Associate Director – Sport & Major Events
London, Leeds, Manchester, Midlands

The Sports & Major Events team are trusted specialists in event transport, crowd dynamics, and venue operations. With decades of hands-on experience at global tournaments and iconic venues, we deliver safe, seamless, and sustainable solutions for world-class events. Working globally, acting as trusted advisors to an amazing range of clients covering all the world’s best sporting and festival events for an impressive range of clients.

Candidate attributes:

Seeking an inspiring leader with vision, integrity, and drive—someone who can set a clear direction, motivate and develop the team, build trusted relationships, and deliver outstanding results in complex, high-profile environments. You must combine strategic thinking, excellent communication, and a collaborative approach to take the Sports & Major Events team to the next level.

Overview

Supporting clients by delivering specialist consultancy services across transport, cities and infrastructure, building upon successes in supplying solutions to some of the world’s most prestigious events we seek a proven senior leader to further grow a Sports and Major Events offer. Within a niche market, we have worked with international organisations including UEFA, The FA, World Rugby, This diverse team delivers inclusive and accessible transport operational plans across men’s and women’s events.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Candidates without the following credentials will not be considered for the process.

• Proven experience in sports and major event operations and transport planning, or venue design.
• Existing network of sector specific clients
• Project Director level stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with stadium safety regulations and operational planning best practice.
• Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Transport Planning, Engineering, or related field).
• Project management and / or industry certification desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Lead high-profile projects for major events, from strategy to delivery and sofa to seat.
• Client Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor, building strong relationships and ensuring confidence in our delivery. Take ownership of client relationships, ensuring projects meet strategic objectives and deliver exceptional value.
• Team Management: Manage multi-disciplinary teams and coordinate with architects, venue operators, and local authorities.
• Commercial Management: Drive commercial success through accurate cost management, invoicing, and negotiation of fixed-price agreements.
• Business Development: Prepare bids and proposals for major event frameworks, identify new opportunities within existing accounts, and develop strategies to expand our footprint.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise with venue operators, local authorities, and event organisers to align operational plans with regulatory requirements.
• Mentorship: Mentor junior staff and share expertise to strengthen team capability.

To be successful in the role, you will:

• Demonstrate a strong existing client network with a proven track record of winning and delivering major events.
• Project Director responsibility for key tasks and workstreams, managing multiple deadlines in parallel.
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven project management/delivery experience in a Sports and Major events transport environment.

Benefits

• Private medical insurance and health screening
• Life assurance and group income protection
• Company pension scheme
• EAP and mental health first aiders
• 25 days annual leave and ability to buy and sell annual leave days,
• Season Ticket Loan/ Cycle to Work,
• Group Share Incentive Plan,
• Up to 5 days for volunteering activities
• Discretionary bonus scheme based on annual compensation (dependent upon individual and company performance).

Compensation

For further information on this or any other related positions do not hesitate to contact Peter on 07881788772 or peter@huphuphup.com

Our industry knowledge ensures a unique, valued and specialist service. We actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community and offer every assurance that your application will be handled with the highest levels of professionalism.

For Further Information on Hup Consulting visit www.huphuphup.com