About the job

ESM is looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Sports Events to lead the ESM Group's Events Management Unit, ESMlive, and ensure the Group's complete events portfolio is delivered to consistent national and international standards.

Reporting to the Commercial Director, the Head of Sports Events provides strategic and operational leadership to the Events Manager, DSG Lead, and any additional team members appointed to manage new platforms secured through current or future bids.

Through these direct reports, the role is accountable for the delivery of Hamilton Aquatics and other ESM academy competitions, auditorium events and event-support coordination, the Dubai Schools Games, the University Games (subject to a successful bid), and other sports and corporate events delivered in coordination with the Sales team.

The Head of Sports Events is responsible for portfolio governance, operating standards, financial performance, stakeholder relationships, health and safety, safeguarding, and the continued development of ESMlive into a highly professional and high-performing events unit.

Key Objectives

• Portfolio Governance & Delivery: Direct the complete ESMlive portfolio through the Events Manager, DSG Lead, and University Games Lead, ensuring clear ownership and delivery to the agreed standard, timetable, and budget.
• Team Leadership & Accountability: Set objectives, decision rights, and performance expectations for the three direct-report leads, building a collaborative and accountable leadership team.
• Operational Excellence: Establish rigorous operating systems, documentation, rehearsals, and quality controls across all events, embedding accuracy, diligence, and continuous improvement.
• Business Development & Portfolio Growth: Support the Commercial Director in identifying, bidding for, and mobilising new sports properties, competitions, leagues, and event platforms.
• Commercial & Auditorium Performance: Remain accountable for the commercial performance of GEMS auditorium leasing and ensure sold events are operationally deliverable and meet client commitments.
• Financial Performance: Achieve departmental financial targets, approve and monitor event budgets, and ensure disciplined procurement and value for money.
• Stakeholder Relations: Build senior relationships with government entities, sports councils, federations, academies, schools, universities, venues, sponsors, and strategic partners.
• Safety & Safeguarding: Ensure full compliance with health and safety requirements and robust safeguarding of children and young people across the entire portfolio.
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Desired Qualifications

Set of Required Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours

• Degree in Sports Management, Event Management, Business, or a related field.
• Recognised event management, project management, or safeguarding certifications are an advantage.
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Desired Experience

• 5 to 10 years of experience leading national or international sports events, competitions, and award ceremonies.
• Proven experience leading several functional or programme leads and professionalising event delivery teams.
• Experience delivering events with government entities, national federations, schools, universities, or international sports bodies.
• Experience delivering events involving children and young people, with strong safeguarding awareness.
• Experience preparing competitive bids, RFP responses, event-hosting proposals, and mobilisation plans is highly desirable.
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