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)
About British Cycling
In 2027 the UK will host the Grand Depart of both the Tour De France and the Tour De France Femmes, avec 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.
What will you be doing?
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.
What we’re looking for:
- 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 workstreams and comfortable balancing leadership with hands‑on delivery.
- You bring strong organisational and communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to operate effectively at all levels. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and natural curiosity help you excel in dynamic settings.
- You collaborate instinctively, bringing people with you and building trust with stakeholders. You show initiative, manage competing priorities, and remain calm and solution‑focused under pressure and are capable of having difficult conversations.
- You are proactive, adaptable, and bring a positive, resilient approach. You’re excited to influence event delivery, open to innovation, and proud of the work you produce.
- Experience contributing to or leading readiness and testing programmes for a major event or complex operation.
- You have the ability to translate complexity into clear, structured plans.
- You understand risk/project management processes and tools, and you’re confident managing budgets and contracts. Knowledge of cycling is beneficial, but what truly sets you apart is your drive, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
What are the perks?
- Competitive Salary
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Generous Holidays (25 days + bank holidays)
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Life Assurance
- Pension
How to apply
Send us your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and why you feel you meet the criteria via the apply button below.
Applications close: Sunday 19th July 2026
