EVENT GENERAL MANAGER - ARENA

About us 

Invictus UK 2027 is a charity and delivery organisation for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, taking place in July 2027 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Sandwell Aquatics Centre. Founded by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex in 2014, the Invictus Games uses adaptive sport to support the recovery of Wounded, Injured, and Sick (WIS) service personnel and veterans. 

Birmingham 2027 will bring together 550 competitors from over 25 nations across 12 sports, including Archery, Athletics, Cycling, Esports, Indoor Rowing, Laser Run, Pickleball, Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Rugby. 

The Games are about more than competition. Success is measured in every step forward, every challenge faced, every barrier overcome. Every throw, stride, and lift is a victory. 

Our mission is to celebrate the unconquered spirit of WIS service personnel and veterans, deliver an outstanding Games, and create lasting social impact across Birmingham and the Midlands. 

Through our Impact Programme, we will create recovery opportunities for thousands of WIS and their families, while delivering long-term benefits for Birmingham and the West Midlands. 

Birmingham sits at the heart of this story, from life-saving care at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham to rehabilitation at the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre and support at Fisher House, with many competitors returning to the place that supported them. 

The role 

We are looking to appoint an exceptional individual with extensive major events experience to join the operations team to lead the planning and delivery of the bpPulse Arena at the NEC campus. The arena will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as finals of some core sports. The post will report into the Operations Director. Experience of working with ceremonies providers as well as sport teams will need to be demonstrated. Stakeholder relationships will be key to this role, in particular working with the incumbent venue team and the Participating Nations. A core deliverable will be the production of key operational documents including an Event Management Plan, CAD production, workstream operating plans, radio fleetmap and operational run sheets. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Own the planning and delivery of the bpPulse Arena for the IG27 activities 

  • Manage the wider Operations team for the Arena 

  • Lead the C3 and readiness exercises for the Arena 

  • Be the main point of contact for the Arena during Games Time, linking into the main event control at the NEC 

  • Manage transitions between ceremonies and sport 

  • Lead the procurement of assets and overlay, including AV, power and stage requirements 

  • Working with the Operations Director, help manage the budget for the Arena 

  • Plan for any back of house spaces, equipment and FF&E required 

  • Coordinate all logistic and access requirements including accreditation and security 

  • Drive the integration of the Arena into the wider event 

  • Manage all operational aspects of the Arena including the development of key documentation 

  • Work closely with the venue incumbent team, and wider internal and external stakeholders 

This is a full time, fixed term role to 31 July 2027. 

The salary for this position is starting from £60,000 per annum (dependant on experience).  

This role shall be based at our Birmingham office and flexible, hybrid working arrangements are available with the Organisation. 

Employee Benefits include: 

  • 30 days annual leave per annum plus public holidays 

  • Flexible working arrangements 

  • Wellbeing time 

How to apply 

For an informal discussion about the role please contact: jane.bown@invictusgames2027.org 

To apply please send a CV and covering letter to recruitment@Invictusgames2027.org.  Please clearly state in the covering letter how your background, skills and experience meet the criteria set out in the Job Description and Person Specification.  

Closing date:    24th July 2026 

(We reserve the right to close the listing early should we receive enough candidates before the closing date) 

Interview date:  Week commencing 27th July 2026 

Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding 

Invictus Games 2027 is a proud equal opportunities employer and is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all Staff to share this commitment. We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds. 

Invictus Games 2027 is responsible for ensuring that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender, disability, ethnic origin, race, colour, parental or marital status, pregnancy, social or class background, nationality, religious belief, sexual preference or political belief. 

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