General Manager - Professional Sports Team

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 152,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus potential

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned General Manager for a professional sports franchise based in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The role oversees all operational and strategic aspects of the team, including talent, finances, and performance targets.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in sports leadership, strong business acumen, and a track record of driving commercial success while maintaining governance and league compliance. Travel and relocation to Kimberley are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, sports management or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in sports management or executive leadership.
• Experience in talent management, budgeting and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the franchise's strategic plan aligned with ownership goals.
• Oversee player personnel decisions including recruitment and contracts.
• Manage budget, salaries, and capital investments for profitability.
• Lead coaching, medical and admin staff to high performance.
• Drive commercial strategies to grow sponsorships, ticket sales, and merch.
• Ensure league compliance and governance standards.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Talent management

Strategic planning

Financial oversight

Sports operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Sports Management

MBA (desirable)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a thriving professional sports franchise based in Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA , is seeking a seasoned and strategic General Manager to oversee all operational and strategic aspects of the team. This executive leadership position is pivotal to the success of the franchise within the Leisure & Sports industry. The General Manager will be responsible for talent acquisition and management, financial oversight, strategic planning, and ensuring the team achieves its sporting and commercial objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong business acumen, a deep understanding of sports operations, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to drive success in a competitive environment. This is a high-impact role requiring comprehensive oversight of the team's entire ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall strategic plan for the sports franchise, aligning with ownership goals and market opportunities.
• Oversee all player personnel decisions, including recruitment, scouting, contract negotiations, and roster management.
• Manage the team's budget, including operational expenses, player salaries, and capital investments, ensuring financial viability and profitability.
• Lead and mentor the coaching staff, medical team, and administrative personnel, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop and implement innovative commercial strategies to drive revenue through sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandise, and media rights.
• Ensure compliance with league rules, regulations, and governance standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with league officials, sponsors, community leaders, and media partners.
• Oversee facility management and infrastructure development to ensure optimal team performance and fan experience.
• Drive the brand vision and ensure consistent execution across all team activities.
• Represent the franchise in league meetings and relevant industry forums.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field. An MBA or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in sports management or a related executive leadership role within the Leisure & Sports sector.
• Proven track record in talent management, financial oversight, and strategic planning within professional sports.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful commercial strategies and revenue generation.
• Strong understanding of league operations, player contracts, and sports law.
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and navigate complex organizational dynamics.
• Extensive network within the sports industry is an asset.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA , and available for extensive travel.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, complemented by significant performance-based bonuses tied to team success and financial targets.
• Comprehensive benefits package includes executive health insurance, a robust retirement fund, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership training are readily available.
• This role provides a unique chance to lead and shape a professional sports franchise in Kimberley .