Event Director - Major Sporting Events

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive travel allowances

Bonuses

Health benefits

Global opportunities

Professional development

Networking in sports industry

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Event Director to lead the planning and execution of major sporting events from Bloemfontein, with extensive travel across South Africa and potentially abroad. The role requires a strategic leader adept at budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.

You will oversee venues, logistics, and teams, ensuring exceptional spectator and participant experiences while delivering on financial targets and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in managing large-scale sporting events.
• Experience managing budgets above R50 million.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management.
• Willingness to travel across SA and internationally.
• Residency or strong connection to Bloemfontein preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of major sporting events.
• Develop event strategies, timelines, and operational plans.
• Manage event budgets to meet financial targets.
• Oversee venue selection, negotiation, and management.
• Coordinate logistics: transport, accommodation, security, catering.
• Liaise with federations, government bodies, sponsors, and media.
• Build and lead event teams including temporary staff and volunteers.
• Develop risk management and contingency plans.
• Ensure regulatory permits and licensing compliance.
• Manage post-event evaluation, reporting, and debriefing.
• Drive spectator and participant experience.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Logistics planning

Risk management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or related

Tools

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned international sports management group, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Event Director to manage and execute large-scale sporting events across South Africa. The primary base for this role will be Bloemfontein, Free State , with extensive travel required. This demanding position involves overseeing all facets of event planning, execution, logistics, budgeting, and stakeholder management to ensure the successful delivery of high-profile sporting competitions. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver world-class event experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of major sporting events.
• Develop comprehensive event strategies, timelines, and operational plans.
• Manage event budgets meticulously, ensuring financial targets are met and maximized.
• Oversee venue selection, negotiation, and management.
• Coordinate all logistical aspects, including transportation, accommodation, security, and catering.
• Liaise with sports federations, government bodies, sponsors, and media partners.
• Build and lead effective event teams, including temporary staff and volunteers.
• Develop and implement risk management and contingency plans.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, permits, and licensing requirements.
• Manage post-event evaluation, reporting, and debriefing processes.
• Drive innovation and enhance the spectator and participant experience at events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in managing large-scale international or national sporting events.
• Demonstrated success in budget management for events exceeding R50 million.
• Strong understanding of sports event operations, marketing, and sponsorship.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex logistics and multiple vendors.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout South Africa and potentially internationally.
• Residency or strong connection to Bloemfontein, Free State , is preferred, with a commitment to the region's sporting landscape.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits package.
• Generous travel and accommodation allowances.
• Opportunities to work with leading global sports organizations.
• Professional development and networking opportunities within the international sports industry.
• A challenging and rewarding career at the forefront of major event management.