full-time onsite during tournament delivery

Application Process

Our process is designed to be clear and fair:

1. Application review.
2. Online assessment (role dependent).
3. Interview(s) – typically first stage via MS Teams and final stage in Wembley Stadium.
4. Offer.

We aim to keep candidates informed throughout.

Everyone is welcome

We’re hiring for excellence through inclusion

We’re building a skilled, values-led workforce that reflects the diversity of the UK and Ireland. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and don’t expect a traditional career path.

We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments—please contact careers@uki2028.com.

All roles are subject to appropriate DBS checks.
How to apply: Please apply on our careers site: https://careers.uki2028.com/job/880768