Event Operations Manager - Sporting Events

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Medical aid and pension contributions

Annual performance bonus potential

Career advancement opportunities

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Event Operations Manager to oversee planning and execution of sporting events in Welkom, Free State. The role requires meticulous logistics, budget control, and stakeholder management to deliver safe, high-quality experiences for attendees and participants.

The ideal candidate has a strong sports-event background, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, including irregular hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in event management, with a significant portion focused on sporting events.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple events simultaneously.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management abilities.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions in fast-paced situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as event schedules demand.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end planning and execution of assigned sporting events, from initial concept to post-event analysis.
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Source and manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
• Develop and implement operational plans, including logistics, staffing, security, and health and safety protocols.
• Coordinate with venue management, local authorities, and emergency services as required.
• Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown, ensuring all aspects are managed efficiently.
• Manage on-site operations during events, troubleshooting any issues that arise promptly.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and produce comprehensive reports, including financial reconciliation and lessons learned.
• Liaise with marketing, sponsorship, and media teams to ensure alignment with overall event objectives.

Skills

Budgeting

Vendor management

Negotiation

Project management

Stakeholder relations

Communication

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Sports Management, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading sports management and events company, is seeking an experienced Event Operations Manager to oversee the planning and execution of various sporting events in and around Welkom, Free State. This role requires a meticulous and proactive individual with a proven ability to manage complex logistics, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. You will be responsible for ensuring that all events are delivered seamlessly, safely, and to the highest standard, creating memorable experiences for attendees and participants. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in event management, specifically within the sports industry, and possess exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills. This is a hands-on role that demands a flexible approach and the ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end planning and execution of assigned sporting events, from initial concept to post-event analysis.
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Source and manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
• Develop and implement operational plans, including logistics, staffing, security, and health and safety protocols.
• Coordinate with venue management, local authorities, and emergency services as required.
• Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown, ensuring all aspects are managed efficiently.
• Manage on-site operations during events, troubleshooting any issues that arise promptly.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and produce comprehensive reports, including financial reconciliation and lessons learned.
• Liaise with marketing, sponsorship, and media teams to ensure alignment with overall event objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in event management, with a significant portion focused on sporting events.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple events simultaneously.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management abilities.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions in fast-paced situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as event schedules demand.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Contribution towards medical aid and pension.
• Annual performance bonus potential.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Exposure to a wide range of high-profile sporting events.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.