Salary: Up to £48,000 (depending on experience)
Contract: Full‑time, Fixed term until the end of August 2027
Location: London‑Hybrid (office & home working and requirement to work and attend meetings around the UK as required. Some national and international travel will be required)
Start Date: Immediate
About Grand Depart GB 2027
In 2027 the UK will host the Grand Depart of both the Tour De France and the Tour De France Femme, Avec Zwift. This will be the first time in history that both races have departed from the same country, outside of France. A landmark social impact programme will also be delivered across the UK, tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth and supporting communities to thrive.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) – Grand Depart GB 2027 – will maintain oversight of the delivery of the events and will manage public funding on behalf of DCMS, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and UK Sport.
The SPV is a Joint Venture between UKEL (a new sports events company) and British Cycling.
British Cycling will deliver the operational and business function, social impact and volunteer programmes along with all consumer facing functions, on behalf of partners.
We are seeking a highly organised and politically astute Protocol Leadto oversee all protocol, hospitality, and special event operations. This role is central to ensuring that VIPs, government partners, sporting bodies and international stakeholders receive a world‑class experience aligned with event objectives and standards.
The Protocol Lead will be required to liaise with key stakeholders, coordinate all protocol-related activities and calendars, and manage a Protocol Coordinator. This position requires exceptional communication skills, sound judgment when navigating complex stakeholder environments, and the ability to multitask efficiently in a fast‑paced setting. An interest in sport, particularly cycling, is desirable.
What will you be doing?
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
* Engage with senior stakeholders on protocol related activity, including government officials, public sector partners, host cities, sporting organisations, and VIP guests.
* Build strong working relationships with UK public sector partners, ensuring alignment on protocol expectations.
* Provide expert advice on protocol matters, cultural expectations, and stakeholder sensitivities.
Protocol & Hospitality Management
* Develop and maintain the overall Protocol & Special Events Master Calendar, ensuring all activities are fully aligned and communicated across teams.
* Coordinate protocol planning across internal departments and external partners to ensure smooth delivery of all protocol-related operations.
* Plan and execute special events (e.g., receptions, observer programmes, dinners, stakeholder engagements) with meticulous attention to detail. Coordinate internal teams and third‑party providers, to ensure readiness and flawless on‑site execution.
* Oversee hospitality arrangements at special events – and at event time - for high‑level guests, ensuring a seamless and world class experience.
* Identify and mitigate risks, resolving issues proactively in collaboration with operational teams.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
* Line‑manage and mentor the Protocol Coordinator (when appointed) ensuring workload is balanced and deliverables are met.
* Ensure collaboration across all areas of the Grand Depart GB team and delivery partners.
Communications & Reporting
* Produce clear, concise briefings, run sheets, and protocol guidance for internal and external stakeholders.
* Deliver presentations and updates to senior leadership, partners, and delivery teams as required.
* Ensure timely and accurate reporting on progress, risks, and upcoming milestones.
What we’re looking for:
* Proven experience delivering protocol, hospitality, or stakeholder-facing operations for complex, multi-stakeholder sporting events.
* Ability to build strong partnerships both internally and externally.
* Strong project management, budgeting, supplier management, and documentation discipline.
* Exceptional VIP management skills: discretion, diplomacy, cultural fluency, and impeccable written/oral communication.
* Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritise effectively, and remain composed under pressure.
* Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and working collaboratively.
* Flexibility to travel internationally and work irregular hours aligned to events.
* Experience working with UK public sector bodies and/or national sporting organisations.
* An interest in sport, particularly cycling, and familiarity with the sporting ecosystem.
* Fluency in French and/or other languages beyond English.
What are the perks?
* Generous Holidays
* Pension
How to apply
Send us your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and why you feel you meet the criteria via the apply button below.
J-18808-Ljbffr