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
1. Leadership & Team Management
* 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.
5. Financial Stewardship
* 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.