CAD & Overlay Manager

Application Deadline: 16 March 2026

Department: Events

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London

Description

ABOUT 54GROUP:54 is a sports and entertainment agency operating across five regions and eight offices: United Kingdom (London), Europe (Sotogrande, Spain), MENA (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia & Dubai, United Arab Emirates), APAC (Singapore & Adelaide, Australia) and USA (West Palm Beach, Florida & New York). It works with rights holders, governing bodies, household brands and major investors who share its belief in the power of sport. 54 comprises three service areas each consisting of two divisions: 1. Strategic Advisory (Consultancy and Data & Insights), 2. Asset Optimisation (Operations and Commercial), 3. Activation & Engagement (Events and Marketing). At its core, the company has an unwavering belief in embracing the opportunities offered by pushing at the edges of conventional wisdom to turn the improbable into the unignorable. 

ROLE OVERVIEW:
The successful candidate will oversee the planning and execution of overlay design and delivery for a high-profile event series, ensuring consistency and technical excellence across all event sites. This includes CAD drafting and spatial planning, temporary structure build coordination, stakeholder liaison, supplier management, and collaboration with operations and guest experience teams as well as being client facing, representing 54 Event Operations.

An in-depth understanding of overlay requirements within professional sports events including stakeholder needs, building codes and technical specifications, operational functionality, catering & hospitality planning and spectator flow is preferred. However, candidates with strong technical design (CAD) drafting experience and a desire to grow within the global events ecosystem are also encouraged to apply. The events portfolio spans diverse geographies and sports, so international experience and adaptability are key.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in overlay and CAD-based site design, possess excellent technical and project management skills, and demonstrate both innovation and precision under tight timelines. The role requires the ability to manage complex relationships with suppliers, rightsholders, local authorities and internal teams. A collaborative mindset, strong self-motivation, and the ability to work both remotely and from 54’s offices are essential. Global travel and on-site presence will be required in line with project needs.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy & Planning

• Ensure global consistency for our client throughout their roster of events, adapting to local market conditions where required. 
• Oversee key operational design and technical elements for the series, ensuring regional delivery teams operate according to standard plans.
• Create and review key CAD Designs, Specific Element Plans and Site Wide GAs to ensure smooth and successful implementation and delivery across multiple projects
• Liaise with Event Directors and other key internal stakeholders to ensure plans and documents are fit for purpose
• Liaise with Safety and Risk teams to ensure compliance with all designs and plans
• Collaborate effectively with Procurement Manager and Operations Directors to deliver cost efficiencies and high quality of product throughout the series
• Support across supplier negotiations, requirements, and services
• Keep up to date with the latest innovations in event operations

Leadership & Co-ordination

• Be an excellent communicator and team player
• Liaise regularly with other departments to ensure alignment 
• Contribute regularly, provide good insights and support in event planning meetings
• Encourage and develop best-practice across the business
• Always create a positive team culture, providing support where required and creating clear development pathways for team members
• Lead a team of skilled professionals to deliver a wide range of activities ensuring high standards
• Must be willing to travel to oversee and/or support on international events - circa 16 weeks

Operational Delivery

• Oversee and Coordinate all CAD design for events including specific event overlay planning and coordination with structure suppliers (and other operational services/functions as required)
• Ensure all Event Operations related KPIs (including both delivery elements and reporting requirements) are met and where possible, exceeded at all times
• Create, review and ensure consistency of key operational planning documents to ensure smooth and successful implementation a