Events Manager, Urban20 London 27

​Working for City Hall makes a difference to the lives of Londoners. Our staff are at the centre of long-term planning and development for our great city.

About the team

Events for London delivers some of the capital's most significant and high-profile events on behalf of the Mayor of London. From major public celebrations and cultural programmes to international summits, the team brings together partners from across London, the UK and around the world to showcase the capital, support Mayoral priorities and create lasting economic, social and cultural impact.

As part of the External Relations unit, the team leads the planning and delivery of events that strengthen London's global reputation, convene influential leaders and organisations, celebrate the capital's diversity, and create opportunities for meaningful engagement on the issues that matter most to Londoners and cities around the world.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the planning and delivery of the Urban20 (U20) London Summit 2027, one of the most significant international engagements hosted by the Mayor of London. As Events Manager, you will play a central role in ensuring London successfully fulfils its responsibilities as Chair and host city of the U20 network, delivering a world-class programme that showcases London's leadership on the global stage.

Working closely with the Project Lead, UCLG, C40 Cities, event suppliers, venues and stakeholders across London and internationally, you will oversee all aspects of event delivery, from logistics and operations through to delegate experience, stakeholder engagement and governance. You will manage complex projects, budgets and partnerships, ensuring the Summit and associated events are delivered safely, professionally and to the highest standards.

This role is ideal for an experienced event professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working with a wide range of stakeholders and is passionate about delivering high-profile international events that create lasting impact.

What your day will look like

You'll be at the centre of planning and delivering a major international summit, coordinating activity across multiple workstreams, partners and stakeholders to ensure London is ready to host city leaders from across the globe.

One day you may be leading discussions with UCLG and C40 on programme development and delegate requirements, while the next you could be reviewing supplier performance, working with venues on operational plans, preparing briefings for senior leaders or coordinating logistics for international delegates.

You will work closely with colleagues across the GLA, external partners and contractors to ensure every aspect of the Summit is progressing to plan. From managing budgets and procurement processes to overseeing stakeholder engagement, risk management and event operations, you will play a key role in bringing together the many elements required to deliver a successful international summit.

As the event approaches, you will become increasingly involved in operational readiness, ensuring plans are in place for the safe and seamless delivery of the Summit and associated programme, while maintaining a strong focus on delegate experience and the reputation of London and the Mayor.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Urban20 London Summit 2027 and associated event programme.
• Manage event production suppliers, venues and operational partners to deliver agreed outcomes on time and within budget.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement across the GLA, UCLG, C40 Cities and a wide range of national and international partners.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, delivery schedules, risk registers and operational plans.
• Oversee delegate experience, logistics, travel and accommodation arrangements for international participants.
• Manage procurement activity, contract performance and supplier relationships.
• Ensure robust governance, reporting and financial management arrangements are in place throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build effective relationships with London-wide agencies and statutory partners to support event delivery.
• Prepare briefings, reports and advice for senior leaders, Mayoral Directors and the Mayor.
• Identify and develop partnership and sponsorship opportunities that support the objectives of the Summit.
• Monitor event performance, budgets and risks, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Support live event operations and work within established command and control arrangements during delivery.
• Contribute to the creation of a positive legacy from London's U20 Chair year and strengthen the city's international profile.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Significant experience of managing complex, multi-stakeholder events either in the public sector or in a commercial contract management setting with first-hand experience of contract negotiation, budget management and performance monitoring.
• Experience of managing high-value suppliers, procurement processes and operational partners.
• Experience of building and managing successful project sub-groups and teams.
• Experience of delivering commercial partnerships within events.
• Ability to work collaboratively to effectively resolve complex issues across stakeholders.
• IOSH or higher-level health and safety qualification.

This role is based at City Hall, Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE).

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager David Holley would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at david.holley@london.gov.uk

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some internal candidates, in limited circumstances. Please contact the hiring manager if you wish to discuss this further.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: W/c 7 Dec 2026 (may be subject to change)

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

Secondment Opportunity

If you are a GLA employee applying for an internal fixed-term position, as an internal secondment opportunity, you must ensure you satisfy the following secondment policy criteria listed below before applying

• On a permanent contract or a fixed term contract where the time left on the contract at the point at which you apply for secondment is longer than the secondment period;
• successfully completed your probation period and are performing to the required standard for your current role; and
• at least 18 months service with the GLA

If you do meet the criteria listed above, you will need to complete the Approval for secondment application form and gain line manager approval, before emailing the fully completed form to the Resourcing Assistant who is managing the vacancy. This form must be received by the closing date of the vacancy. Failure to provide this form will mean your application cannot be progressed.

If you are unable to satisfy all of the criteria, unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for this vacancy as an internal secondment. For further information, please see Secondment Policy and Procedure.

IMPORTANT: If you are a current GLA employee on a fixed-term contract, which is due to end BEFORE the end date of this vacancy, you DO NOT NEED to complete the Approval for secondment application form as it is not a secondment.

If you are successful in securing this secondment opportunity, you will need to be released from your existing role, so please ensure that you make your line manager aware of your application

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam@london.gov.uk.

The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.

Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role. Please upload a personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words to the ‘Additional Documents’ section of the form, ensuring you address the following technical requirements and competencies in your personal statement. Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA competency framework.

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

In addition to a good salary package, we offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.