Protection Operations Manager (Ryder Cup)

Location: Ireland (Home-based with travel across Ireland and regular on-site presence at Adare Manor)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract from October 2026 – December 2027
Working Pattern: Part-time initially, with a phased increase in hours and responsibilities as the event approaches, transitioning to a full-time event delivery focus during key planning and operational periods.

About the Role:

The Ryder Cup is one of the world's most prestigious sporting events, bringing together the very best golfers, fans, partners and stakeholders on a global stage. As we prepare for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, we are looking for a Protection Operations Manager to join the Ryder Cup Operations Team and play a key role in delivering a safe, secure and successful event.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a world-class sporting spectacle, helping to plan, coordinate and deliver critical protection, safety and security operations. Working within a complex multi-agency environment, you will translate the overall event protection strategy into practical operational delivery, ensuring all security activities are safe, proportionate, professional and aligned with Ryder Cup operational standards.

The role will be based in Ireland and will require regular travel throughout Ireland to meet with stakeholders, attend planning meetings and support operational readiness activities. As the event approaches, the successful candidate will be required to spend increasing amounts of time on-site at Adare Manor and other event locations to support planning, testing and event delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Support the planning, coordination and delivery of protection and security operations for the 2027 Ryder Cup.
Manage the protection, safety and security of all individuals involved with the event, including staff, contractors, players, spectators and VIP guests.
Develop and implement protection and security procedures, plans and operational processes.
Support Ryder Cup Europe in controlling operational budgets and monitoring expenditure.
Manage relationships with appointed security providers, ensuring effective implementation of event security plans, training programmes and operational requirements.
Work closely with An Garda Síochána, emergency services, local authorities and other key stakeholders to determine operational needs and ensure alignment across agencies.
Liaise regularly with the Ryder Cup Event Protection and Garda Liaison Director to support strategic and operational planning.
Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, insurance, health and safety, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate all protection-related location requirements across the venue footprint, including hospitality facilities, team areas, back-of-house operations, administration offices and spectator zones.
Create and maintain detailed deployment plans, operational schedules, staffing matrices and location maps.
Develop plans for vehicle screening, perimeter security and access control throughout build, event and dismantling phases.
Support the development and implementation of emergency response procedures, incident management processes and contingency plans.
Establish reporting systems for incidents, security breaches and operational issues.
Support the development of accreditation and access control policies alongside accreditation and ticketing teams.
Assist in the planning and implementation of CCTV systems, access control technologies, control room operations and radio communications.
Manage contractors providing security and access control infrastructure and equipment.
Investigate and resolve protection-related incidents, issues and operational challenges.
Produce regular operational reports and updates for the Ryder Cup Event Protection and Garda Liaison Director.
Contribute to operational risk assessments, tabletop exercises, readiness reviews and testing programmes.
Support the wider Operations Team in developing and implementing Ryder Cup Operational Plans to ensure a safe and successful event.

About You:

You will be an experienced protection, security or major event professional with a proven track record of delivering in complex, high-profile environments. Comfortable operating in a fast-paced and evolving landscape, you will thrive on collaboration and possess the ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

Event Operations & Security

Proven experience in major event operations, policing, major sporting event protection, emergency services or a comparable operational environment.
Experience leading protection teams and managing contractors within complex event environments.
Experience working with An Garda Síochána, Irish emergency services and other public sector stakeholders.
Strong understanding of physical security, crowd management, incident response, access control, command and control structures and emergency planning.
Ability to develop clear operating procedures, deployment plans, risk assessments, briefings, debriefs and management reports.
Strong knowledge of Irish legislation and regulatory requirements relating to major events, including PSA licensing, Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Data Protection.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

Able to interact confidently with stakeholders at all levels, from operational teams to senior leaders and government agencies.
Experience managing multiple stakeholder groups simultaneously and balancing competing priorities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams and project management software such as Asana.

Commercial & Financial Management

Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
Experience managing budgets, procurement activities and supplier contracts.
Ability to identify cost efficiencies while maintaining operational excellence.

Problem Solving & Adaptability

Highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused.
Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and tight deadlines.
Able to make sound decisions under pressure and maintain attention to detail.

Collaboration

A team player with a collaborative mindset and a "one team" approach.
Experience working across diverse teams, cultures and stakeholder groups.
International event experience would be advantageous.

Desirable

Knowledge or understanding of golf and its stakeholder landscape.
Experience supporting security operations at major international sporting events.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to help deliver one of the world's most iconic sporting events. You'll play a central role in creating a safe and secure environment for players, spectators, staff and partners, while working alongside some of the most experienced event professionals in the industry.

If you're passionate about major events, thrive in operational environments and want to help shape the successful delivery of Ryder Cup 2027, we'd love to hear from you.

Ryder Cup Protection Operations Manager

Job Description