Associate Director - Sports & Major Events

This role will be located in one of our UK offices and must be willing to travel predominantly in the UK but with some international travel.

Who We Are – Sports and Major Events Team

Steer’s Sports & Major Events team are trusted specialists in event transport, crowd dynamics, and venue operations. With decades of hands-on experience at global tournaments and iconic venues, we deliver safe, seamless, and sustainable solutions for world-class events. Working globally, we acted as trusted advisors to an amazing range of clients covering all the world’s best sporting and festival events for an impressive range of clients.

What do we need?

An inspiring leader with vision, integrity, and drive—someone who can set a clear direction, motivate and develop the team, build trusted relationships, and deliver outstanding results in complex, high-profile environments. You must combine strategic thinking, excellent communication, and a collaborative approach to take the Sports & Major Events team to the next level.

Why Steer?

At Steer we have been supporting our clients by delivering specialist consultancy services across transport, cities and infrastructure, building upon successes in supplying solutions to some of the world’s most prestigious events we seek a proven senior leader to further grow our Sports and Major Events offer. Within a niche market, we have worked with international organisations including UEFA, The FA, World Rugby, The R&A. Our diverse team delivers inclusive and accessible transport operational plans across men’s and women’s events and we pride ourselves on supporting continual improvements. As an example please read https://steergroup.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/Steer_Insight_Report_Playing_to_the_Crowd.pdf

Minimum Requirements

Candidates without the following credentials will not be considered for the process .

• Proven experience in sports and major event operations and transport planning, or venue design.

• Existing network of sector specific clients
• Project Director level stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with stadium safety regulations and operational planning best practice.
• Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Transport Planning, Engineering, or related field).
• Project management and / or industry certification desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Lead high-profile projects for major events, from strategy to delivery and sofa to seat.

• Client Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor, building strong relationships and ensuring confidence in our delivery. Take ownership of client relationships, ensuring projects meet strategic objectives and deliver exceptional value.
• Team Management: Manage multi-disciplinary teams and coordinate with architects, venue operators, and local authorities.
• Commercial Management: Drive commercial success through accurate cost management, invoicing, and negotiation of fixed-price agreements.
• Business Development: Prepare bids and proposals for major event frameworks, identify new opportunities within existing accounts, and develop strategies to expand our footprint.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise with venue operators, local authorities, and event organisers to align operational plans with regulatory requirements.
• Mentorship: Mentor junior staff and share expertise to strengthen team capability.
• Industry Representation: Represent Steer at industry events and networking forums to build brand presence and generate leads.

To be successful in the role, you will:

• Demonstrate a strong existing client network with a proven track record of winning and delivering major events.
• Project Director responsibility for key tasks and workstreams, managing multiple deadlines in parallel.
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven project management/delivery experience in a Sports and Major events transport environment.