Event Operations Manager
Reports to: Head of marketing
Department: Marketing
Location: Yorkshire
Type: Part-time or Full-time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About SportsShoes
Sportsshoes.com is the UK’s leading online retailer for running, trail running, and outdoor gear.
For over 40 years we’ve been helping runners and outdoor enthusiasts achieve their goals with the best footwear, apparel and equipment from the world’s leading brands.
Community sits at the heart of what we do. Through our partnerships with athletes, brands and events we bring the sport to life for our customers — from grassroots running communities to elite racing.
As we continue to grow our brand presence and community engagement, we’re looking for an Event Operations Manager to lead the organisation and operational delivery of our event programme.
The Role
The Event Operations Manager will take ownership of the planning, governance and operational delivery of the SportsShoes event calendar.
This role will support the delivery of our elite racing events, including SportsShoes.com Podium - our flagship racing series owned and operated by SportsShoes.com.com — as well as brand-led events and product activations delivered with our key brand partners.
While the wider marketing and brand teams will help shape the creative direction of events, this role will ensure they are well planned, safely delivered, and professionally executed.
A key part of the role will be supporting our Race Coordinator in delivering race events and enabling continued experimentation with new event formats. The Events Manager will provide the structure, operational support and compliance frameworks that allow creative ideas to be tested and delivered successfully.
This role is particularly suited to someone with experience delivering participation or competitive sporting events such as running, cycling or endurance races.
What We’re Looking for
We’re looking for someone who combines a passion for sport with exceptional organisational skills.
You’ll be confident managing the operational side of events — from planning and logistics to safety and supplier coordination — while supporting the wider team in delivering memorable experiences for the running community.
This role will play a key part in ensuring SportsShoes events continue to grow while maintaining the high standards required for elite racing and brand partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
Event Planning and Delivery
Lead the operational planning and delivery of the sportsshoes event calendar
Oversee logistics for elite racing events including Podium 5K
Support marketing and brand teams in delivering brand partner activations, community events and product launches
Build detailed event timelines, delivery plans and operational frameworks
Ensure events are delivered to a consistently high professional standard
Lead internal event planning and organisation
Event Operations, Safety and Compliance
Own the development of event management plans for major events
Produce and manage risk assessments and safety documentation
Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, local authority requirements and event regulations
Coordinate medical cover, insurance, traffic management, permits and venue compliance
Develop and maintain event operating procedures and safety protocols
Conduct post-event reviews to improve operational processes and safety standards
Partner and Vendor Management
Manage external suppliers including event agencies, production companies, timing partners and logistics vendors
Coordinate closely with brand partners to deliver joint events and activations
Negotiate supplier agreements and manage event budgets where required
Ensure suppliers meet required delivery standards and safety requirements
Internal Collaboration
Work closely with Brand, Content and Marketing teams to support campaigns and product launches
Coordinate athlete appearances and brand partner involvement at events
Align event activity with wider marketing plans and community initiatives
Act as the central point of coordination for event planning across the marketing team
Team Leadership and Support
Manage and support the Race Coordinator responsible for operational delivery of race events
Provide the structure, logistics and operational frameworks that enable creative event concepts to be delivered successfully
Support experimentation with new event formats and community initiatives by ensuring they are properly planned, resourced and safe to deliver
Skills and Experience
Essential:
Proven experience organising sporting events, ideally within running, cycling or endurance sports
Strong knowledge of event health and safety requirements
Experience producing risk assessments and event management plans
Experience managing vendors, agencies and event suppliers
Excellent project management and organisational skills
Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Desirable:
Experience working with sports brands or sports retail
Knowledge of the running community and endurance sports events
Experience managing race operations or competitive sporting events