Job Title: Event Managing Director (Racquet Sports)
Location: London, United Kingdom
Reports to: CEO, Sela International
Position Overview
We are seeking a world-class Event Managing Director to lead the charge for our flagship UK racquet sports event and establish a portfolio of other international events in future years. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will hold full P&L responsibility for the end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of our racquet sports events.
As the strategic lead, you will manage a multidisciplinary team to deliver an elite sporting experience that aligns with our reputation for excellence. A background in professional Tennis operations is highly desirable to bring “best-in‑class” standards to our portfolio of racquet sports. You will ensure the event is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest international standards across all operational facets.
Key Responsibilities
- Line manage the Senior Project Team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture across multiple event sites.
- Establish clear KPIs and provide mentorship to ensure professional development and alignment with Sela’s strategic goals.
2. Operational Excellence & Project Planning
- Develop and execute a rigorous event delivery plan initially for an annual event and in future years for multiple events, including technical event delivery, creative event overlay, fan zones, and athlete facilities.
- Leverage Tennis and general Racquet Sport operational experience to implement world-class standards for player lounges, officiating, and temporary court construction.
- Liaise with internal marketing and commercial teams to plan a deliver strategies to maximise the commercial success of the events.
- Coordinate with local & national authorities, as well as international partners to integrate logistical and cultural nuances unique to the sporting landscape.
3. Stakeholder & Commercial Engagement
- Serve as the primary liaison for high-tier sponsors, media partners, and government agencies.
- Oversee all revenue-generating activities, including premium ticketing, hospitality packages, and tournament merchandise.
- Negotiate and manage complex contracts with external vendors, technical service providers, and global broadcast partners.
4. Risk, Compliance & Crisis Management
- Ensure strict adherence to UK laws, including visas for international athletes, venue permits, and rigorous health and safety standards.
- Develop robust contingency and crisis management protocols to handle live broadcast issues, weather delays (crucial for outdoor racquet sports), or security concerns.
- Maintain full P&L accountability, identifying cost‑saving opportunities through operational efficiencies without compromising the “Sela” premium experience.
Qualifications & Skills
- Experience: 7+ years of senior project management in major sports/entertainment. Direct experience in professional Tennis or major racquet sport operations is a significant advantage.
- Leadership: Proven track record of managing diverse teams under the high‑pressure timelines of a summer event calendar.
- Operational Mastery: Expert‑level knowledge of venue overlay, broadcast requirements, and spectator flow specifically tailored to racquet sports.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong budget management skills with a history of optimizing P&L for large-scale, ticketed sporting events.
- Stakeholder Relations: Expert at navigating relationships with international sports federations, sponsors, and local authorities.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Event Management, or related field. PMP or PRINCE2 certification is highly preferred.
- Communication: Exceptional ability to influence stakeholders and represent the business with poise and authority.
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