Fan Experience Event Manager (H/F)

• DEPARTMENT: Fan Engagement
• REPORTING TO: Supporter Groups Lead
• JOB FUNCTION: Implement new fan experience strategy at Stamford Bridge, Kingsmeadow and international events in market.
• DIRECT REPORTS: Marketing Executive
• LOCATION: Stamford Bridge
• CONTRACT: Permanent full-time role

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES (Play Your Part):

Planning & Operation

Planning and executing full fan experience on match days at Stamford Bridge & Kingsmeadow, being the lead contact and decision maker, including but not limited to:

• All club activation pre-match and in bowl (incl. half-time, full time)
• All partner activation pre-match and in bowl
• Researching and booking talent; VIP guests, former players, bands, DJs etc.
• Music strategy for in bowl
• Management of matchday event agency
• Work with integrated agency and internal content department to create/manage all fan experience matchday templates, checklists & running orders, and share with Fan Engagement Lead and Head of Matchday Safety ahead of every match day. This includes taking responsibility to ensure all fan experience activity is effectively integrated into the wider event Management plan
• Communicate the schedule of activity to senior management ahead of every match day and event
• Develop with the agreement of the Head of Matchday safety a planning structure, and implement operational plans/procedures for match days and event days
• Review & optimise all processes to align on-pitch and in-bowl activations with big screen content at every game
• Play a key role in all pre-match meetings with key stakeholders before every event, holding weekly 1:1s with all points of contact within relevant departments
• Liaise with ChelseaTV and agency to forecast and manage the event budgets
• Align with Matchday Safety weekly to keep Operations team informed of all fan experience activity at upcoming games, agreeing how these fit within wider business plan.
• Participate in the weekly Matchday debrief sessions.
• Being agile to working environment with changing regulations, and updating all stakeholders regarding fan experience activity regularly

On-the-ground Activation

• Managing full fan experience activity on event days, liaising with account lead from agency
• Organise and oversee rehearsal/sound checks, briefings and all additional activations
• Maintain clear lines of communication between Marketing, ChelseaTV, AV, Operations, Matchday Safety, our agency and senior management on event days
• Ensure the successful co-ordination and staging of all fan experience events, maintaining a consistent, professional, first-class service at all times
• Work within the match day command structure as a key contact and work closely with the Head of Matchday’s operating team on event days
• Collate and circulate summary of fan experience events to key internal staff after every matchday, with quality control checks on all fan experience activity at every game

Fan Events & Global Tours

• Setting best-in-class infrastructure, and aligning with all relevant internal stakeholders for:
• Pre-season tour (Men’s First Team)
• Fan Events (e.g. Open Training, Player Signing)
• Events in international markets (e.g. Supporters Club events)

MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE (Here to Win):

• Planning & Operation:
• Robust documentation all of processes & procedures created and adhered to for event days at Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow
• Strategy set and executed successfully for all cultural activations e.g. Remembrance Day, Rainbow Laces, Chinese New Year, Partnership Activations etc.
• On-the-ground Activation:
• Successful delivery of full fan experience at Stamford Bridge at every game
• Manage team to implement a scalable, effective fan experience at Kingsmeadow
• Fan Events & Global Tours:
• Provide support for delivering all fan events domestically and internationally

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

Experience:

Essential

• Commitment to working weekends & evenings – in line with the fixture schedule, the duties of the post require weekend and evening work to meet the needs of the agreed programme of events
• Tech & AV knowledge alongside creative & production experience
• 4-5 years’ experience in fan event management at a sports or entertainment arena.
• Experience in the supervision, administration and organisation of events
• Evidence of multitasking and ability to manage a number of activities at the same time
• Computer literate with experience using excel, word, databases and PowerPoint
• Experience of managing people, leading teams and specifically managing external agencies to deliver results in line with business strategy
• Strong organisational skills
• A passion for live events
• Strong team working skills

Desirable

• Experience in managing large, high-profile events e.g. sports grounds, music arenas
• Safeguarding certification
• Events management degree or similar

The Employee must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to Chelsea Football Club policies and procedures in particular Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and with regard to the Data Protection Act. The Employee must act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are in their care or attending the Company’s premises. The Employee must report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the Safeguarding Lead.

Chelsea Football Club and the Foundation is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that are in our care or attending our premises. As a consequence, Chelsea FC may require any successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to working at our premises. Successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening appropriate to the post applied for.

The Employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations amongst Employees and customers.

The above Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive, the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.