Head of Event Safety

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup taking place here in England this year, it’s an incredibly exciting time to join the RFU and working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people’s lives, we’d love to work with you. An opportunity has arisen for a Head of Event Safety to join our Venue Operations (Stadium) team on a permanent basis.

Job Title : Head of Event Safety
Department : Stadium
Reports to : Venue Operations Director
Direct report(s) : External Operations Manager, Stadium Operations Manager, Stadium Resourcing Manager
Salary Banding : £85,000 per annum
Job Level : Translate
Location : HQ – This role is contractually based at Allianz Stadium, offering some flexibility to work from home
Employment Type : Permanent
Working Hours : This is a full-time role, covering 35hrs per week, including weekends and unsociable hours

Application Information:

• Please submit an anonymised CV (i.e. please exclude personal details).
• The closing date for applications Thursday 24th April at 5pm.
• The RFU reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.
• Applications may be considered whilst this vacancy is advertised.

The Role:

We are looking for a Head of Event Safety to join our Stadium Team to lead the planning and delivery of all safety related aspects of major events, and in doing so provide the best possible visitor experience. The Head of Event Safety will oversee event resourcing and infrastructure in the stadium, Zone X and beyond ensuring that fans are safe and feel safe.

The role will line manage the External Operations Manager, Stadium Operations Manager and Resourcing Manager and hold day to day responsibility for key stakeholder relationships, including internally with the Events, Finance, Facilities and Rugby Events and Competitions departments, and externally with stadium hirers, steward representatives, Local Authorities and transport organisations.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with Stadium Event Manager about operational planning, management, administration, and quality delivery of stadium events
• Managing the Stadium Operations Manager, External Operations Manager and Stadium Resourcing Manager
• Acting as the Stadium department point of contact for event safety issues and ensure all internal teams are briefed on events and safety obligations
• Being the principle point of contact for the stadium on the Safety Advisory Group and its representatives, constantly working to build trust and confidence in the capability and expertise of the safety elements of an event delivery
• Coordinating the delivery of statutory requirements related to Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds, the Safety Certificate, the Premises Licence and other similar regulations
• Overseeing the creation and maintenance of the event Operations Manual in compliance with the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds, with an ambition of it being an exemplar of such a document and thereby improving event safety and increasing confidence of the Safety Advisory Group, the SGSA and other external stakeholders
• In collaboration with the stadium Health and Safety manager, overseeing the creation of appropriate risk assessments that capture, assess and mitigate all known risks related to an event delivery, and approving those risk assessments submitted by contractors where appropriate
• Working with the External Operations Manager, oversee all matters relating to travel and transport to and from the stadium on event days including the development of an enhanced Traffic Management Plan
• Hold the position of Designated Premises Supervisor, monitor and ensure compliance with the Premises Licence and ensure plans are in place to protect the reputation of the RFU in respect of the Licensing Department of the Local Authority
• Maximise local community relations, working with the Community Engagement Officer and the Local Authority with focus on the behaviour of those who attend stadium events, the cleanliness of the local area and minimising disruption in the local area
• Contributing to and supporting relevant internal and external planning and debrief meetings
• Managing operational elements of the event day, working closely with other departments to continually improve the customer experience
• Working with the Facilities team, ensure the stadium is maintained and operated in a way which minimises every risk to staff and visitors
• Working with the Finance department to ensure that event budget information is produced and managed in a timely manner
• Working with the Procurement team to ensure all relevant supply contracts are in place and tendered if necessary
• Actively collaborating with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
• Acting as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertaking other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.

Essential:

• Qualified Level 4 NVQ in Spectator Safety with 5 years post-qualification experience.
• Substantial experience of managing or organising large events, preferably within a stadium or sports/music event environment with a strong understanding of current industry best practice
• Comprehensive understanding of best practice and trends in sports stadia safety and customer service in a sports events environment
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to work on several projects at once, prioritising and communicating priorities
• Credible experience of working with agencies, contractors, and a diverse range of stakeholders
• Proven success at building and managing excellent working relationships through strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels, both internally and with external stakeholders
• Experience of building, inspiring, leading and managing a team, setting high standards of performance with a focus on continuous improvement
• Ability to work independently and with high levels of autonomy
• Proven time management skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively
• Effective communicator able to confidently deliver clear written and verbal information
• Excellent judgement, a can-do, problem-solving attitude and ability to think creatively to reach desired goals
• Self-aware; committed to continuous professional and personal development
• Competent in use of the Microsoft Office suite
• Committed to embodying the ethos our culture by using our three core values – Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other – to guide your day-to-day decisions, actions and interactions
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours

Desirable: 

• Level 5 or 6 qualification in Crowd Safety Management or similar
• Degree level education or higher
• A qualification in event safety, for example NEBOSH or IOSH
• A strong knowledge of the Guide to Safety as Sports Grounds (the Green Guide)
• A calm demeanour, able to operate effectively and competently under extreme pressure
• Ability to deliver administration and coordination, alongside strategic thinking and influence.
• A flexible approach to work hours

Additional Information:

• We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to recruitment@rfu.com.
• During your application, we will ask questions about your identity. This information is considered highly confidential and will not be seen by hiring managers. You can find out more about why we ask these questions here.

Please download the job description here for full details of this role.*

* We recommend keeping a copy of the JD to hand as you may wish to revisit the role requirements in the event you are invited to interview.