Arena Operations Lead — Sports & Events

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement savings plan

Training & development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Operations Manager for a major sports arena and events venue in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead a diverse team spanning facilities, security, ticketing, concessions and guest services to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

The role requires strong venue operations expertise, strategic budgeting, and stakeholder liaison, with irregular hours including evenings and weekends to fit event schedules.

Qualifications

• Degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Event Management or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years in operations management, preferably within a sports venue, arena, or large-scale event facility.
• Proven experience in managing diverse teams and departments.
• Strong understanding of event logistics, venue operations, and health and safety regulations.
• Excellent financial management and budgeting skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaunt effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational plans for all events hosted at the arena, ensuring seamless execution.
• Coordinate facilities, security, ticketing, concessions, and guest services.
• Oversee maintenance of arena seating, field, and public areas.
• Ensure health, safety, and security protocols with risk assessments.
• Manage operational budgets and optimize revenue streams.
• Liaise with organizers, promoters, leagues and stakeholders to meet operational requirements.
• Supervise and train operational staff for high performance.
• Develop emergency response plans and procedures.
• Oversee vendor relationships (catering, merchandise, technical).
• Manage inventory and procurement for operations.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Operations management

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Business Administration

Degree in Hospitality Management

Degree in Event Management

Tools

Venue management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an Operations Manager for a major sports arena and events venue in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead a diverse team spanning facilities, security, ticketing, concessions and guest services to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

The role requires strong venue operations expertise, strategic budgeting, and stakeholder liaison, with irregular hours including evenings and weekends to fit event schedules.