Director of Sports Facilities and Operations

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Leadership role

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Professional development

Incentives

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Director of Sports Facilities and Operations to lead a portfolio of top-tier sports venues in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will drive strategic planning, operational excellence, safety, and stakeholder engagement to support elite programs and community recreation.

The role requires a Master’s degree in Facility Management or related field, 10+ years in sports facility management, and strong leadership across multiple venues and budgets.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Facility Management or related field required.
• 10+ years progressively responsible experience in sports/facilities management.
• Senior leadership experience overseeing multiple venues and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans for operation, maintenance, and capital development of all sports facilities.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of multiple venues ensuring safety, compliance, and environment standards.
• Manage budgets for operations, capital projects, and event support.
• Lead and mentor facility managers and contractors; implement policies for facility usage and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to meet facility needs.
• Oversee procurement of equipment, supplies and service contracts.
• Ensure facilities are well-maintained, clean, and presentable for athletes and visitors.
• Lead sustainability initiatives and adopt best practices in facility management.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Facilities management

Event operations

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Facility Management

Tools

FM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious institution in the leisure and sports sector, is seeking a visionary Director of Sports Facilities and Operations to lead their extensive portfolio of sports venues and amenities in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA. This critical role involves strategic planning, operational oversight, and the management of all aspects related to sports facilities, including maintenance, development, and event support. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in large-scale facility management, a strong understanding of sports operations, and exceptional leadership capabilities. You will be responsible for ensuring that all facilities meet the highest standards of safety, functionality, and user experience, supporting both elite athletic programs and community recreational activities. This position requires a proactive and innovative approach to managing resources, optimizing operational efficiency, and contributing to the long-term vision for sports infrastructure in Stellenbosch. You will lead a dedicated team of facility managers and operational staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for the operation, maintenance, and capital development of all sports facilities.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple sports venues, ensuring compliance with safety, security, and environmental standards.
• Manage budgets for facility operations, capital projects, and event support, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of facility managers, operational staff, and contractors.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for facility usage, event management, and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including athletic programs, event organizers, and external stakeholders, to meet facility needs.
• Oversee procurement and management of equipment, supplies, and service contracts.
• Ensure facilities are well-maintained, clean, and presentable for athletes, staff, and visitors.
• Lead sustainability initiatives and implement environmentally responsible practices in facility management.
• Stay current with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and trends in sports facility management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Facility Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in sports facility management and operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing large, complex sports facilities and multiple venues.
• Demonstrated expertise in budget management, financial planning, and capital project oversight.
• Strong understanding of sports operations, event management, and venue logistics.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in facility management software and project management tools.
• Knowledge of building systems, maintenance, and safety regulations.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate event schedules and operational needs.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the sports infrastructure in the renowned Stellenbosch region.
• Significant influence on strategic decisions regarding sports facilities.
• Generous paid time off and retirement plan contributions.
• Professional development funding and opportunities for industry engagement.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Relocation assistance may be available.