Event Project Manager, FTC

At McLaren Racing, we’re not just here to try to take the chequered flag. We’re here to excite our fans, inspire our people and deliver for our partners. And we’re also committed to evolving our sport, our industry, and our technology, too. 

Purpose of the Role:  

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Event Project Manager - Fan Zones to lead the operational planning, and execution of a McLaren Racing Fan Zone. This pivotal role will be instrumental in bringing the McLaren brand to life for our passionate fanbase (only 1% will ever actually attend a race at track), and partners delivering unforgettable experiences that drive engagement and reinforce our brand values. 

Immediate availability is required for this role, as we need someone who can join us and make an impact right away. The FTC will finish at the end of May 2026.

Role Dimensions:  

• This role will be delivering the operational project management of a large-scale Fan Zone. 

• It may require global travel for recce(s) and event delivery including weekends, work away from home and unsociable hours.  

• Please note this role is not trackside but delivering an event to bring the racing closer to the fans. 

• When attending motorsport or fan events, the candidate may be exposed to high levels of noise and manual handling may be required. 

• On event, the role requires long hours on your feet.  

• Work is generally performed within an office environment with standard office equipment. 

Principal Accountabilities:  

Global Fan Zone Project Management & Delivery: 

• Coordinate and manage the end-to-end planning, development, and execution of a major McLaren Racing fan zone through to delivery. 

• Own and manage the timeline for execution, working with teams across McLaren to hit all milestones and achieve success. 

• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders (Commercial, Communications, Race Team etc.) and an external agency to build an event that delivers for the brand. 

• Act as a key representative onsite in Event Control, making critical decisions during the live event. 

Financial Management: 

• Accountable for the event P&L, including meticulous budget updates, forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting where requested. 

• Ensure the project is delivered within agreed financial parameters, identifying efficiencies and opportunities for revenue generation where applicable. 

Project Leadership & Development: 

• Effectively delegate tasks, manage workloads, and ensure efficient resource allocation across multiple project streams to ensure successful event planning and execution. 

Project Management & Execution: 

• Serve as the primary Event Project Manager for the fan zone, demonstrating exceptional organisational and multitasking abilities to navigate complex timelines, stakeholders, and logistics. 

• Maintain meticulous project plans, risk registers, and communication flows to ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards with alignment and visibility on all decisions at a senior level. 

• Develop and update all event operational procedures and guidelines that define the delivery of all key activity. 

Reporting & Analysis: 

• Lead the development and presentation of comprehensive operational post-event reports and debriefs, analysing key performance indicators (KPIs), audience engagement, partner value, and financial outcomes. 

• Utilise insights from data and feedback to continuously refine and improve future fan activation strategies and execution. 

• Ensure all documentation and files are clearly saved and tracked throughout the project. 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:  

Essential 

• Proven Experience: Have led and delivered large-scale experiential marketing, live events, or fan activation programs, ideally within sports, or entertainment sectors in multiple global locations over many years. 

• Operational Expertise: Core experience in Event Control, managing city authorities and permits, temporary event staff management, crisis management and contingency planning. 

• Global Exposure: Demonstrable experience working in and understanding diverse global markets and cultural nuances, inclusive of permitting, freight, contracting agencies and city liaison. Specific interest and knowledge of working in the US market. 

• Agency Management: Strong track record of successfully managing and collaborating with external agencies and suppliers. 

• Financial Acumen: Proven ability to manage complex budgets, P&L responsibility, and demonstrate financial prudence. 

• Leadership: Experience in building, managing, and motivating high-performing teams. 

• Project Management: Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple complex projects simultaneously from conception to completion. Certification (e.g., Project Management Professional) is a plus. 

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present confidently to senior stakeholders and partners.  

• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in planning, execution, and reporting instilling confidence in robust decision making (confident to challenge decisions) with a transparent work ethic. 

• Brand Understanding: Deep understanding of brand building through experiential marketing and a passion for the McLaren Racing brand. 

Desirable 

• Language Skills (Desired): Proficiency in Spanish 

• Use of Smartsheet, Salesforce and Microsoft products 

• Experience in delivering sustainable events and guiding best practice.  

Personal Attributes:  

• Confident and inspiring leader, capable of motivating teams and influencing stakeholders.  

• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure racing  environment. 

• Creative thinker with a passion for innovation and delivering unique fan experiences. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, able to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse internal and external parties. 

• High degree of flexibility and adaptability, willing to undertake extensive international travel. 

What can McLaren offer?

We constantly strive to be better tomorrow than we are today. Our ambition is to be the most pioneering and exhilarating racing team in the world, and our collective task is to set the standards for high performance in sport. We show up every day with energy and enthusiasm, ready to play our part.

We encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. We will actively promote a culture that values difference and eliminates discrimination in our workplace.

McLaren Racing is based at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) near Woking. Here at McLaren, we offer hybrid working with 3/4 days a week based in the MTC.

Our state of the art, sustainable campus offers many facilities including a gym, restaurant and indoor and outdoor break-out areas, as well as direct access to park and common land. The MTC is connected to Woking mainline station via regular shuttle buses, from which London Waterloo is a 30 minute train ride.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including private healthcare, car schemes, life insurance and generous pension contributions.