Head of Events & Games Operations

The Head of Events and Games Operations will report to, and work closely with the Director of Sport and Performance, leading on Operations and Events projects for Commonwealth Games England and playing a critical part in the 2026 Games leadership team. 

The Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games and Youth Games are about more than sport. In Birmingham there were more medals available to women than men, and The Games set new benchmarks in innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, leaving lasting legacies for the people and economies in the regions that host them. Unlike the Olympics and Paralympics, the Commonwealth Games sees para-sport and non-disabled sport running simultaneously. The Birmingham Games delivered the largest integrated para-sports programme of any Games to date with 59 medal events across eight para sports and reinforced the values of inclusivity across the “friendly” Games culture.  

The Commonwealth Games is truly global and diverse, with more than 5,000 athletes representing 71 teams from across the Commonwealth of Nations competing in numerous sports. The four constituent countries of the United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – send separate teams, and individual teams are also sent by Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.

Commonwealth Games England (CGE)

CGE leads and manages the participation of Team England at the Commonwealth Games, and works closely with each sport’s National Governing Body, our funding partner Sport England (SE), the Games’ Organising Committee, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), and corporate partners. We help deliver excellent performance environments; represent England effectively within the CGF; and raise the profile and reinforce the value, reputation, and future of this great sporting spectacle.

CGE recognises and embraces the diversity of England and celebrates the many benefits it offers us as a nation and organisation. We are committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion in all our policies, processes, procedures, practices, and people development.

Overview of Role

The Head of Events and Games Operations will report to, and work closely with the Director of Sport and Performance, leading on Operations and Events projects for Commonwealth Games England and playing a critical part in the 2026 Games leadership team. 

The role will lead the operational delivery plans to enable the participation and performance of Team England at the Commonwealth Games and facilitate a performance environment for the team to thrive. 

This role will also play a key part in helping to deliver Commonwealth Games England’s broader strategy through the creation and delivery of a programme of events beyond the Games themselves. 

An excellent eye for detail is essential along with the ability to demonstrate flexibility and creativity in delivering solutions in a changing working environment as games time nears. 

All the above should be delivered in a collaborative way with both internal and external stakeholders. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Overall responsibility for all pre-games and games time operational deliverables for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. 
• Line management and development of the CGE Operations team and wider operational ‘team behind the team’ at Games time
• Leading the accreditation strategy and online accreditation system to ensure the successful entry of the team and maximising the allocation of all associated team personnel, including but not limited to rotation, access and guest passes. 
• Responsibility for team accommodation across the games footprint creating a positive performance environment for all and maximising the village allotment to best support athlete requirements – extending to satellite sites, non accredited team spaces, Preparation Camp accommodation and team hotels. 
• Responsibility for team arrival and departures to ensure a smooth and comfortable process for all team members in and out of the games environment. Identifying and then working with CGE’s preferred travel supplier, securing all seats, excess baggage, name changes and on the ground transportation. 
• Overall responsibility for the kit project from development through to distribution meeting all sport performance requirements, and ensuring a positive Kitting Out experience for the delegation. 
• Leading CGE’s games and organisational logistics, including management of warehouse, freight, games time delivery and procurement, and strategic oversight of Team England venue bump in/out plans.
• Working closely with the Head of Security to implement an effective games time security provision and policy to create a safe environment across all team sites.
• Development of all games time operational policies and procedures ensuring consistency across venues and team sites.
• Budget management across all operational elements maximising team return on investment and prioritizing athlete performance. 
• Externally represent CGE on all operational matters with NGBs, CGF and the OCOG to understand sport requirements and best position Team England on all operational matters in the Games environment  
• Lead on the development of an Events strategy and programme beyond Games time, to support the delivery of the wider Commonwealth Games England strategy through to 2030. 

Key attributes: 

• Demonstrates strong strategic operational, project management and analytical skills
• Experience of working within a major sporting event environment and with athletes 
• Experience of event concept development and delivery to meet wider strategic objectives 
• Meticulous planning and efficiency with ability to set priorities, manage workload to ensure delivery and accurate monitoring and reporting
• A strong and clear communicator 
• Ability to motivate others 
• Interpret and anticipate change and respond effectively 
• Have a strong understanding of a team ethic 
• Ability to operate well under pressure
• Ability to think differently and encourage creativity in our approach