Job Title: Event Operations & Volunteer Support Executive
Location: Stretford, Manchester (M32 0ZH)
Start Date: Mid-Aug 2026
Job Type: Full-time (Including weekend work)
Salary Range: £28,000 - £32,000
Type of Work: Events (various locations)/Hybrid working
About Active Leisure Events
Active Leisure Events is looking for an organised and proactive Event Operations & Volunteer Support Executive to help deliver some of the UK’s leading multi award-winning mass participation events.
The role will involve hybrid working, with time split across home, Manchester, Chester and Wrexham. Manchester attendance will usually be once per week, with Chester and Wrexham required for meetings, planning sessions and site visits. Weekend event work is expected for event delivery, with time off in lieu offered.
Working closely with the Event Director, Event Operations Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, you'll support every stage of event delivery – from planning and volunteer engagement to event-day operations and post-event reviews. You'll play a key role in coordinating logistics, contractors, staffing, venue preparation and volunteer support, helping to ensure every event runs smoothly and exceeds expectations.
If you're detail-oriented, adaptable and passionate about delivering exceptional participant experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
* Supporting the planning and delivery of Active Leisure Events' portfolio, ensuring operational details are organised and executed to a high standard.
* Assisting with event-day operations, including setup, live delivery and pack down.
* Preparing operational documents, schedules, briefings, checklists, contact lists and post-event reports.
* Supporting venue and site planning, including contractor coordination, delivery schedules and operational requirements.
* Assisting with volunteer recruitment and outreach, working with the Volunteer Coordinator to engage volunteers from a range of communities and organisations.
* Coordinating volunteer communications, including role information, event briefings and post-event follow-up.
* Managing volunteer logistics, including allocations, sign-in processes, equipment, welfare and event-day support.
* Supporting staff planning, event documentation, equipment management and communication across the wider team.
* Playing an active role in delivering events for Active Leisure Events and our sister event organiser.
Skills & Experience Required
The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in working in live events, an interest in running, and be a fast learner. They will have strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to perform manual tasks.
Essential:
* A passion for running, events and community participation.
* 1–2 years' experience in events, sport, volunteering, hospitality, customer service, community engagement or a similar environment.
* Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
* Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to planning and delivery.
* A confident communicator who can build positive relationships with volunteers, contractors and event stakeholders.
* A proactive, positive and people-focused attitude.
* The ability to work independently, remotely and as part of a wider team.
* Comfortable working weekends, early starts and the fast-paced nature of live events.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Competent using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and spreadsheet-based systems.
* A full UK driving licence.
Desirable:
* Experience supporting the delivery of live, sporting, charity or community events.
* Experience preparing event plans, schedules, briefings, operational documents or checklists.
* Experience working with volunteers, casual staff, clubs, charities or community groups.
* Experience coordinating suppliers, contractors, venues or local partners.
* Knowledge of mass participation events, running, triathlon or endurance sport.
* A qualification in Events Management, Sport Management, Leisure, Tourism, Business or a related field.
Benefits
We Love What We Do
25 days annual leave + bank holidays
Work laptop and mobile supplied
Free entry to any races with our sister company for you and your family plus discounted race entries for your friends
£70 race entry fund to participate in external events
£200 Sportswear voucher from our sister company
Regular social group runs with the team in the great outdoors
Flexible working hours to fit around training and exercise
Free coaching app and discounted coaching provided by our sister company
Free tea, coffee and snacks in the office
We Create Solutions
We offer professional development opportunities to upskill you and expose you to new areas of the business
We organise personal development opportunities through team building workshops, management training, guest speakers and much more
Cycle to Work scheme for employees who would rather travel under their own steam
We Are There For Each Other
We provide access to training that will help you to foster your relationships - mental health awareness, sign language, communication skills etc
Monthly 121 check ins with your line manager
A culture of compassion and camaraderie - we are all here to support each other
We Build Relationships
Free regular team socials with your regional teams
Bi Annual full team socials
Free membership to our Run Club - a place where you can meet and train with other members of the community
We Are Innovators
Opportunity to take on side projects in areas of personal interest
Mentorship from the senior and national leadership teams to develop leadership skills
Opportunities to travel overseas and work on some of our events in Central Europe and the Middle East
Opportunity to pitch and explore new venue ideas for running, trail and triathlon events
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and suitability for the role to applications@activeleisureevents.co.uk
Active Leisure Events is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.