Festival Operations Director: Major Event Leader

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance‑based bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional growth & training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a strategic Festival Operations Director to lead operational excellence for large‑scale events in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will oversee site management, vendor coordination, security, sanitation and timelines to deliver memorable experiences for attendees and artists.

The role requires 8+ years in event operations, strong budget control, contract negotiation, and leadership of diverse teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in event operations management, with large‑scale festivals or public events.
• Proven ability to manage complex logistics and diverse teams.
• Strong site planning, safety, and emergency management knowledge.
• Excellent contract negotiation and budget development experience.
• Proficient in event management software and standard office tools.
• Demonstrated leadership and decision‑making under pressure.
• Experience in the Tembisa, Gauteng region or similar urban environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational plans for all festivals, including site layout and resources.
• Manage external vendors, contracts, and service delivery standards.
• Oversee security, medical, and emergency services to protect attendees.
• Develop and manage operational budgets and drive cost‑efficiency.
• Coordinate with local authorities to secure permits and ensure compliance.
• Lead and motivate the operations team to achieve high performance.
• Implement waste management and sustainability initiatives across sites.
• Oversee setup and teardown within strict timelines.

Skills

Event operations

Site planning

Budget management

Vendor coordination

Security coordination

Leadership

Emergency management

Negotiation

Stakeholder liaison

Sustainability

Tools

Event management software

Office suites

Job description

Placements24 seeks a strategic Festival Operations Director to lead operational excellence for large‑scale events in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will oversee site management, vendor coordination, security, sanitation and timelines to deliver memorable experiences for attendees and artists.

The role requires 8+ years in event operations, strong budget control, contract negotiation, and leadership of diverse teams.