Chief Operations Officer, Sports Facilities

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 2,400,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle or allowance

Relocation assistance

Executive health insurance

Executive retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Operations Officer to lead and grow our leisure and sports facilities in and around Bloemfontein. The role drives operational excellence, strategic planning, and financial stewardship across multiple venues, reporting to executive leadership.

The successful candidate will bring 12–15 years of operations experience with 7–10 years in senior leadership, a strong track record in large-scale venue management, and deep knowledge of the local sports/events landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, or Facility Management (MBA preferred).
• 12–15 years in operations; 7–10 years in senior leadership, preferably in sports/venue industry.
• Proven track record managing large facilities and complex budgets.
• Strong planning, business development, and team leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management.
• Experience within Bloemfontein/Free State sports/events landscape is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of multiple sports facilities, ensuring high service and safety standards.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize utilization, revenue, and efficiency.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, P&L responsibility, and cost control.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of facility managers and staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee maintenance, capital improvements, and tech upgrades.
• Build relationships with leagues, organizers, sponsors, and authorities.
• Drive business development to attract events and clients.
• Implement best practices in customer service and operations management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L management

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Facility management

Budgeting

Event management

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA desirable

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the **Leisure & Sports** sector, is seeking a highly accomplished and strategic Chief Operations Officer (COO) to oversee the management and development of its sports facilities in and around **Bloemfontein**. This executive position is responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and profitable operation of all facilities, driving operational excellence, and spearheading strategic growth initiatives. The COO will manage all aspects of facility management, including staffing, maintenance, budget oversight, client relations, and event coordination. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in large-scale venue management, a strong understanding of the sports and entertainment industry, and exceptional leadership capabilities. This role is critical to maintaining and enhancing the client's reputation as a premier provider of sports and recreational venues in the **Free State** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple sports facilities, ensuring high standards of service and safety.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize facility utilization, revenue generation, and operational efficiency.
• Manage all aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, P&L responsibility, and cost control.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of facility managers and operational staff.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee maintenance, capital improvements, and technological upgrades for all facilities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including sports leagues, event organizers, sponsors, and local authorities.
• Drive business development initiatives to attract new events and clientele.
• Implement best practices in customer service and operational management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, Facility Management, or a related field. An MBA or relevant advanced degree is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within the sports facility or entertainment venue industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale facilities and complex operational budgets.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, business development, and team leadership.
• Exceptional understanding of facility maintenance, safety protocols, and event management.
• Strong financial acumen and P&L management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience within the **Bloemfontein** or **Free State** sports and events landscape is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including a substantial base salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive executive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Executive retirement plan and benefits.
• Generous executive leave allowance.
• Significant opportunities for strategic impact and professional growth.
• Company vehicle or allowance.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates moving to **Bloemfontein**.