Competitions Manager

Waikato Hockey Association; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Waikato Hockey Association is seeking a proactive Competitions Manager to lead the design, delivery and administration of winter competitions, summer leagues, and events from its Gallagher Hockey Centre base. The role is 30 hours per week with potential to extend to full-time, requiring some evenings and weekends.

You will coordinate entries, draws, results, and information via PlayHQ, grow participation, and build strong relationships with clubs, schools and committees while ensuring smooth

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience coordinating competitions, events or community sport programmes.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency with data reporting and generating clear, accurate reports.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support delivery of winter competitions, summer leagues, tournaments and events.
• Develop and grow competitions, events and participation opportunities.
• Manage entries, draws, results and competition information through PlayHQ.
• Build relationships with clubs, schools, committees and stakeholders.
• Coordinate facility and turf bookings and maximise use.
• Provide timely communication and be a key contact for clubs and schools.
• Support competition administration, including awards and end-of-season activities.
• Maintain competition information on PlayHQ and Waikato Hockey site.
• Collaborate with the wider Waikato Hockey team to improve participant experience.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Event coordination

Administration

Report preparation

Stakeholder management

Tools

PlayHQ

Microsoft Office

Online booking software

Job description

Waikato Hockey is one of the region’s largest sporting communities, providing opportunities from junior and school hockey through to senior, masters and representative programmes. Based at Gallagher Hockey Centre, we are focused on growing participation, delivering great competitions and creating positive experiences for our players, clubs and schools. 2026 has been a standout year, with Waikato teams claiming two national titles, including our Under 16 Boys ending a 25-year wait for a national title. Off the turf, we continue to invest in our facilities, sustainability and the future growth of hockey across the region. It’s an exciting time to be part of Waikato Hockey.

About the role

Based at Gallagher Hockey Centre, the Competitions Manager will lead the design, delivery, administration and coordination of Waikato Hockey’s winter competitions, summer leagues, tournaments and related events. The role is central to creating positive experiences for players, clubs and schools, supporting participation growth and ensuring competitions operate smoothly throughout the season. This is a 30-hour-per-week role, with scope to increase to full-time depending on organisational needs. Some evening and weekend work is required.

In this role, you will:

Coordinate and support the delivery of winter competitions, summer leagues, tournaments and events.

Develop and grow competitions, events and participation opportunities.

Manage team entries, draws, results and competition information through PlayHQ.

Build strong relationships with clubs, schools, committees and other key stakeholders.

Coordinate facility and turf bookings and help maximise use throughout the year.

Provide clear, timely communication and be a key point of contact for clubs and schools.

Support competition administration, including awards, disciplinary processes and end-of-season activities.

Maintain accurate competition information across PlayHQ and the Waikato Hockey website.

Work closely with the wider Waikato Hockey team to continually improve the experience for participants, clubs and schools.

We’re looking for someone who is organised, proactive and good with people, with the confidence to take ownership and get things done.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Experience coordinating competitions, events, administration or community sport programmes.

Excellent organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Confidence using technology and preparing clear, accurate reports.

Initiative and a desire to improve and grow competitions and events.

Sound judgement and the ability to work with different perspectives and community feedback.

A positive, resilient and collaborative approach.

A genuine passion for sport and creating great experiences for participants.

Experience in sports administration is preferred.

Knowledge of online sports booking software, basic hockey knowledge and First Aid certification would be an advantage.