GLL is looking for a Commercial Events Manager to work at the Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. If you have the skills and ambition to join us as a Commercial Events Manager, there has never been a more exciting time to do so. This is more than a Commercial Events Manager job — it’s a chance to be at the forefront of world-class event delivery in one of the UK’s most iconic venues. We’re seeking a commercially minded, client-focused Commercial Events Manager to drive the Copper Box Arena’s event programme forward. From international sport to live music, exhibitions, esports, and corporate showcases, this is your opportunity to shape a bold and varied events calendar, develop key industry partnerships, and lead on commercial strategy. Based in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Copper Box Arena is a high-profile venue with big ambitions — and we’re looking for a Commercial Events Manager to help us realise them.
What you’ll do:
- Lead on commercial event sales and programming to maximise venue occupancy and profitability.
- Develop and maintain relationships with promoters, agencies, rights holders, and corporate partners.
- Manage commercial deal structures, contracts, settlements, and event forecasting.
- Coordinate the end-to-end event lifecycle, from initial enquiry through to delivery and review.
- Work closely with internal delivery teams and external stakeholders to ensure seamless, safe, and memorable events.
- Oversee brand activations, hospitality sales, and strategic partnerships with sponsors and ticketing providers.
- Contribute to wider venue business planning and commercial growth strategy.
As a leader within the leisure industry we can also offer scope to progress your career, and job variety like nowhere else.
What you need:
- A proven track record in commercial events management within large-scale venues (e.g. arenas, stadiums, major live event spaces).
- Excellent commercial acumen and negotiation skills, with experience in contract development and revenue management.
- Strong working relationships across the events and entertainment industry.
- Knowledge of event delivery, safety protocols, ticketing systems, SAGs, and licensing.
- Experience using CRM and booking systems to manage a high-volume enquiry pipeline.
- A client-first mindset and ability to inspire confidence among internal and external stakeholders.
- Degree or relevant professional qualification preferred; personal licence desirable.
The basics:
This is a full-time, permanent position. Hours of work will be negotiated with you in line with the needs of the service — flexible working may be possible; working from home is not possible in this role.
We are an accredited Living Wage employer with industry-leading rates of pay.
We can offer a career, not just a job, with extensive learning and development support available.
A uniform will be supplied and must be worn.
GLL is Values Driven, not Profit Driven. We work hard to benefit the communities we operate in.
As a staff-owned organisation, you will be given the opportunity to join the Society and have a stake in your business.
Additionally, GLL offers employees a range of employment benefits:
Access to a pension scheme.
Health assurance and access to counselling services.
Ride to Work bicycle scheme.
Free annual eye tests.
Discounted membership to over 200 GLL leisure centres for you and your partner.
GLL Extras and exclusive Society benefits, including:
* Right to stand and vote for the Society board
* Access to team-building events, trips, and socials
* Exclusive employee offers and perks
About GLL:
As the UK’s largest leisure operator and charitable social enterprise, we manage over 400 facilities including sport and leisure centres, elite sporting venues, libraries, and children’s centres. Our people come from the communities we serve and help drive meaningful change across the UK. Whether your passion lies in sport, events, hospitality, or beyond — GLL offers you the opportunity to build a long-term, rewarding career. We are an inclusive employer and welcome diversity across our teams. All pay rates are subject to skills, experience, qualifications, and location.