Director of Safety & Security

The UK & Ireland 2028 Limited Director of Safety & Security will lead the development, implementation and coordination of a safe and secure UEFA EURO 2028. With overall responsibility for the tournament safety and security concept – covering all tournament sites/venues (inc stadiums, team hotels, training venues and host city activations).

Through strong leadership and relationships with key partners (inc Law Enforcement, UEFA, Government Partners), the role holder will ensure an aligned, coordinated and proportionate delivery of safety and security by all delivery partners – ensuring the highest possible standards in safety planning, readiness and C3 and ensure an exceptional event experience for the event owner, teams, stakeholders, local communities and fans.

The Director of Safety & Security will also be responsible for the delivery of private security at key tournament sites (not including Stadiums) – the sourcing and contracting of a private security workforce and the delivery of a 24/7 safe and secure environment at key sites (i.e. hotels and training grounds)

Appreciating the specialist skill set this role requires, we are open to applications from candidates who would prefer to carry out the role on a part time or phased basis across 2025/2026/2027, ramping up days as we approach tournament year in 2028.  

There is flexibility on the start date for this role, ideally between September 2025 and January 2026 which can be discussed through the recruitment process.  

What will you be doing?

• Lead safety and security expert for UK & Ireland 2028 Limited
• Develop the tournament safety & security strategy/concept – working with UEFA, key delivery partners and stakeholders to ensure there is a consistent, proportionate and robust delivery of safety and security across the tournament footprint, for all client groups.
• Lead and manage the UK & Ireland 2028 Limited safety & security team to ensure all areas of responsibility are planned, coordinated and delivered to exceptional standards.
• Be the organisations primary relationship holder with the blue light services across the UK and Ireland, (specifically law enforcement) and the respective/relevant government planning teams (I.e. Home office, Department of Justice, DCMS etc)
• Responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with all stakeholders, ensuring a coordinated, consistent approach to the delivery of a safe and secure tournament.
• Develop exceptional relationships with key tournament venues/sites, host cities (and others) to ensure all are working in partnership to deliver excellent operations for all UK&I 2028 events and deliver mutual benefits and efficiencies across agencies
• Responsible for the sourcing, contracting and delivery of private security requirements (workforce and infrastructure – tbc) at key tournament sites (not including Stadiums)
• Responsibility for the financial performance and delivery of the UK&I 2028 safety & security budget, providing accurate budgets and forecasts for the 3-year business plan, managing delivery and performance against agreed budgets, delivering accurate and timely reports and post event reconciliations
• Provide key updates, presentations, briefing to stakeholders, working groups, committees and UK&I Ltd Board
• Chair relevant Safety and Security meetings/working groups/committees – at the strategic and national level
• Lead UEFA Safety and Security Unit relationship, to align on the planning and delivery of EURO 2028
• Lead on the management and coordination of tournament wide safety and security policies, contingency plans, readiness exercises and C3 requirements.  
• Provide oversight, support and coordination to the UK&I Stadium Function in regards to stadium safety and security planning – inc zone ex operations, stewarding, security planning, outer security parameters etc.

What are we looking for?

• Proven understanding and experience of the security structures and processes required in the planning and delivery of major sporting/football events
• Industry expert in safety and security operations
• Senior, leadership level experience and credibility of working with key law enforcement partners (i.e. Police)
• Experience and understanding of Public Order policing strategies
• A detailed knowledge of event safety legislation and working practices – Green and Purple Guides, Safety of Sports Grounds Act etc
• Proven planning and delivery experience in complex projects/major events across multiple venues
• Experience in the development of a security concept – planning and writing, stakeholder management and approvals etc
• Proven leadership experience of large diverse teams
• Experience of sports crowd management, or high-profile large-scale gatherings
• Proven track record of managing complex stakeholders in a pressurised environment, with experience of risk and crisis management 
• Strong financial and budget management

UK&I 2028 actively promotes diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from everyone. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application. 

 As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone, all employees will be required to complete a DBS check, with the level of check required based on each specific job role, in line with legislation and government guidance.

To apply for the vacancy please click the ‘apply’ button below.