Role Title: Communications Lead, Tour De France Grand Départ 2027

Salary: Up to £45K, dependent upon experience

Contract length: Fixed term to the end of September 2027

In 2027 the UK will host the Grand Départ 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 Départ 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 UK Events Ltd and British Cycling. British Cycling will deliver the operational and business function, social impact and volunteer programme along with all consumer facing functions, on behalf of partners.

We are now recruiting a talented, experienced and passionate communications expert to lead the strategy, planning and delivery of communications activity aligned to this mega sporting event, working closing alongside multiple partners to ensure a coordinated and impactful approach.

This role will sit in the Communications team within British Cycling’s Brand and Engagement Directorate which works tirelessly to tell great stories about our athletes, members, events, programmes and impact, elevating the profile of our work.

Communications Lead, Tour De France Grand Départ 2027

In this role you will lead all communications associated with the Tour De France and Tour De France Femme, Avec Zwift Grand Départ 2027. This includes the proactive development and delivery of strategic communications activity, as well as responding in a timely manner to any reactive media enquiries/wider issues. You will be the main point of contact for all partner organisations, as well as the media. The role will be supported by a Communications Officer and an agency.

About you

• You will have many years’ experience of planning and delivering multi-channel communications campaigns and media relations, coordinating high-quality output/content across a range of media including news releases, website, social, email and partner channels.
• You will thrive coordinating large groups of partner organisations to deliver coordinated and aligned communications activity/announcements, to achieve maximum impact.
• You will be familiar with complex delivery models and have experience of working with local and national government, and official agencies.
• You will an expert people person – building positive relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, media and agencies.
• You will be adaptive and driven to produce high impact results/outcomes.
• While an understanding of cycling/bike racing is preferable, it is essential that you have a passion for highlighting the life changing impact of riding bikes/major events and the wider benefits to health, society and communities.
• You will have experience of managing both people and agencies.

What will you be doing?

• Developing and executing the Communications plan to drive awareness and engagement with the Grand Départ 2027 – telling the story of the races (before, during and after) and an aligned social impact programme​ across England, Scotland and Wales
• Leading the communications group, chairing frequent meetings and regularly liaising with all key stakeholder partners (organising parties and local authorities) to deliver coordinated outputs ​
• Leading on announcements, activations and PR opportunities coordinating the publication of integrated content across owned, earned, paid and partner channels
• Delivering a media engagement strategy across broadcast/print and online media at both a regional and national level ​
• Proactively working with the Project Manager and colleagues across the organisation to plan and shape communications related to event, volunteering and social impact activities, thinking creatively to raise the profile of the Grand Départ and inspire participation through both news and digital media
• Working closely with internal colleges across the full suite of communications, content and marketing specialisms
• Leading on public affairs/political engagement activities and support international relations opportunities
• Managing an agency/direct report
• Managing reputational matters and crisis communications as required

What are the perks?

• Competitive Salary
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Generous Holidays (25 days + bank holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Life Assurance
• Pension

To apply please send a copy of your CV and a short cover letter by using the apply button provided on the page.

Closing date 20th July 2025