Event Operations Manager

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.

What your day will look like

No two days are the same in this role. You could find yourself:

• Leading the operational planning for one of London’s most iconic events, working at pace to turn ambitious ideas into safe, world‑class live experiences
• Collaborating 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
• Shaping plans months in advance one moment, then responding swiftly to emerging issues or opportunities the next
• Briefing senior leaders and Mayoral Directors on progress, risks and recommendations
• Reviewing budgets, refining operational approaches and finding smart solutions to deliver value for money and maximum impact for Londoners
• Playing a hands‑on role in delivering the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks — a truly once‑a‑year moment watched by millions around the world

If you thrive on variety, responsibility and being at the heart of landmark moments for the city, this role will keep you motivated, challenged and inspired.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following 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

Behavioural Competencies

Planning and organising

… is thinking ahead, managing time priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance:

• Prioritises work in line with key team or project deliverables
• Makes contingency plans to account for changing work priorities, deadlines and milestones
• Identifies and consults with sponsors or stakeholders in planning work
• Pays close attention to detail, ensuring team’s work is delivered to a high standard
• Negotiates realistic timescales for work delivery, ensuring team deliverables can be met

Building and managing relationships

… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance:

• Develops new professional relationships
• Understands the needs of others, the constraints they face and the levers to their engagement
• Understands differences, anticipates areas of conflict and takes action
• Fosters an environment where others feel respected
• Identifies opportunities for joint working to minimise duplication and deliver shared goals

Communicating and influencing

Level 3 indicators of effective performance:

• Communicates openly and inclusively with internal and external stakeholders
• Clearly articulates the key points of an argument, both in verbal and written communication
• Persuades others, using evidence-based knowledge, modifying approach to deliver message effectively
• Challenges the views of others in an open and constructive way
• Presents a credible and positive image both internally and externally

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

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

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination. 

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Kim Hobbs would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at [email protected]  

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the [email protected] who support the GLA with recruitment.

Is this role eligible for 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. Please contact the hiring manager if you wish to discuss this further.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: week commencing 15^th June 2026.

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 committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. 

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

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.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening. 

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact [email protected].