Senior Sports Event Manager

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, is seeking a senior sports event manager to oversee planning, execution and evaluation of major sporting competitions. This hands-on, on-site role requires presence at venues and significant local travel, with responsibility for budgets, logistics and stakeholder relationships.

You will lead end-to-end event planning, develop plans and budgets, manage venues, vendors and staffing, ensure health and safety compliance, and build partnerships with sponsors and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing large-scale sports events.
• Demonstrated success in planning and executing complex events within budget and on schedule.
• Strong understanding of event logistics, risk management, and health & safety protocols.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required for events in and around Sandton, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of large-scale sports events, from conception to post-event analysis.
• Develop comprehensive event plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Manage all logistical aspects, including venue selection, setup, technical requirements, and vendor coordination.
• Oversee event staffing, including recruitment, training, and management of on-site personnel and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, security, and regulatory requirements.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, media partners, sports federations, and local authorities.
• Develop and implement marketing and promotional strategies to drive attendance and engagement.
• Manage event budgets effectively, ensuring financial targets are met and maximizing profitability.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, gathering feedback and preparing comprehensive reports for stakeholders.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all event-related matters in Sandton, Gauteng .

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Budget management

Risk management

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management or related field

Tools

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in organizing premier sporting events, is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Senior Sports Event Manager to oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of major sporting competitions in the Sandton, Gauteng area and beyond. This pivotal role requires exceptional organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a proven ability to manage complex logistics, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. You will be responsible for ensuring that every event is delivered seamlessly, safely, and to the highest standards, creating memorable experiences for participants and spectators alike. This is a hands-on, on-site role requiring a strong presence at event venues and significant local travel. We are committed to delivering world-class sports events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of large-scale sports events, from conception to post-event analysis.
• Develop comprehensive event plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Manage all logistical aspects, including venue selection, setup, technical requirements, and vendor coordination.
• Oversee event staffing, including recruitment, training, and management of on-site personnel and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, security, and regulatory requirements.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, media partners, sports federations, and local authorities.
• Develop and implement marketing and promotional strategies to drive attendance and engagement.
• Manage event budgets effectively, ensuring financial targets are met and maximizing profitability.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, gathering feedback and preparing comprehensive reports for stakeholders.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all event-related matters in Sandton, Gauteng .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing large-scale sports events.
• Demonstrated success in planning and executing complex events within budget and on schedule.
• Strong understanding of event logistics, risk management, and health & safety protocols.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and event planning tools.
• Experience in stakeholder negotiation and relationship management.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• A proactive, results-oriented approach with exceptional problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required for events in and around Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Gain extensive experience managing high-profile national and international sports events.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking within the global sports event industry.
• Be part of a dynamic and passionate team dedicated to excellence.
• This is a challenging yet rewarding career opportunity based in Sandton, Gauteng .