Commercial Operations Specialist

Rugby World Cup Limited; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

CBD location opposite Hyde Park

Wellbeing initiatives

Team events

On-site facilities

Job summary

Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) seeks an experienced commercial delivery professional to coordinate rights, activations, and partner experiences across match venues and Fan Festivals for the 2027 tournament. Based in Sydney, you will liaise with sponsors, agencies, venues and internal teams to ensure branding, assets and rights are delivered to a world-class standard.

You will manage planning, accreditation, and venue activation delivery, balancing multiple priorities, while working flexibly

Qualifications

• 3 years' experience in commercial rights delivery, sponsorship activation, event operations or venue management.
• Proven ability to manage projects and workstreams from planning to execution.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management across partners and internal teams.
• Flexible to travel and work outside of standard hours during event periods.
• Collaborative team player who can also work autonomously with accountability.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver commercial rights and partner benefits across match venues and Fan Festivals.
• Support planning of partner activations, promotions and venue experiences, ensuring contractual commitments are met.
• Coordinate delivery of partner branding, LED/VRT content, digital signage and other assets.
• Lead partner operational services including accreditation, parking, storage and access requirements.
• Build relationships with partners, agencies, venues, suppliers and internal teams for seamless delivery.
• Support operational planning of all partner deliverables on match venues including venue visits and design software.
• Ensure approval processes are followed for commercially compliant partner activity.
• Contribute to tournament-time planning and take a key commercial venue delivery role during Rugby World Cup 2027.

Skills

Commercial rights delivery

Sponsorship activation

Event operations

Venue management

Stakeholder management

Job description

Closing date for applications is 11th October 2026

Full time Fixed Term Contract start January 2027 until November 2027
Location: Sydney (Gadigal), Australia

Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is proud to deliver one of the world's most iconic sporting events — the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027. More than a tournament, it's a celebration of Rugby's spirit, Australia's culture, and the power of sport to unite and inspire communities around the world.

Join the team behind Rugby World Cup 2027 and help deliver one of the world's most exciting sporting events. Based in our Sydney CBD office and reporting into the Head of Commercial Operations, you will play a key role in bringing commercial partnerships to life across tournament venues and Fan Festivals nationwide. Working closely with sponsors, agencies, venues, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, you'll ensure partner rights, activations, branding, and experiences are delivered seamlessly while creating exceptional outcomes for fans and commercial partners alike.

This is a fast-paced and highly collaborative role for someone who enjoys combining planning, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and event delivery. From managing partner assets, accreditation, and operational requirements to supporting venue activations and tournament-time delivery, you'll be involved at every stage of the journey. If you're organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about major events, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a global sporting event and be part of creating unforgettable Rugby World Cup moments.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and deliver commercial rights and benefits for Rugby World Cup 2027 partners across match venues and Fan Festivals.
• Support on the planning of partner activations, promotions, and venue experiences, ensuring contractual commitments are executed to a world-class standard.
• Coordinate the delivery of partner branding, LED and VRT content, digital signage, and other commercial assets, ensuring deadlines and specifications are met.
• Lead partner operational services, including accreditation, parking, storage, access requirements, and Value-in-Kind (VIK) deliverables.
• Build strong relationships with commercial partners, agencies, venues, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to enable seamless delivery.
• Support operational planning of all partner deliverables on match venues, which will include venue visits and use of the tournament venue design software.
• Ensure stakeholders follow the appropriate approval processes to ensure partner activity is commercially compliant and effectively integrated across the tournament.
• Contribute to tournament-time planning and training, before taking on a key commercial venue delivery role during Rugby World Cup 2027.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3 year's experience in commercial rights delivery, sponsorship activation, event operations, venue management, or a related field, ideally within major events or international sport.
• Proven ability to manage projects and operational workstreams from planning through to successful execution, while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to coordinate complex stakeholder requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across partners, suppliers, agencies, and internal teams.
• A collaborative team player who can also work autonomously, demonstrating accountability, transparency, and sound judgement when managing responsibilities.
• Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-focused, with a positive attitude and the resilience to thrive under pressure while delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Flexibility to travel and work outside of standard business hours including evenings and weekends during event periods.

We offer:

• Fixed-term contract offering exceptional exposure to the delivery of a world-class sporting event.
• Flexible ways of working: Enjoy a hybrid work model with four days per week in the office (Monday to Thursday), transitioning to full-time in the office as tournament delivery approaches.
• Prime CBD location: Work from our modern Sydney headquarters opposite Hyde Park, just a short walk from Town Hall Station and surrounded by great cafés, restaurants and public transport options.
• Wellbeing matters: Access weekly fresh fruit, wellbeing initiatives and regular Lunch & Learn sessions designed to support your personal and professional growth.
• Locker room ready: Take advantage of on-site showers, fresh towels and premium Dyson hair tools to help you refresh and recharge throughout the day.
• A connected team culture: Join a collaborative and social workplace with regular team events, celebrations and weekly catch-ups that recognise success and foster connection.
• Be part of something extraordinary: Play a key role in delivering the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027, one of the world's largest sporting events, and help create a lasting legacy for rugby in Australia.

Australia's hosting of the Rugby World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game, celebrate our people and culture, and deliver lasting social and economic impact. At the heart of our mission is diversity, inclusion, and legacy ensuring Rugby's growth benefits all and inspires a new generation of players, fans, and communities. Join us in shaping an unforgettable celebration of Rugby, culture, and community.

In setting expectations, there will be a 2-round interview process in our Sydney office.

All applicants need to be able to obtain their own unlimited working rights in Australia.

We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and no fees will be payable.

Rugby World Cup Australia is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.