Role Title: Event Operations Lead - Grand Depart GB 2027
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, fixed term until end of August 2027 
Location: Manchester (hybrid working model, minimum 2-3-days per week in Manchester office) 
Start Date: April 2026   

About British Cycling

In 2027 the UK will host the Grand Depart of both the Tour De France and the Tour De France Femmes, 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 now recruiting for an Event Operations Lead to join our growing operations team.

Central to planning and delivering key event functions – this experienced leader will coordinate and shape multiple functions, influencing across workstreams through strong collaboration.

The role brings together internal functions, partners, stakeholders, and suppliers to ensure alignment, consistency, and high-quality delivery.

Leading a small Event Operations team, the successful candidate will oversee operational planning, stakeholder coordination, and day‑to‑day event operations, ensuring all services meet agreed standards and safety requirements.

What will you be doing?

Reporting into the Operations Director, you will lead a small team, to oversee the following key delivery functions:

• Accreditation
• Catering
• Equipment, FF&E and Logistics
• Event Infrastructure and Overlay
• Event Dressing inc. Wayfinding and city dressing
• Event Accommodation, Travel and Transport
• Spectator Services and Transport
• Sustainability scoping
• Waste Management
• Workforce Planning

You will play a leading role in coordinating and delivering the event, driving collaboration across all functional areas throughout planning and execution, and working closely with the Route and Venues teams.

This hands-on leadership role requires confidence, composure, and exceptional attention to detail. You will take ownership of creating the environment where athletes, workforce, and spectators experience a world‑class cycling event.

As the primary point of contact for many stakeholders, you will lead the coordination of delivery partners, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure all plans are executed precisely, safely, and in line with event objectives. The role is varied and demands strong organisational skills, adaptability, and clear communication.

You will lead planning meetings, provide progress reporting, manage budgets, and work with teammates to ensure operational readiness.

You will also foster strong, positive relationships with hosts, venues, event partners, and suppliers — championing British Cycling’s values and strengthening collaborative delivery.

Your team will also oversee the relationship with the event’s Travel and Accommodation partner.

What we’re looking for:

• You are a talented Event Operations professional eager to take a leading role in delivering a complex, multi‑venue, multi-partner national event.
• You thrive in fast‑paced environments and build strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and delivery partners to deliver world‑class events.
• With experience in large-scale, multi‑venue sports events, you are an effective team and function leader ready for your next challenge. You’re an operational all‑rounder, confident working across multiple workstreams and comfortable balancing leadership with hands‑on delivery.
• You bring strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to operate effectively at all levels. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and natural curiosity help you excel in dynamic settings.You collaborate instinctively, bringing people with you and building trust with stakeholders. You show initiative, manage competing priorities, and remain calm and solution‑focused under pressure.
• You are proactive, adaptable, and bring a positive, resilient approach. You’re excited to influence event delivery, open to innovation, and proud of the work you produce.
• You understand project management processes and tools, and you’re confident managing budgets and contracts. Knowledge of cycling is beneficial, but what truly sets you apart is your drive, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

What are the perks?

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

Applications close: Wednesday 11th March 2026