Senior Sports Event Manager

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg is seeking a Senior Sports Event Manager to oversee planning, execution, and post-event analysis of diverse sporting events. This role requires strategic thinking, logistics excellence, and strong leadership to deliver high-profile events that boost community engagement and athletic excellence.

The position involves managing budgets, timelines, and diverse teams, developing marketing plans to promote events, ensuring health and safety compliance, building

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in sports event management.
• Experience in budget management, financial forecasting, and cost control within events.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of sports operations, event marketing, and public relations.
• Proficiency in event management software and standard office productivity suites.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement event strategies for a portfolio of sports events.
• Manage logistics: venues, vendors, equipment, transport.
• Oversee budgets and ROI.
• Lead event teams of staff, volunteers, and contractors.
• Create and execute marketing and communication plans; drive ticket sales.
• Ensure health, safety, and security compliance; perform risk assessments.
• Build relationships with sponsors, authorities, federations.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and prepare improvement reports.

Skills

Budget management

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Stakeholder engagement

Event marketing

Risk assessment

Negotiation

Sports operations

Event software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management

Tools

Event management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent organization within the leisure and sports sector, is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Senior Sports Event Manager to oversee the planning, execution, and post-event analysis of various sporting events in and around the vibrant city of **Pietermaritzburg**. This is a critical role that requires a blend of strategic thinking, logistical expertise, and strong leadership skills to ensure the successful delivery of high-profile events that enhance community engagement and promote athletic excellence. The ideal candidate will be passionate about sports, possess an impeccable track record in event management, and be adept at managing budgets, timelines, and diverse teams. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of sports events in the KwaZulu-Natal region, contributing significantly to the local sports landscape and attracting national and international attention. We are looking for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering exceptional experiences for participants and spectators alike, ensuring every event reflects the highest standards of professionalism and quality. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for detail in all aspects of event coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive event strategies and operational plans for a portfolio of sports events, from conception to completion.
• Manage all logistical aspects of event execution, including venue selection, vendor negotiation and management, equipment procurement, and transportation.
• Oversee event budgets, ensuring all activities are delivered within financial parameters and achieving maximum ROI.
• Lead and motivate event teams, including staff, volunteers, and contractors, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Develop and execute robust marketing and communication plans to promote events, drive ticket sales, and engage with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and security regulations, conducting risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, partners, local authorities, and sports federations.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, analyzing performance metrics, gathering feedback, and producing detailed reports for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in sports event management, with a proven history of successfully delivering large-scale events.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, financial forecasting, and cost control within the events industry.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and manage diverse teams effectively.
• Strong understanding of sports operations, event marketing, and public relations principles.
• Proficiency in event management software and standard office productivity suites.
• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, especially during event periods.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to managing challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to manage high-profile sporting events in a beautiful region.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Professional development and training opportunities.