ISU | Senior Event Manager

Job description

The ISU Founded in 1892, the International Skating Union (ISU) is the oldest international winter sports Federation and the second oldest International Sports Federation. The ISU is recognized by the International Olympic Committee, governing the sports of Figure Skating and Speed Skating. Today, the ISU’s vision is a world where everyone can experience and enjoy the thrill of skating and our mission is to sustainably grow and improve our sport by prioritizing our skaters, engaging our fans, nurturing partnerships and inspiring communities. Our DNA is to be Inspiring, Supportive, Unstoppable. Context & Recruitment Challenges The Senior Event Manager is a senior operational leader within the ISU Events team, responsible for leading the delivery of assigned ISU events at the pinnacle of global skating within the strategic framework defined by the Chief of Events. This role acts as the primary operational authority for designated events, translating ISU’s event strategy into world-class execution across the full lifecycle - from planning through delivery and post-event evaluation. Those events contribute to ISU’s long-term strategy: Vision 2030. Serving as the principal day-to-day counterpart to Local Organizing Committees (LOCs), the Senior Event Manager ensures alignment with ISU delivery models, standards, and timelines while coordinating closely across Sport, Commercial, Marketing, Broadcast, and ISU Business functions. The role contributes to the ongoing evolution of ISU’s global event model through operational insights, structured evaluation, and continuous improvement, while representing ISU as the senior operational lead for assigned events. The Senior Event Manager plays a critical role in continuously improving ISU’s global event model, strengthening governance frameworks, and enhancing athlete, partner, and fan experiences worldwide. The role represents the ISU Chief of Events in a professional and appropriate manner at all times Missions Event leadership & delivery Lead the end-to-end operational delivery of assigned pinnacle ISU events within ISU’s standardized event framework. Serve as the primary ISU operational counterpart to Local Organizing Committees, ensuring delivery aligns with ISU standards, timelines, and governance structures. Coordinate integrated execution across competition operations, sport presentation/show elements, broadcast integration, and stakeholder services. Translate strategic direction from the Chief of Events into actionable delivery plans. Operational management Oversee detailed planning milestones including venue readiness, overlay, logistics coordination, workforce planning, and technical delivery. Partner closely with the Senior Manager, Event Services to ensure seamless integration of accommodation, transport, accreditation, safety, and guest services. Proactively identify operational risks and escalate strategic decisions to the Chief of Events with recommended solutions. Support consistent implementation of ISU planning tools, templates, and delivery standards. LOC & stakeholder partnership Maintain strong working relationships with LOC leadership, suppliers, and delivery partners. Act as ISU’s senior operational representative in planning meetings, site visits, and delivery milestones. Facilitate collaboration between internal ISU teams and local stakeholders to ensure aligned execution. Cross-Functional coordination Ensure alignment across Sport, Commercial, Marketing, Broadcasting, and ISU Business operations throughout the event lifecycle. Chair operational planning meetings and milestone reviews to maintain delivery momentum. Support implementation of broadcast and event presentation requirements in collaboration with internal and external partners. Financial stewardship Manage operational event budgets in coordination with ISU leadership and finance teams. Monitor delivery against financial plans, timelines, and resource allocation. Identify opportunities for cost efficiency and operational effectiveness while supporting ISU’s broader commercial and brand objectives. On-site event leadership Act as ISU’s senior on-site operational authority during assigned events. Oversee operational readiness, issue resolution, and delivery escalation processes. Ensure high-quality execution across competition operations, sport presentation, stakeholder services, and fan experience. Evaluation & continuous improvement Lead structured post-event evaluations, identifying operational insights and opportunities for improvement. Provide recommendations to the Chief of Events to support the evolution of ISU’s event model and delivery practices. Expected profile Essential Requirements Minimum 10+ years’ experience in international event management. Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, multi-stakeholder sporting competitions. Strong strategic planning and governance expertise. Advanced financial management and budget oversight capability. Excellent executive-level stakeholder management and negotiation skills. Proven team leadership and mentoring experience. Fluent in English; additional languages are an asset. Desirable Experience within international sports federations or major event organizations. Familiarity with global rights-holder and commercial environments. Knowledge of winter sports and the international sports ecosystem. Experience contributing to event model transformation or organizational strategy. Experience operating in multicultural and politically complex environments. Contract Position based in Lausanne, permanent contract Start date ASAP High travel during events season