Strategic Manager - Etihad Campus

Shape the estate management of the Etihad Campus

This is your chance to shape the estate management of the Etihad Campus. Manchester City Council, on behalf of Sports City Management Company, is looking for an inspiring Etihad Campus Strategic Manager to oversee operational and development matters, servicing of the Management Company Board, performance management and leading stakeholder engagement.

The Etihad Campus is known as a World-Class location for sport and entertainment, currently attracting over 2 million visitors per year to the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live and our major regional sporting venues. With the completion of further developments such as Medlock Square, the Medlock Hotel and Mamma Mia the Party, this will reinforce this area as a major destination.

As part of this growth, it’s vital that we maintain a positive visitor experience and ensure that issues such as safety and security, operational matters, car parking and travel planning are delivered to a high standard.

We need a strong leader to ensure the smooth operation of the campus, to oversee the business plan and improve the campus for all visitors and partners.

Managed by the Director of Neighbourhood Delivery, you will work at a senior level, leading a core team of staff and commissioned services responsible for safety and security, operational services, event planning, travel planning and finance support. You will work with and be accountable to the shadow board/ board of Sports City Management Company (a joint management arrangement between the City Council, Manchester City Football Club and Eastlands Arena Limited) and will develop close working relationships with a wide range of other partners as part of your role.

• Lead with purpose: Provide effective leadership of a core team and contractors, ensuring that services deliver high-quality standards for partners and visitors.
• Be accountable: Lead on event planning, management and operations issues for the campus, achieving all statutory and safety responsibilities focussing on outcomes for visitors.
• Oversee enhancement and improvements: Develop and deliver plans to improve existing assets, including communal spaces, CCTV, lighting, paths and car parking.
• Enhance the environment: Develop opportunities in relation to improving the safety, cleanliness, management, access to and operation of the campus.
• Financial management and business planning: Work with partners and Manchester City Council on business planning and financial matters services to plan and deliver effective management and operation of the campus.
• Proactively lead and engage with partners: Ensure robust governance arrangements are in place for Sports City Management Company and there is strong connectivity across key priorities.
• Champion high standards
  :
  Ensure excellent customer standards, ensuring that visitors have an excellent experience and stakeholders are engaged and data and insight is used to understand, plan and address issues.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the Etihad Campus and enhance the visitor experience for millions of people.

We’re looking for a proven leader who brings:

• Strategic vision and commercial acumen to optimise performance, drive revenue, and deliver value for money.
• Strong financial expertise
  , including experience managing complex budgets and achieving financial targets.
• Inspirational leadership with the ability to motivate teams, lead change, and foster continuous improvement.
• Business planning skills to develop and implement strategies, performance frameworks, and income generation initiatives.
• Commercial mindset to identify new opportunities and maximise income streams.
• Commitment to compliance
  , ensuring adherence to legislation, health & safety, and customer care standards.
• Outstanding communication and political awareness
  , with the ability to influence and build effective partnerships at all levels.
• A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and Our Manchester Behaviours