Head of Special Events - #187978

Head of Special Events

Location: Maidenhead, with a minimum of 2 days a week in the office
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £64,000-£67,000, depending upon experience
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week Mon – Fri

What you'll be doing:

In this unique, busy and exciting role, you’ll lead the planning and delivery of some of the organisation’s most high-profile ceremonial, commemorative and engagement activity on a global level. From major international anniversaries to Royal VIP visits, you’ll shape and oversee moments of real significance, ensuring they are delivered with precision, impact and the highest standards of protocol. As the organisation’s expert on special and ceremonial events, you’ll provide trusted advice and briefings to senior leaders and external event partners and contributors, while managing complex activity across the UK and internationally.

Alongside this, you’ll develop a strategic approach to events and engagement that aligns with The CWGC’s priorities and enhances our global reputation. Building strong relationships with Royal Households, governments, embassies and international partners will be crucial to your success, as will your ability to navigate diverse cultural settings. This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic insight, diplomacy, planning and relationship-building, with front line delivery, in a highly visible role. This role works directly with the Director General and her Chief of Staff and is part of The Office of The Director General.

What you need to have:

• Experience leading high-profile national or international events involving senior stakeholders
• Strong understanding of protocol, diplomacy and ceremonial planning in particular in military, diplomatic or Royal events
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships
• Ability to operate independently and make sound decisions under pressure
• Ability to efficiently lead and coordinate cross‑organisational, multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex events within limited timeframes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluency in a second language in particular French or Dutch is desirable but not essential
• Willingness to travel internationally and work flexibly

Who we are:

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is the world’s foremost commemoration organisation, working across 153 countries. Funded by six Commonwealth nations and working with Governments, Embassies, Military, organisations, the public and Communities globally, we are dedicated to honouring and caring for the graves and memorials of 1.7 million servicemembers who died in the two World Wars. Our sites are iconic and beautiful places of heritage and deep reflection and are visited by millions every year.

Our work is multi-faceted and complex, challenging and exhilarating, and our people, wherever they are in the world, share the same deep pride and values

What We Offer:

• 25 days annual leave, rising by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 30, pro rata
• Paid public holidays and paid office closure between Christmas and New Year, along with a paid week off prior to Christmas
• Access to a work van, PPE, uniform, and high-end tools that are regularly maintained
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous Pension Scheme, with CWGC contributing up to 10%
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle To Work & Electric Vehicle schemes

How to apply:

Apply by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button.
As this is an active role, we will be interviewing as we go along, and the role will close when we have an offer accepted by a preferred candidate.

We believe creating a diverse environment enriches our organisation and strengthens our mission, therefore, we welcome applications from everybody. Join our inclusive environment where every individual is welcomed, recognised and valued.