Event Operations Manager - Sports

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

On-site role in Pretoria

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Work on high-profile events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Event Operations Manager to oversee the seamless execution of sporting events in Pretoria. This on-site role requires hands-on leadership across logistics, staffing, venue management, and safety to deliver exceptional athlete and spectator experiences.

You will collaborate with venue staff, security teams, vendors, and sports organizations, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and high-quality event operations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Event Operations Manager or similar role.
• Strong track record coordinating complex sports events and venues.
• Ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and coordinate vendors.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage all operational logistics for assigned sporting events, timelines and budgets.
• Liaise with venue management, security, and emergency services to ensure safety for attendees.
• Oversee vendor management, including contracting, coordination, and performance evaluation for services such as catering, AV, and equipment rental.
• Develop and implement event run sheets, staffing plans, and communication protocols.
• Manage on-site setup, breakdown, and troubleshooting of event infrastructure and services.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, gather feedback, and provide detailed reports to improve future operations.

Skills

Logistics planning

Budget management

Vendor management

Staffing and scheduling

Stakeholder coordination

Leadership

Problem solving

Event management software

Tools

Event management software

Office software

Budgeting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a meticulous and experienced Event Operations Manager to oversee the seamless execution of sporting events in Pretoria . This role is critical in ensuring that all operational aspects of events, from logistics and staffing to venue management and safety, are handled with precision and efficiency. You will work closely with various stakeholders, including venue staff, security teams, vendors, and sports organizations, to deliver exceptional experiences for athletes and spectators alike. This is an on-site role requiring a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of event management principles within the dynamic context of sports.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage all operational logistics for assigned sporting events, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Liaise with venue management, security personnel, and emergency services to ensure a safe and secure environment for all attendees.
• Oversee vendor management, including contracting, coordination, and performance evaluation for services such as catering, AV, and equipment rental.
• Develop and implement comprehensive event run sheets, staffing plans, and communication protocols.
• Manage on-site setup, breakdown, and troubleshooting of event infrastructure and services.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, gather feedback, and provide detailed reports to improve future event operations.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Event Operations Manager or in a similar role, with a strong focus on sports events.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex logistics, budgets, and multiple vendor relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Strong leadership and team coordination abilities.
• Proficiency in event management software and standard office applications.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by event schedules.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-related bonuses.
• On-site role based in Pretoria.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities to work at high-profile sporting events.
• A dynamic work environment with a dedicated team passionate about sports event excellence.