Director, Sports Facilities & Operations

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Hybrid work arrangement

Health insurance and retirement

Paid time off

Professional development

Community engagement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Sports Facility Operations Manager to oversee the smooth running of state-of-the-art venues in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role blends on-site management with remote administrative tasks and demands strong leadership to maintain safety, cleanliness, and service quality.

You will manage budgets, coordinate with vendors, supervise staff, and ensure venues are ready for athletes, teams, and community events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Facility Management, Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in facility operations management, preferably in sports/public venues.
• Proven experience in budget management, staff supervision and vendor relations.
• Strong understanding of building systems, maintenance and safety protocols.
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with hybrid work models and remote management tools.
• Knowledge of event planning and logistics support.
• Professional certifications in facility management (e.g., CFM) are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of sports facilities, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, safety, and functionality.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Manage facility maintenance, repair schedules, and capital improvement projects in coordination with relevant departments.
• Supervise and train facility staff, including custodians, maintenance technicians, and event support personnel.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, controlling expenditures and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate with event organizers to ensure all logistical and operational requirements for sporting events are met.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and building codes, as well as relevant regulations.
• Manage vendor contracts and relationships for services such as cleaning, security, and landscaping.
• Implement customer service initiatives to ensure a positive experience for all facility users.
• Conduct regular facility inspections and audits to identify and address potential issues proactively.

Skills

Budget management

Staff supervision

Vendor relations

Facility management

Hybrid work tools

Event planning & logistics

Leadership

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Facility Management or related field

Job description

Our client, a prominent organization managing state-of-the‑art sports facilities, is looking for a proactive and experienced Sports Facility Operations Manager to oversee the smooth running of its operations in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role offers a hybrid work model, combining essential on-site management with the flexibility of remote administrative tasks. The Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of facility maintenance, safety, customer service, and event support. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in facility management, a keen understanding of sports venue operations, and excellent leadership skills. You will manage budgets, coordinate with external vendors, lead a team of facility staff, and ensure that all venues are safe, clean, and ready for use by athletes, teams, and the community. This is a critical role that ensures the optimal functioning and continuous improvement of key sporting infrastructure within the region, contributing significantly to the local sports ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of sports facilities, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, safety, and functionality.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Manage facility maintenance, repair schedules, and capital improvement projects in coordination with relevant departments.
• Supervise and train facility staff, including custodians, maintenance technicians, and event support personnel.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, controlling expenditures and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate with event organizers to ensure all logistical and operational requirements for sporting events are met.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and building codes, as well as relevant regulations.
• Manage vendor contracts and relationships for services such as cleaning, security, and landscaping.
• Implement customer service initiatives to ensure a positive experience for all facility users.
• Conduct regular facility inspections and audits to identify and address potential issues proactively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Facility Management, Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in facility operations management, preferably within the sports or public venue sector.
• Proven experience in budget management, staff supervision, and vendor relations.
• Strong understanding of building systems, maintenance, and safety protocols.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Experience with hybrid work models and remote management tools is beneficial.
• Knowledge of event planning and logistics support is a plus.
• Professional certifications in facility management (e.g., CFM) are advantageous.
• Commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all users.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to manage significant sports infrastructure within the region.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Be part of a team dedicated to promoting sports and community engagement.