Head of Sports Operations

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Relocation aid

Strategic impact role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Head of Sports Operations in Sandton to lead the division's strategic direction, oversee service delivery, manage resources, and drive continuous improvement across all operations.

You will manage a team of managers, develop long-term plans, ensure safety and compliance, and build partnerships with governing bodies and suppliers. A Master’s degree and 10+ years in sports operations are required; an MBA is preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field (MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in sports operations or similar environment.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and financial management.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of the sports industry landscape and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans for the sports division.
• Oversee budget formulation and management for financial efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Ensure service delivery, safety, and compliance across operations.
• Identify and implement process improvements to boost effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with partners, suppliers, and governing bodies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to assume the role of Head of Sports Operations in the prestigious business hub of Sandton . This senior leadership position is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the sports division, ensuring excellence in service delivery, resource management, and strategic growth. You will lead a team of operational managers and staff, develop long-term operational plans, and foster a culture of high performance and continuous improvement. This is a key role for an individual passionate about leading and innovating within the dynamic sports industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans for the entire sports division .
• Oversee budget formulation and management, ensuring financial efficiency and profitability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of operational staff.
• Ensure the highest standards of service delivery, safety, and compliance across all operations.
• Identify and implement process improvements and innovations to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including partners, suppliers, and governing bodies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in sports operations management or a similar complex operational environment.
• Proven track record of success in strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of the sports industry landscape and operational best practices.
• Experience in risk management and compliance.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits and retirement plan.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• A highly influential role with strategic impact on the organization's success.