Senior Sports Development Manager

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Dynamic work environment

Generous leave allowance

Access to sporting facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Sports Development Manager to lead strategic initiatives across communities in Johannesburg. You will mentor a team of officers, drive event planning, and foster partnerships with local government, federations, schools, and community groups.

The role requires 8+ years in sports development, strong budgeting and leadership abilities, excellent communication, and a deep passion for community development within South Africa's sporting landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management or related field required.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years in sports development or related leadership role.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and budgeting.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive sports development strategies.
• Manage and mentor a team of officers and coordinators.
• Oversee sports events, tournaments, and training programs.
• Build relationships with government bodies, federations, schools, and communities.
• Monitor programs, report on KPIs, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Strategic planning

Program development

Budget management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

MS Office

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's in Sports Management

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading organization in the Leisure & Sports sector, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Sports Development Manager to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg, Gauteng . This pivotal role involves strategizing, implementing, and overseeing sports development initiatives across various communities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sports management principles, a passion for community engagement, and a proven track record in driving impactful sports programs. You will be instrumental in fostering grassroots sports participation, identifying and nurturing talent, and ensuring the sustainable growth of sports at all levels. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to make a significant contribution to the sporting landscape of South Africa and shape the future of sports development. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from local clubs to national sporting bodies. The successful applicant will play a key role in enhancing the reputation and reach of our client's sporting initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive sports development strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage and mentor a team of sports development officers and coordinators.
• Oversee the planning and execution of sports events, tournaments, and training programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government bodies, sports federations, schools, and community groups.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of sports programs, providing regular reports on key performance indicators.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant writing and sponsorship acquisition efforts.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and sports regulations.
• Champion inclusive sports practices, promoting participation across diverse demographics.
• Manage departmental budgets effectively and ensure financial accountability.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in sports management and development.

Requirements

• A relevant Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in sports development, management, or a similar role within the Leisure & Sports industry.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, program development, and budget management.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of the South African sporting landscape and its key stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management tools and MS Office Suite.
• A passion for sports and a commitment to community development.
• Ability to travel within Johannesburg, Gauteng and occasionally beyond.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship building.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Access to excellent sporting facilities.
• The chance to make a real impact in community sports development.