Senior Sports Event Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Travel opportunities related to events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Sports Event Manager in Nelspruit to lead planning, execution, and evaluation of sporting events from local to regional scales. The role demands strategic oversight of budgets, timelines, staffing, and vendor relations to ensure exceptional participant experiences.

You will collaborate with marketing, operations, security, and local authorities, mentor junior staff, and drive post-event analysis and continuous improvement in a fast-paced events environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in sports event management with a proven delivery track record.
• Strong knowledge of event planning, logistics, risk management, budgeting and contracts.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the lifecycle of sports events from concept to post-event evaluation in Nelspruit.
• Develop detailed event plans with timelines, budgets, staffing and resources.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and timely service delivery.
• Coordinate with marketing, operations, security, and other departments for seamless execution.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to boost attendance and engagement.
• Manage budgets, track expenses, and meet financial targets.
• Oversee on-site operations, registration, participant management, and troubleshooting.
• Liaise with authorities to secure permits and approvals.
• Conduct post-event analysis including financial reconciliation and performance reporting.
• Lead and mentor event staff and volunteers, fostering teamwork.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management

Tools

Event management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading organizer of major sporting events, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Sports Event Manager to join their team in Nelspruit. This key role involves the planning, execution, and management of diverse sporting events, from local competitions to larger regional tournaments. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of event logistics, marketing, budgeting, and stakeholder management within the sports industry. You will be instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of events that meet high standards of participant experience and operational efficiency in Nelspruit. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to shape memorable sporting occasions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of sports events, from initial concept and planning to post-event evaluation in Nelspruit.
• Develop detailed event plans, including timelines, budgets, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely delivery of services.
• Coordinate with various internal departments (marketing, operations, security, etc.) to ensure seamless event execution.
• Develop and implement event marketing and promotional strategies to drive attendance and engagement.
• Manage event budgets, track expenses, and ensure financial targets are met.
• Oversee on-site event operations, including setup, registration, participant management, and troubleshooting.
• Liaise with local authorities and stakeholders to secure necessary permits and approvals.
• Conduct post-event analysis, including financial reconciliation and performance reporting.
• Lead and mentor event staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and efficient team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in sports event management, with a proven track record of successful event delivery.
• In-depth knowledge of event planning principles, logistics, and risk management.
• Experience in budget management, financial reporting, and contract negotiation.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency in event management software and standard office applications.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Understanding of the Nelspruit region and its event landscape is beneficial.
• Flexibility to work extended hours and weekends as required by event schedules.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and industry certifications.
• Exposure to a wide range of exciting sports events.
• A dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth in Nelspruit.
• Travel opportunities related to event oversight.