Venue Manager

Job Description

Venue Manager

Application Deadline: 12 September 2025

Department: Venue Management

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Glasgow

Description Reporting directly to the Lot Project Lead, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Venue Manager will lead the integrated planning of Games-time operations through the Organising Company (OC) provided planning processes for an individual competition venue. This role will be required to coordinate the planning and delivery of Overlay, Event Delivery Partner (EDP) operations, OC operations and external stakeholder delivery into One Team, measuring performance against KPIs agreed with the OC and producing regular reporting to meet Event Delivery Partner and OC governance requirements. This role requires a highly experienced event operations professional with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with a background in developing strong working relationships and leading venue operations in a multi-sport events environment a distinct advantage. The ideal candidate will have exceptional problem-solving abilities, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to delivering a world-class visitor experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Working Arrangements The role will commence in the Organising Company’s Glasgow city centre office, with visits required to competition venues as required to fully deliver the responsibilities of the role. The location for the role will transition to be based at the competition venue as we approach the Games. The role will be contracted for 40 hours per week, with requirements to be in the office aligned to the Organising Company’s planned working pattern. All travel to your place of work will be at your own cost. During the Games Operational period, shift patterns are likely to be required which could include weekends.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational planning and delivery for the assigned competition venue, ensuring all Event Delivery Partner (EDP), Organising Company (OC) Functional Area (FA), venue owners, International Federations, Commonwealth Sport and Games partners are integrated, and all services and service levels are delivered as required.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all venue stakeholders including venue owners, OC FAs departments, contractors, public authorities, and Games partners, acting as an ambassador for the Event Delivery Partner.
• Prepare and implement the Venue Operating Plan, policies and procedures ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, ensuring accurate and timely contributions from Event Delivery Partner teams, OC FAs, venue owners and external agencies.
• Alongside the Venue Overlay Manager, lead the development of the integrated venue timeline, mapping the key deliverables for site and infrastructure development
• Lead the production of key documentation aligned to license conditions including event specific licenses and variations on behalf of the EDP for the designated competition venue.
• Coordinate with OC-led FAs including Protocol, Accreditation, Catering, Venue Transport, Sport, Technology and other support teams to ensure seamless operations and readiness of all venue facilities.
• Facilitate site visits in conjunction with the Venue Owners, OC and CGAs.
• Manage the resolution of operational planning and delivery challenges and issues as they arise, working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders and functional leads.
• Ensure all venue operations are delivered to the highest standards and in accordance with the OC and Commonwealth Sport requirements.
• Lead, motivate, and manage the venue workforce, including paid staff, volunteers, and contractors and venue owner staff, ensuring effective onboarding, training, and performance.
• Oversee daily venue operations and ensure compliance with all health, safety, and security standards, including adherence to relevant legislation and Games policies.
• Schedule and oversee the delivery of test events and readiness exercises, including technical and sport rehearsals, to ensure the venue is prepared for Games operations.
• Provide regular reporting on venue readiness, risks, and operational status to the Event Delivery Partner, Organising Company and senior Games leadership as required.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Experience

• A minimum of 8 years of experience of leading and delivering Venue Management roles at a previous Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, or similar multi-sport international events
• Project management of a major public international event.
• Demonstrated experience of leading the integrated planning of a major event within a public and private sector environment.
• Knowledge and experience of sustainable event management practices

Competencies

• A natural ability to lead effectively – excellent leadership skills with an open and supportive style
• Ability to flawlessly present and communicate in both written and verbal forms and be empathetic across different audiences and cultural sensitivities.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills
• Able to use initiative and take ownership and responsibility

Behaviours

• Exceptional attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Excellent relationship builder with ability to lead diverse teams of multi-agency stakeholder group and interact with a wide variety of internal and external clients and audiences
• Embedding sustainability and diversity within the planning and delivery of all venue operations