Senior External Operations Manager

Senior External Operations Manager

Location: Wembley Stadium, London (with travel across the UK & Ireland)

Contract: Fixed-term | October 2026 – Summer 2028

About UK & Ireland 2028 Limited

UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is the local organising committee responsible for delivering UEFA EURO 2028 across the UK & Ireland. We work on behalf of the five Football Associations and in partnership with governments, host cities, stadiums and delivery partners to plan and deliver the tournament safely, inclusively and to world-class standards.

About UEFA EURO 2028

UEFA EURO is one of the world’s largest sporting events. In 2028, it will be hosted across multiple cities in the UK & Ireland, requiring large-scale coordination across transport, infrastructure, stadiums and public services. UEFA owns the tournament and sets requirements; UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is responsible for delivering it locally.

The Role

This role coordinates venues, Host Cities and mobility teams to deliver best-in-class Zone Ex operations at all 9 venues, building on existing operations and elevating them to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive and entertaining experience on arrival.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop a clear set of roles and responsibilities with partner organisations.
• Build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Develop best-in-class concepts for Zone Ex at 9 venues, in collaboration with Host Cities, venues, transport operators, Safety & Security teams and relevant policing authorities. Plans to integrate:
  • Pedestrian routing
  • Signage and wayfinding
  • Elevated experience activities, such as music, branding, food and beverage and activations
  • Community protection, including cleaning and wet spot prevention
  • Outer security perimeter plans
  • Last KM transport operations
  • Local area traffic management plans
  • Communications plans and digital integration
  • C3 structures
• Work with stakeholders to deliver the concepts.
• Ensure delivery against timelines, budgets and operational requirements.
• Demonstrate inclusive behaviours that support a respectful, safe and collaborative work environment.
• Represent the values of UK&I 2028 in all interactions.
• Comply with relevant processes, including safeguarding and safety.
• Manage and support team performance.
• Provide direction and decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
• Create an inclusive and high-performing team culture.

What we’re looking for

Essential experience and skills:

• Knowledge and experience of developing and managing Zone Ex operations at major venues and/or events.

Technical Skills

• Understanding of Green Guide and application to Zone Ex
• Understanding of crowd dynamics
• Understanding of public transport operations and traffic management
• Working in complex multi-agency stakeholder environments
• Budget management and prioritisation
• Project and portfolio management

Please see the attached role profile for full details

How you’ll succeed

• Adaptable – leads in complex environments.
• Catalyst – enables and motivates others.
• Critical Thinker – makes sound decisions.
• Inclusion – creates inclusive team environments.
• Performance Focus – drives results and standards.
• Positive Impact – shows resilience and solutions focus.
• Pride – sets and upholds standards.
• Relationship Manager – builds trusted partnerships.

These strengths may be assessed during application, assessment and interview.

Why apply?

We offer a competitive salary and benefits (including 25 days holiday, pension and private medical insurance), alongside the opportunity to be part of a landmark international sporting event.

Location & Working Pattern

Based at Wembley Stadium, with travel across the UK & Ireland as required.

• 2026: 3 days/week onsite
• 2027: 3–4 days/week onsite
• 2028: Full-time onsite during tournament delivery

Application Process

Our process is designed to be clear and fair:

1. Application review.
2. Online assessment (role dependent).
3. Interview(s) – typically first stage via MS Teams and final stage in Wembley Stadium.
4. Offer.

We aim to keep candidates informed throughout.

Everyone is welcome

We’re hiring for excellence through inclusion

We’re building a skilled, values-led workforce that reflects the diversity of the UK and Ireland. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and don’t expect a traditional career path.

All roles are subject to appropriate DBS checks.