We are looking for a talented and motivated Development Manager for Major Strategic Events to support Sheffield’s ambitions on the national and international stage.Working alongside the Service Managers for Major Events and Marketing Sheffield, this role will play a key part in identifying opportunities, developing bids and strengthening our capacity to attract and deliver major cultural, sporting and business events for the city. While overall strategic leadership sits with the Service Managers and the Heads of Service, you will provide vital support to help shape Sheffield’s offer and secure events that deliver economic, social and cultural impact.Major events have the power to transform places — driving visitor numbers, investment, civic pride, cultural vibrancy and global reputation. This is an opportunity to contribute to making that happen in Sheffield.
About the Role
Sheffield is recognised as a city of major events and festivals, with a strong track record in hosting events of national and international significance. The Major Events Plan sets out our ambition to grow and diversify our events programme, strengthen partnerships, and maximise benefits for the city. Events are integral to Sheffield’s growth, reputation and vibrancy, and this role will support the delivery of these aims.
Working closely with the Service Managers for Major Events and Marketing Sheffield, you will help secure and deliver a high‑impact programme of major events that enhances the city’s reputation, drives inclusive economic growth and creates social value. You will support the identification of opportunities, contribute to high‑quality bid writing, engage partners and funders, and help coordinate the processes that ensure events are well governed, financially viable and deliver long-term legacy outcomes.
As Development Manager – Major Strategic Events, you will:
• Support the development of a major events pipeline — researching opportunities, contributing to feasibility assessments and helping shape long‑term plans.
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of bids for national and international events, producing well‑evidenced and compelling written submissions.
• Represent the service at expos, marketplaces and partner events, promoting Sheffield’s offer and developing new contacts.
• Support partnership development, working with national bodies, venues, universities, cultural organisations, sponsors and funders.
• Contribute to contractual and commercial processes, including host city agreements, sponsorship arrangements and procurement activity.
• Work closely with internal teams on planning, approvals and compliance.
• Help ensure that events deliver economic impact, sustainability, inclusivity and community legacy.
We’re looking for someone who is:
• Experienced in researching, identifying and supporting bids for major events.
• A skilled writer, able to produce high-quality bid documents and evidence.
• A strong collaborator, able to work with a range of partners and stakeholders.
• Familiar with contractual, financial or operational aspects of events.
• Confident in representing the service externally and building professional networks.
• Passionate about events and their potential to transform places.
This is an excellent opportunity for a creative and ambitious events professional to support Sheffield’s major events ambitions and contribute to delivering lasting impact for the city.
We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.
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