Event Operations Manager

About The Team

Events for London sits within the External Relations unit and is responsible for delivering the Mayor of London’s flagship events programme, including large‑scale public events and high‑profile special projects. The team works closely with the Mayor’s Office and a wide range of external partners to deliver safe, inclusive and impactful events that engage Londoners and showcase London as the best city in the world.

About The Role

As Event Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the operational delivery of major events and special projects within the Mayor of London’s events programme. A key focus of the role is acting as the operational lead for the annual Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks, alongside overseeing other one‑off and ad‑hoc event projects as required. You will work closely with event managers and appointed production companies, acting as the operational lead and ensuring delivery is safe, compliant, value for money and aligned with mayoral priorities. The role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with statutory agencies, delivery partners and internal stakeholders, as well as providing high‑quality advice, briefings and assurance to internal senior leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational planning for one of London’s most iconic events, working at pace to turn ambitious ideas into safe, world‑class live experiences.
• Collaborate with emergency services, local authorities, transport partners and renowned event producers to deliver complex, multi‑agency operations.
• Stepping into a command‑and‑control environment on live event days, making calm, confident decisions under pressure.
• Shape plans months in advance, then respond swiftly to emerging issues or opportunities the next.
• Brief senior leaders and Mayoral Directors on progress, risks and recommendations.
• Review budgets, refine operational approaches and find smart solutions to deliver value for money and maximum impact for Londoners.
• Play a hands‑on role in delivering the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks.

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience of planning, delivering and evaluating large‑scale outdoor public events.
• Proven experience of managing complex, multi‑agency event operations, including local authorities, emergency services and transport partners.
• Experience of delivering events with significant crowd management requirements.
• Strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to manage budgets, report on performance and deliver within financial constraints.
• IOSH or higher‑level health and safety qualification.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest‑free season ticket loan, interest‑free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Location

This role is based at City Hall, Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE).

Sponsorship

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some internal candidates, in limited circumstances.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome flexible working arrangements. Part‑time work is possible as the role is open to job share.

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