Event Director - Major Sporting Events

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Event Director to lead the planning and execution of major international tournaments hosted in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee budgets, logistics, safety, and stakeholder relationships, guiding cross-functional teams to deliver world-class events with lasting impact.

The role requires a decade of senior event leadership, a track record in large-scale sports events, and willingness to travel and work flexible hours as the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Marketing, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in managing large-scale international sporting events.
• Proven expertise in budget management, operational planning, and risk assessment.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of international sports governing bodies and event protocols.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Experience with major events hosted in Durban or South Africa is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic planning and end-to-end execution of major international sporting events.
• Develop and manage comprehensive event budgets, ensuring financial objectives are met and optimized.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, including operations, marketing, security, and logistics.
• Negotiate contracts with venues, suppliers, and key service providers.
• Manage relationships with governing bodies, sponsors, media, and local authorities.
• Ensure the highest standards of event safety, security, and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement innovative event concepts and attendee experiences.
• Oversee all logistical aspects, including transportation, accommodation, and participant management.
• Conduct post-event analysis and reporting to identify successes and areas for improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Event planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management or related

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier event management company specializing in large-scale sporting events, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Event Director to lead the planning and execution of major international tournaments and competitions hosted in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role demands exceptional leadership, strategic planning capabilities, and extensive experience in delivering high-impact events on a global scale. You will be responsible for all facets of event management, including budget control, logistics, stakeholder relations, operational safety, and overall event success. The ideal candidate will possess a proven ability to manage complex projects, navigate diverse stakeholder environments, and deliver world-class events that leave a lasting legacy. This role involves a hybrid work arrangement, balancing strategic planning with on-site oversight in Durban.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic planning and end-to-end execution of major international sporting events.
• Develop and manage comprehensive event budgets, ensuring financial objectives are met and optimized.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, including operations, marketing, security, and logistics.
• Negotiate contracts with venues, suppliers, and key service providers.
• Manage relationships with governing bodies, sponsors, media, and local authorities.
• Ensure the highest standards of event safety, security, and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement innovative event concepts and attendee experiences.
• Oversee all logistical aspects, including transportation, accommodation, and participant management.
• Conduct post-event analysis and reporting to identify successes and areas for improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Marketing, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in managing large-scale international sporting events, with at least 5 years in a directorial or senior leadership capacity.
• Proven expertise in budget management, operational planning, and risk assessment.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of international sports governing bodies and event protocols.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and make critical decisions in dynamic situations.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required for events.
• Experience with major events hosted in Durban or South Africa is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, substantial performance-based bonuses, and an excellent benefits package.
• You will have the unparalleled opportunity to shape and lead some of the most significant sporting events in the region.
• This role provides a dynamic and challenging work environment with significant autonomy and responsibility.
• Professional development and continuous learning are encouraged.
• The hybrid work model offers flexibility while ensuring close collaboration on critical event aspects.
• This is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned event professional based in or willing to relocate to Durban.