City Operations Manager - Euro 28

About this role

Key information

Contract details: until August 2028

Interview date: w/c 5th & 12th October 2026

Application closing date: Sun, 20/09/2026 - 23:59

Strategy and Communications

Strategy and Communications sits at the centre of the organisation, bringing together several teams with organisation-wide remits and mutual collaboration opportunities. The work of the directorate’s teams includes delivery of major events, designing and leading public affairs or marketing campaigns, providing data, evidence and analysis, leading cross-organisational programmes, to making sure we plan for and can respond to emerging events or emergencies in our city.

About the team

EURO 2028 sits within the GLA Major Sport Events Team

This role will lead the planning and coordination of the Safety, Security and Services workstream for UEFA EURO 2028 in London.

Working to the Senior Manager, City Operations, the postholder will develop and coordinate operational plans and activities that ensure London is safe, secure and effectively serviced throughout the tournament, delivering a positive experience for spectators, residents, workforce, teams, officials and VIPs.

The role will work closely with UEFA, UK & Ireland 2028, statutory agencies, local authorities and service providers to support the successful delivery of tournament operations in London. The postholder will also work in close partnership with the Mobility Manager – EURO 2028 to ensure transport, movement, safety, security and service plans are fully integrated within the wider city operations programme.

What your day will look like

• Leading the Safety, Security and Services workstream for EURO 2028.
• Coordinating operational planning with UEFA, partners and stakeholders.
• Developing plans to support safe and successful tournament delivery.
• Managing relationships across government, emergency services and event partners.
• Driving operational readiness through workshops, exercises and planning meetings.
• Monitoring risks, issues and operational dependencies.
• Preparing briefings and updates for senior stakeholders.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Knowledge and experience of the events industry, particularly operational delivery.
• Experience of coordinating multiple stakeholders and operational partners to deliver safety, security and service requirements within a large-scale event or complex operational environment.
• Experience of operational planning and delivery, particularly in relation to safety, security, resilience, stewarding, spectator welfare, medical provision and city services within a major event or public-facing environment.
• Experience of developing operational plans and coordinating delivery across partner organisations.
• Experience of managing supplier, contractor and stakeholder relationships.
• Experience of operating in a politically sensitive environment and handling communications in this context.

Behavioural Competencies

…is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support GLA objectives
• Understands and recognises the contributions that staff at all levels make to delivering priorities
• Proactively manages partner relationships, preventing or resolving any conflict
• Adapts style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust and respect
• Delivers objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnership

Communicating and Influencing

… is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate and engage with us.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Encourages and supports teams in engaging in transparent and inclusive communication
• Influences others and gains buy-in using compelling, well thought through arguments
• Negotiates effectively to deliver GLA priorities
• Synthesises the complex viewpoints of others, recognises where compromise is necessary and brokers agreement
• Advocates positively for the GLA both within and outside the organisation

Planning & Organising

… is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Prioritises work in line with key team or project deliverables
• Makes contingency plans to account for changing work priorities, deadlines and milestones
• Identifies and consults with sponsors or stakeholders in planning work
• Pays close attention to details, ensuring team’s work is delivered to a high standard
• Negotiates realistic timescales for work delivery, ensuring team deliverables can be met

Responding to Pressure and Change

… is being flexible and adapting positively, to sustain performance when the situation changes, workload increases, tensions rise or priorities shift.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Maintains a focus on key priorities and deliverables, staying resilient in the face of pressure
• Anticipates and adapts flexibly to changing requirements
• Uses challenges as an opportunity to learn and improve
• Participates fully and encourages others to engage in change initiatives
• Manages team’s well-being, supporting them to cope with pressure and change

Responsible use of Resources

…is taking personal responsibility for using and managing resources effectively, efficiently and sustainable

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Allocates financial and people resources efficiently to maximise value for team and wider organisation
• Thinks in terms of maximum efficiency when planning resource allocation
• Implements good practice on efficient use of resources
• Monitors financial performance and efficiency of own team, ensuring delivery of work within budget
• Negotiates and manages contracts responsibly across a diverse supplier base

Decision Making

… is forming sound, evidence-based judgements, making choices, assessing risks to delivery, and taking accountability for results.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Takes decisions as necessary on the basis of the information available
• Makes decisions without unnecessarily referring to others
• Involves and consults internal and external stakeholders early in decisions that impact them
• Identifies potential barriers to decision making and initiates action to move a situation forward
• Demonstrates awareness of the GLA’s decision making processes and how to use them

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here:**GLA Competency Framework

This role is based at London Fire Brigade’s Head Office (Union Street SE1 0LL).

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

*Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images.

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