Events Manager

Western Bulldogs; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Birthday Leave

Close to West Footscray Station

Free onsite parking

Club membership

Continuous learning & development

Deals & Discounts with Club sponsors

Parent friendly

Wellbeing focus

Job summary

Western Bulldogs is seeking an experienced Events Manager to oversee end-to-end planning and delivery of AFL/AFLW match day functions, club major events, and experiences. You will work with internal teams, partners and operations to ensure events meet partner, retail and member requirements, on time and within budget.

The role requires 5+ years in events, strong leadership, budgeting, and stakeholder management, with a creative mindset to drive innovative event concepts.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in the events, entertainment, corporate or sports industry.
• Proven leadership experience in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and cost-control skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the Club’s major events, ensuring exceptional stakeholder experiences and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Oversee the operational delivery of AFL and AFLW match day functions and hospitality experiences across multiple venues.
• Develop event plans, run sheets, logistics and workflows for seamless execution.
• Manage event budgets, forecasting and financial performance; identify efficiencies and revenue opportunities.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders, suppliers and partners to deliver successful events and experiences.
• Drive premium member, partner and coterie experiences for best-in-class customer service.
• Support planning and delivery of interstate trips, consumer events and other Club experiences.
• Champion the clubs event management systems, data integrity and continuous process improvement.
• Leverage technology, AI and industry best practices to enhance event delivery and innovation.
• Lead, mentor and develop the Events Executive, building a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Creative & innovative

Job description

We are the team of the Mighty West, and we are for the West, fiercely proud of our unique 140+ years Western Suburbs heritage. Our famous Bulldog fighting spirit mirrors that of the West – the west of Melbourne and the west of Victoria - where hard work and standing up for what you believe in matters. While our history guides us, our horizons have lifted, unprecedented opportunities await, and our ambitions loom large.

Our Club still exists to bring people together and create lasting memories, as much as it strives to win premierships. It’s about our people, and their shared passion for the red, white and blue. It’s about ambition, pride, determination, and having a place to call home. We’ll always be entrenched in our community, embracing the beauty and strength in its diversity. It’s the story of what it means to be a Bulldog ‘Through & Through’.

We strive to create an inclusive environment where all are celebrated and belong regardless of age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or background. We are a child safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

If you are looking to be a part of a committed and passionate team, the Western Bulldogs encourage you to apply for this fantastic role.

Your contribution to the team includes

The role of the Events Manager provides end to end planning, coordination and delivery of AFL/W match-day functions, club major events and experiences, while also contributing towards the ideation and development of new event concepts. Working closely with internal teams, external stakeholders and operational partners, the Events Manager ensures all events meet partner, retail and member requirements and are delivered on time, within budget and aligned to Club expectations. This role is also responsible for:

• Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the Club’s major events, ensuring exceptional stakeholder experiences and alignment with strategic objectives
• Oversee the operational delivery of AFL and AFLW match day functions and hospitality experiences across multiple venue
• Develop event plans, run sheets, logistics and workflows to ensure seamless and high-quality event execution
• Manage event budgets, forecasting and financial performance while identifying efficiencies and revenue opportunities
• coordinate internal stakeholders, suppliers and partners to deliver successful events and experiences
• drive premium member, partner and coterie experiences, ensuring a best-in-class customer experience
• support the planning and delivery of interstate trips, consumer events and other Club experiences
• Champion the clubs event management systems, data integrity and continuous process improvement initiatives
• Leverage technology, AI and industry best practice to enhance event delivery, innovation and operational efficiency
• Lead, mentor and develop the Events Executive, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and values-driven team culture

Skills and experience

• 5+ years experience in the events, entertainment, corporate or sports industry
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing and developing high‑performing teams in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments.
• Strong financial and budget management skills, including forecasting, cost control and identifying efficiencies without compromising quality
• Proven ability to manage diverse internal and external stakeholders with professionalism, maturity and exceptional communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail, supported by strong administrative, organisational and planning capabilities.
• A decisive, proactive and collaborative approach to problem‑solving, particularly when navigating challenges or live event environments.
• Highly creative and innovative mindset, with the ability to design and deliver event experiences that exceed expectations and drive continuous improvement.

What’s on offer

• Flexible working arrangements – up to 2 days working remotely opportunity
• Additional Work Life Leave - provided to those who are required to work weekends
• Birthday Leave - a day of leave available in the week of your birthday
• Close to West Footscray Station part of the new Metro Tunnel line
• Free onsite parking available
• Club membership - Free access to Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW home games for you and your family
• Continuous learning & development – Array of paid and discounted professional training and development opportunities on offer
• Deals & Discounts with Club corporate sponsors - over 40% in some cases
• Parent friendly – Paid Primary and Secondary Carer’s Leave available
• Wellbeing focus including - we support our staff to complete a proactive wellbeing plan, free access to club gym, wellbeing sessions and activities across the year

Successful candidates will be required to hold a valid working with children check and a satisfactory national criminal history check.

Applications close at 5pm 21st October 2026.

Western Bulldogs acknowledges that we reside on traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands, and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past, presenting and emerging. Western Bulldogs encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.