Director of Sports Operations and Development

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary

Bonuses

Long-term incentives

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement contribution

Life insurance

Continuing education support

Conference attendance

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Access to exclusive sporting events

Discounts on facilities and programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Director of Sports Operations and Development based in Durban to lead sports programs, facility management, and growth initiatives. This executive role directs budgeting, staffing, and stakeholder engagement across the organization, with a hybrid work model balancing in-office and remote work.

The ideal candidate holds a Masters in a relevant field and has 10+ years in sports management with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position, delivering strategic plans

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Sports Management, Business Admin or related field.
• 10+ years in sports management and operations, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, operational management and program development within Leisure & Sports.
• Budget management, forecasting and resource allocation experience.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Knowledge of sports facilities management and event coordination.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for sports operations and program development.
• Oversee management and maintenance of sports facilities, ensuring safety and optimal usability.
• Manage departmental budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of sports managers, coordinators, and staff.
• Establish and maintain relationships with governing bodies, community partners, and sponsors.
• Implement policies to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Drive development and enhancement of new and existing sports programs and services.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee event planning and execution for major sporting activities and tournaments.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operations management

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Team management

Communication

Project management

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent organization within the Leisure & Sports sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Sports Operations and Development to be based in Durban . This senior leadership position is responsible for the overarching management and strategic direction of all sports operations, facility management, and program development. The Director will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality and accessibility of sports programs, ensuring operational efficiency, and driving growth initiatives. You will oversee budgeting, resource allocation, staff management, and stakeholder engagement to foster a thriving sports environment. This role requires a visionary leader with a proven ability to manage complex operations and develop innovative strategies that align with the organization's mission. As this is a hybrid role, successful candidates will have the flexibility to balance in-office responsibilities with remote work, contributing to effective leadership and operational oversight from Durban and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for sports operations and program development.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of sports facilities, ensuring safety and optimal usability.
• Manage departmental budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of sports managers, coordinators, and staff.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with governing bodies, community partners, and sponsors.
• Implement policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Drive the development and enhancement of new and existing sports programs and services.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee event planning and execution for major sporting activities and tournaments.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in sports management and operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, operational management, and program development within the Leisure & Sports industry.
• Proven experience in budget management, financial forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent understanding of sports facility management and event coordination.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities.
• Experience in stakeholder management and partnership development.
• Knowledge of relevant sports regulations and compliance requirements.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment and manage multiple priorities.

Benefits

Our client offers a comprehensive executive compensation package, including a competitive base salary, performance-driven bonuses, and long-term incentives. Benefits include top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance, a substantial retirement contribution, and life insurance coverage. Opportunities for professional growth are extensive, with support for continuing education, certifications, and attendance at industry-leading conferences. Enjoy a supportive work environment that champions work-life balance through its hybrid model, along with generous paid time off. Additional perks include access to exclusive sporting events and discounts on facilities and programs in the vibrant Durban area. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of sports within a leading organization in the Leisure & Sports landscape.