Help Us Shape the Future of the Commonwealth Games – Glasgow 2026!

The journey to Glasgow 2026 starts now – and we want YOU to be part of it! Get ready for a brilliant new era for the Commonwealth Games, blending world-class sport with a sustainable, future-focused vision.

In just under 80 days, Glasgow will transform into a global hub for sport and culture, welcoming 3,000 athletes from 74 nations, across 11 days of unforgettable action, fuelled by the city’s unstoppable energy and passion. 

Glasgow 2026 is set to revolutionise the Games, with a bold experience that reflects the city’s resilience and innovation. This is more than just an event; it’s a movement – a celebration of unity, equality, and sporting excellence. A movement that will not only deliver a world-class sporting experience but will also create a lasting legacy, maximising social and economic benefits for the city and the Commonwealth. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something historic! 

If you have a passion for sport, major events and a drive for excellence and want to be part of creating something truly special, then Glasgow 2026 wants you. 

Project Scope: Games Operations Centre (GOC) Director

We are seeking to appoint up to 3 x Games Operations Centre (GOC) Directors to join us in a freelancer / consultant capacity at Games-time to lead and facilitate the GOC daily rhythm. The GOC Director will ensure a smooth, safe, and coordinated approach to Games-time operations. This is offered on a contract for services basis.

As the GOC Director at Games-time you will be the day-to-day operational lead for the Games Operations Centre (GOC). Acting as the senior control room leader, you will ensure cross-functional situational awareness, decision support, and operational coordination. You will oversee setup, readiness, and implementation of all GOC systems, providing integration with OC Command Structures and supporting our C3 operation.

Responsibilities include activating the GOC each day, overseeing systems, staffing and SOPs, and acting as the senior control room lead with real-time situational awareness. You will oversee issue logging, triage, escalation and resolution, lead collaborative calls across the Organising Company, embedded supply chain, venues, multi-agency partners and emergency services, and direct incident response in line with crisis frameworks.

Location:

The Games Operations Centre will be based in Glasgow City Centre, and this service is to be delivered in person by the appointed freelancer / consultant.

Time Commitment:

We would envisage at least 1 of the GOC Directors posts starting for the commencement of our C3-Lite set up from 6 July 2026 and running through until 10 August. The remaining 2 GOC Directors would be in post for three weeks from 16 July to 6 August.

Operating hours for the GOC are from 06:00-23:00 daily, split into morning and afternoon shifts that would be rotated through the individuals. 

Fee Structure:

The role is paid on a day rate basis, with a guidance day rate of between £550-£700.

  • The GOC Director #1 is budgeted based on up to 30 days of on shift cover.
  • GOC Director #2 and #3 are budgeted based on up to 20 days on shift

Interested parties are requested to put forward a competitive rate and quotation for the services required and an indication of your availability for GOC Directors #1 or #2/#3.

Workforce accommodation and Games time catering will be made available for the duration of the role. Your fee proposal should account for any travel costs to arrive in Glasgow for the start of your first day on shift. No additional expenses will be paid.

Key Skills and Experience: 

To be successful you will bring Control room or operations centre leadership experience in a multi-sport environment, with proven strong incident management, stakeholder comms and crisis response capability. You will be a skilled communicator and facilitator, familiar with major sporting events, and the C3 structures that operate at Games-time.

The individual will have a strong understanding of GOLD–SILVER–BRONZE structures, knowledge of JESIP principles and be experienced with multi-partner operations.

You will demonstrate a calm and composed approach under pressure, with the ability to communicate diplomatically and handle sensitive situations with professionalism. The ability to provide clear, confident direction when required, while remaining resilient and effective in a fast-paced and challenging environment will be essential.

Why Glasgow 2026? 

Joining the Glasgow 2026 team means being part of something extraordinary. As we embark on this exciting journey, we’re not just planning an event – we’re creating a new legacy for Glasgow and the Commonwealth. This is an opportunity to shape the future of major sporting events, bringing the world together for 11 days of unforgettable competition and culture. 

We’re looking for well-organised, passionate, and driven people who are excited to roll up their sleeves and be part of an inclusive, forward-thinking, and sustainable Games. This is your chance to help set the new standard for global events while contributing to the city’s rich sporting legacy. 

How to Submit a Proposal 

If you’re ready to be part of something historic, we want to hear from you!

To apply, send your CV along with a 250-word summary (or video/voice note) of why you want to be part of our team to recruitment@glasgow2026.com. Please set out your day rate based on the scope of work set out.

At Glasgow 2026, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome submissions from all backgrounds and are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed organisation. If you need assistance with your application, our Recruitment Team is here to support you with any reasonable adjustments. 

Please note that individuals must have the legal right to work in the UK, which we request is confirmed as part of the process. This is a mandatory requirement for consideration of the services required from this function.

The closing date is 17 May 2026.