Design Lead – Global Sports Events
The Opportunity
Our client is a leading sporting live events organisation delivering a premium global event series across multiple markets. They are seeking an experienced Design Lead to take ownership of the visual and spatial planning framework that underpins world-class event delivery.
This is a strategic leadership role sitting at the centre of venue design, master planning and technical delivery. The successful candidate will lead the development of the organisation’s global design standards while also managing the end-to-end design process for a regional portfolio of events.
Key Responsibilities
Global Design Leadership & Standards
- Own and continually evolve the organisation’s global CAD standards, drafting protocols, file structures and design principles
- Build and maintain a centralised design library of reusable templates, technical standards and repeatable design solutions to improve efficiency and consistency across all events.
- Develop and manage design programmes and project schedules to ensure all deliverables are completed and issued within procurement and build timelines.
- Lead, mentor and manage a design team, creating consistency in design quality and approach across the global event portfolio.
- Act as the key owner and quality controller of master venue planning frameworks and integrated event planning documentation.
Master Planning & Event Design Delivery
- Produce and oversee detailed master layouts and 3D visualisations for a portfolio of major international events.
- Deliver comprehensive design packages supporting both procurement and event build phases, including detailed layouts, elevations and technical specifications.
- Create highly accurate spatial planning solutions across multiple event environments including:
- Operational areas
- Spectator and fan engagement zones
- Premium hospitality experiences
- Broadcast and media facilities
- Integrate key operational considerations into all plans including:
- Crowd movement and flow
- Emergency access and egress
- Utility and infrastructure requirements
- Broadcast planning
- Operational and logistical constraints
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Commercial Alignment
- Partner with internal teams and senior stakeholders to ensure requirements are effectively reflected in venue designs.
- Work closely with procurement and infrastructure teams to ensure designs align with contracted inventory, technical specifications and budget parameters.
- Incorporate operational and delivery considerations early within the design process to minimise onsite changes and improve efficiency.
- Ensure solutions maintain the balance between premium fan experience, operational functionality and commercial viability.
Venue Strategy & Feasibility
- Conduct targeted site assessments for new or complex venues
- Evaluate geographic limitations, spatial opportunities, infrastructure considerations and overall feasibility for event delivery.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will bring a combination of technical design capability, leadership experience and large-scale event or infrastructure planning expertise.
Key requirements include:
- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp or equivalent 2D/3D design platforms.
- Significant experience delivering complex site layouts and master planning solutions within major events, large-scale infrastructure projects, venue development or temporary works environments.
- Strong understanding of crowd planning, spatial design principles, temporary infrastructure and health and safety considerations.
- Proven leadership experience managing technical design teams and establishing design standards and processes.
- Strong commercial awareness and experience working within defined operational and budget constraints.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines.
Why this opportunity?
This role offers the opportunity to shape and influence the design blueprint for a globally recognised sports and entertainment platform, driving consistency and innovation across an international portfolio of premium live events.
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