Mike Osborne

A MANAGER OF EVENT SALES AND PLANNING with extensive experience in the strategic planning, logistical delivery and evaluation of sporting, entertainment and special events, with a particular emphasis on a continuous improvement and customer focused service.

CAREER

2010 – 2016:        Birmingham City Council –Sport, Parks & Events

Deputy Head of Events, Planning & Commissioning

Taking a leading role in the planning, management and evaluation of a wide range of distinctive International major events, to ensure enhancement of the city’s image, encourage inward investment and economic impact, promote cultural and artistic excellence, whilst maintaining attention to equality issues, social cohesion and tight budgetary control.

Responsible for the budgetary control of the annual major event programme valued in excess of £6m, whilst securing external grant support from a range of partners, sponsors, and government agencies including Sport England and UK Sport. Responsible for reporting to cabinet members, councillors, auditors and other key stakeholders.

Lead on a multi–agency planning and delivery structure for events in line with the principles of BS8901 within time critical conditions and compliance procedures with a view to continual service improvement.

Support the development and implementation of a strategic framework, detailing the aims, definition and criteria for support by the city council, for International and local events and encourage a culture of customer service and income generation.

Advise, support and consult with a range of organisations and cultural agencies, including those operating at a local community level in the development of Sales & Marketing plans, co-production and effective management of all event staging arrangements.

Manage teams of permanent and volunteer staff as part of event Organising Committee’s and Safety Advisory Groups with a long term view of workforce development.

Lead Birmingham’s 2012 Task Force in order to maximise the benefits to the city from the London Olympic Games, particularly around pre-games training camps, sports development, cultural Olympiad and legacy.

Represent the city at the West Midlands 2012 Regional Group as part of the Nations & Regions structure implemented by London 2012, and lead on developing a cross directorate legacy plan to ensure that all Birmingham citizens have an opportunity to engage with 2012.

Specifically lead on the planning, implementation and budgetary control of the USA Track & Field pre-games training camp taking into account sensitivities around security, optimum training conditions and public engagement.

2006 – 2010:        Birmingham City Council – International Sports Unit

Senior Sports Events Manager

Assisting the Head of Sport & International Events in the planning and delivery of the Major Events Sports Events Programme, with a view to contributing to the Council Plan by:

Enhancing the image and reputation of Birmingham,
Strengthening the city as a key player in the delivery of the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games
Sustaining and adding value to the local visitor economy
Complimenting the sports and physical recreation strategy
Role involves securing major events by presenting and bidding to National Governing Bodies (NGB’s), International Federations and Government Agencies. Responsible for the preparation and monitoring of event budgets, whilst considering contractual obligations. Encouraging the link provided by major events to increase the levels of participation, sports development and social cohesion through legacy plans with NGB’s such as the Professional Golfers’ Association.

Taking a leading role within the Birmingham Taskforce for 2012 and oversee the city’s sports facility offer in connection with training camp provision ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Take a leading role in Local Organising Committees for major sporting events by managing a workforce and chairing specific subgroups. Example – Assistant Championship Director, World Trampoline Championships

Responsible for maintaining the relationship between the city and the National Indoor Arena, with a view to staging and developing a sustainable programme of sporting events at the venue.

Significant divisional successes include securing: European Indoor Athletics Championships (2007), World Half Marathon Championships (2009), European Gymnastics Championships (2010), World Trampoline & Tumbling Championships (2011), World BMX Championships (2012).

2000 – 2006:        Birmingham City Council – National Indoor Arena

Sales & Account Manager

Responsible for delivering a programme of sporting events in line with the Arena Sales Plan and aligned to the Birmingham City Council Strategy for Sport.

Procurement of events through creative Sales & Marketing, rental negotiation, service provision, and delivery of events within strict budgets.

Management of the sports events programme underwritten by the Birmingham City Council subvention fund.

Established and maintained a network of industry contacts, with a view to attracting new events and maintaining repeat business.

Significant divisional successes include securing: World Indoor Athletics Championships (2003), World Cup Gymnastics (2004), World Cup Trampoline (2006), World Wheelchair Basketball Championships (2010).

1994 – 2000:        National Exhibition Centre - National Indoor Arena, NEC Arena

Event Planning Manager

Liaison with Event organisers, Promoters, National Governing Bodies, local governing officials and internal departments to ensure the efficient logistical and customer focussed delivery of events and exhibitions as part of the NEC Group Arenas programme.

Delivery of a diverse portfolio to include sporting events, concerts, exhibitions, family entertainment and conferencing. Regular responsibility for Duty and Facility Management roles in maintaining the operational efficiency of the venue.

Secondment – 10 week project seconded to UK Sport

Event Manager for the World Judo Championships – To assist the British Judo Association with the event planning, management, monitoring and delivery of the 1999 World Judo Championships.

1992 – 1994:        Professional Golfers’ Association – Midland Region

Tournament Controller

Liaison with club officials, administrators, sponsors and competitors, to ensure the successful marketing, development and delivery of professional tournaments, Pro/Am’s, and corporate golf days primarily throughout the Midlands, occasionally nationally and overseas.

Responsible for event administration, competitor entries, course set-up and inspection, refereeing, media liaison, protocol and ceremonies. Worked as part of the protocol team on the 1993 Ryder Cup matches.

Responsible for lecturing 1st and 2nd year trainee golf professionals in the Rules of Golf.

1991 -1992:          Carello Lighting Plc – Chemical Laboratory

Development Engineer

Completion of engineering apprenticeship. Responsible for the laboratory critical path timing plans and assistance with prototype vehicle lamp testing.

1986 – 1991:        Joseph Lucas Ltd – Lucas Electrical

Engineering Apprentice

Mechanical Craft Apprenticeship, 1986 – 1989

Technician Apprenticeship, 1989 – 1991

STUDY

1992 - BTEC Higher National Certificate – Engineering. Cannock Chase Technical College

SKILLS & ABILITIES

A proven track record of good communication skills using a range of influencing and presentation techniques.

Use industry knowledge to shape evolving strategies working as an individual or as part of a team.

Trained in a range of areas to include Prince2 Project Management, Home Office Emergency Planning, Effective Middle Management, Negotiation Skills, Managing Key Accounts and Customer Care. Computer literate with Microsoft Office.

Polite and approachable, with an ability to develop trust through strong leadership, and able to make new contacts with a range of individuals and organisations.

Ability to prioritise work in order to achieve tight deadlines, whilst taking balanced decisions against risk.

Good understanding of Health & Safety legislation and risk assessment processes.

Fully engaged with the personal development process and incorporating corporate values to deliver service excellence.

PERSONAL:           British, Born 18-09-69