Overview
54 is a sports and entertainment agency operating across five regions and nine offices: United Kingdom (London), Europe (Sotogrande, Spain), MENA (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia & Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), APAC (Singapore, Vietnam & Adelaide, Australia) and USA (West Palm Beach, Florida). It works with rights holders, governing bodies, developers, household brands and major investors who share its belief in the power of sport. 54 comprises three service areas each consisting of two divisions: Strategic Advisory (Consultancy and Data & Insights), Asset Optimisation (Operations and Commercial) and Activation & Engagement (Events and Marketing). The company is known for rapid growth and innovation, having been repeatedly recognised as a leading golf business and top‑growing company in the UK, Europe and the world.
Role Overview
The opportunity exists for a dynamic, motivated and experienced Event Operations Director with experience in Golf Events to join the 54 team. The director will oversee, lead and grow the Event Operations team regionally and support the company’s growing international portfolio of professional events. Responsibilities include all aspects of operational delivery, rightsholder and partner liaison, budget, project management, operations, production and logistics.
An understanding of the professional sports event ecosystem—specifically within Golf—is an advantage, but the ability to navigate and learn about the global events environment is sufficient. Experience in producing major sports events across new sports and territories is also desirable.
The role requires extensive international event experience, strong personal motivation, innovative thinking, and the capacity to work remotely as well as from the company’s offices. Successful candidates will have extensive project management experience, a track record of delivering events within tight deadlines, and the ability to manage diverse relationships, travel widely, and work in varied cultures.
Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
Department: Event Operations
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: London
Workplace type: Hybrid
Key Roles And Responsibilities
Strategy & Planning
* Create and review key operational planning documents to ensure smooth and successful implementation and delivery across multiple projects.
* Design, implement and evaluate standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to operational event delivery for continuous improvement.
* Future plan and manage human resources within Operations across all events regionally.
* Liaise with Event Directors and other key internal stakeholders to ensure SOPs are fit for purpose.
* Management and review of the event delivery budgets across the event portfolio.
* Liaise with internal legal and HR teams, and external H&S consultants to maintain best practice in insurance, legal and health and safety across international event portfolio.
* Collaborate with Procurement Manager and international Operations Directors to deliver cost efficiencies and high quality of product or service across events.
* Support supplier negotiations, requirements, and services.
* Keep up to date with the latest innovations in event operations.
Leadership & Co-ordination
* Act as an excellent communicator and team player.
* Liaise regularly with other departments to ensure alignment.
* Contribute insights and support in event planning meetings.
* Encourage and develop best practice across the business.
* Create a positive team culture, providing support and clear development pathways for team members.
* Lead a team of skilled professionals to deliver a wide range of activities ensuring high standards.
* Serve as a mentor, coach and support network for immediate and extended teams.
* Travel internationally to oversee or support events—circa 16 weeks.
* Execute operational delivery by creating and reviewing key operational planning documents, and implementing SOPs to ensure events operate within 54’s Global Event standards.
Operations Framework
* Own and lead event operations delivery and execution of specific allocated events.
* Oversee the design and use of key operational documents including CAD plans, operational schedules, budgets and logistics plans in line with 54 Event Operational standards.
* Implement, oversee and operate according to the Event Operations Safety & Risk Management System and within 54’s Event Operations Risk framework.
Management Standards
* Conduct regular meetings within the operations team on each event to ensure key areas and specialties are aligned.
* Act as a subject‑matter expert across event operations services such as site & infrastructure, site services, technical production, safety and risk, branding and signage, and general support services.
* Oversee and lead safe operations on‑site, ensuring the highest safety & security standards and a safe working environment.
* Drive world‑class event operations standards in all aspects of delivery.
* Proactively monitor, prosecute and report on event delivery, working with the Head of Event Operations to remedy issues before they arise.
Monitoring & Evaluation
* Provide concise updates to the Head of Event Operations, leadership team and stakeholders in a timely manner about event delivery and status.
* Ensure consistent and effective use of project management tools.
* Produce clear and concise reports for senior management and client review, including budget reports, resourcing and post‑event reporting.
Special Skills/Experience/Aptitudes Needed
* Excellent communicator and team player; comfortable speaking with stakeholders at all levels.
* Passion for sport.
* Accountable and a problem solver.
* Promotes trust and respect within the team.
* Leads by example.
* Flexible and adaptable.
* Collaborative and a good contributor in a team setting.
* Innovative thinker.
* Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
* Strong understanding of managing budgets and conducting RFPs & RFQs.
* Valid driver’s license.
* Proficiency in AutoCAD would be an advantage.
* Experience in a Golf environment.
Salary And Benefits
* Competitive salary.
* Annual discretionary company bonus – up to 8% (3% company & 5% individual).
* Pension scheme.
* Life assurance.
* Income protection.
* 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays), pro‑rated & birthday off.
* Increased annual leave with years of service.
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
* Private healthcare.
* Enhanced parental leave.
* Staff clothing.
* Working hours: 09:00 to 17:30 with an hour lunch break between 12:00 and 14:00.
About 54
54 is a sports and entertainment agency operating across five regions and eight offices: United Kingdom (London), Europe (Sotogrande, Spain), MENA (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), APAC (Singapore & Adelaide, Australia) and USA (West Palm Beach, Florida). It works with rights holders, governing bodies, household brands and major investors who share its belief in the power of sport. 54 comprises three service areas each consisting of two divisions: Strategic Advisory (Consultancy and Data & Insights), Asset Optimisation (Operations and Commercial) and Activation & Engagement (Events and Marketing). The company believes in embracing opportunities offered by pushing at the edges of conventional wisdom.
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