Head of Sports Event Operations

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance incentives

Generous leave allowances

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Head of Sports Event Operations to lead end-to-end planning and delivery of a diverse portfolio of sports events, from large tournaments to community activities. You will oversee budgets, staffing, venue, security, transport, and technical requirements.

The role requires a senior leader with 10+ years in event management within Leisure & Sports, exceptional organizational skills, and a track record of delivering high-quality experiences for athletes and fans in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an event-related field.
• Minimum 10 years in event management with at least 5 years in a senior operational leadership role in Leisure & Sports.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale sports events from concept to completion.
• Strong budgeting, risk management and vendor negotiation skills.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder liaison abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic planning and logistical execution of all sports events.
• Develop and manage event budgets to meet targets and optimise resources.
• Lead venue management, staffing, security, transport and technical needs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and security regulations for every event.
• Build relationships with vendors, sponsors, authorities and federations.
• Develop risk management plans for all events and manage teams.
• Oversee procurement of equipment and services for events.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and drive continuous improvement.
• Drive innovation in event operations to enhance experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Vendor management

Risk management

Stakeholder relations

PM software

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management / Hospitality / Sports Management / Business Administration

Tools

Event management software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent organization within the Leisure & Sports industry, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Sports Event Operations to manage their extensive event portfolio. This role is based in the bustling coastal city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . The Head of Event Operations will be responsible for the end-to-end planning, execution, and successful delivery of a wide range of sports events, from large-scale tournaments to community sporting activities. This is a critical leadership position that requires exceptional organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for delivering unforgettable sporting experiences. The ideal candidate will have a proven background in event management, a deep understanding of operational logistics, and the ability to lead and motivate teams in high-pressure environments. Join us and play a key role in shaping the future of sports events in Durban and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic planning and logistical execution of all sports events hosted by our client.
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are utilized efficiently.
• Lead and coordinate all operational aspects of events, including venue management, staffing, security, transportation, and technical requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and security regulations for every event.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with event stakeholders, including vendors, sponsors, local authorities, and sports federations.
• Develop and implement risk management plans for all events.
• Manage and mentor the event operations team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the procurement of necessary equipment and services for events.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and ensure lessons learned are incorporated into future planning.
• Drive innovation in event operations to enhance participant and spectator experiences.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in event management, with at least 5 years in a senior operational leadership role specifically within the Leisure & Sports sector.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale sports events from conception to completion.
• Excellent understanding of event logistics, operations, budgeting, and risk management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
• Exceptional negotiation and vendor management abilities.
• Proficiency in project management software and event management platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• A proactive approach and a commitment to delivering high-quality events in Durban .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and professional growth. This includes medical aid, a provident fund, performance incentives, and generous leave allowances. You will have the opportunity to work on high-profile projects within the vibrant Leisure & Sports industry, contributing significantly to the event landscape in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role offers the chance to lead a dedicated team and shape the operational excellence of major sporting events. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to creating exceptional experiences for athletes and fans alike. Enjoy a challenging yet rewarding career in the heart of South Africa's sporting capital.