Readiness Lead - TdF Grand Depart

Role

Title:

Readiness Lead - Grand Depart GB 2027

Salary: £48,000 per annum

Contract: Full-time, fixed term until end of August 2027

Location: Manchester (hybrid working model, minimum 2-3-days per week in Manchester office)

In 2027 the UK will host the Grand Depart of both the Tour De France and the Tour De France Femmes, with Zwift. This will be the first time in history that both races have departed from the same country, outside of France. A landmark social impact programme will also be delivered across the UK, tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth and supporting communities to thrive.

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) – Grand Depart GB 2027 – will maintain oversight of the delivery of the events and will manage public funding on behalf of DCMS, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and UK Sport.

The SPV is a Joint Venture between UKEL (a new sports events company) and British Cycling.

British Cycling will deliver the operational and business function, social impact and volunteer programmes along with all consumer facing functions, on behalf of partners.

We are now recruiting for a Readiness Lead to join our growing operations team.

This role is critical to ensuring that we are truly ready to deliver the Grand Departs across all functions and stakeholders. This experienced leader will coordinate and shape the Readiness programme to provide supportive challenge, operational improvements and stakeholder assurance.

The role-holder will manage the design and delivery of the Readiness programme to create a fully integrated programme which brings together internal functions, partners, stakeholders, and suppliers to ensure alignment, consistency, and high-quality delivery.

Reporting into the Readiness Director, you will lead a small team, to oversee the following key delivery functions

• Readiness Testing
• C3 structures
• Event Control Room
• Event time reporting
• Local Authority/Supplier Assurance
• Business & Resident Communications
• Workforce Development

You will play a leading role in coordinating and delivering the event, driving collaboration across all functional areas throughout planning and execution, and working closely with the colleagues across Host Relationship Management and the Route and Venues teams.

The programme will include procuring a readiness provider, implementing simulation/desktop exercises, rolling out an assurance programme across Host Local Authorities and supporting colleagues to be ready to deliver in summer 2027.

You will also play a key role in designing the event’s C3 and reporting structures.

You will lead a small team which will also support in delivering Business & Resident Communications.

This hands‑on leadership role requires confidence, composure, and exceptional attention to detail. You will take ownership of creating the environment where athletes, workforce, and spectators experience a world‑class cycling event.

As the primary point of contact for many stakeholders, you will lead the coordination of delivery partners, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure all plans are executed precisely, safely, and in line with event objectives. The role is varied and demands strong organisational skills, adaptability, and clear communication.

You will lead planning meetings, exercises, provide progress reporting, manage budgets, and work with teammates to ensure operational readiness.

You will also foster strong, positive relationships with hosts, event partners, and suppliers — championing British Cycling’s values and strengthening collaborative delivery.

• A talented sport/events professional eager to take a leading role in delivering a complex, multi‑venue, multi‑partner national event.
• You thrive in fast‑paced environments and build strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and delivery partners to deliver world‑class events.
• With experience in large‑scale, multi‑venue sports events, you are an effective team and function leader ready for your next challenge. You’re an operational all‑rounder, confident working across multiple work streams and comfortable balancing leadership with hands‑on…