Senior Sports Event Operations Manager

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Prestigious events

Dynamic team

Career growth

Comprehensive benefits

High-profile events

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks a Senior Sports Event Operations Manager to oversee major sporting events, from conception to completion. The role demands exceptional organizational skills, proactive leadership, and a deep understanding of logistics, risk mitigation, and stakeholder management.

You will plan, coordinate, and deliver world-class events, lead on-site operations, manage budgets, and coordinate with venues, government bodies, sponsors, and vendors.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in sports event management and operations.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale, complex sporting events.
• Strong planning, budgeting, logistics, and risk management.
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of all operational aspects for events.
• Manage event budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate with venues, government bodies, sponsors, suppliers, and federations.
• Oversee on-site operations, troubleshooting, and delivery.
• Develop and implement comprehensive risk management and contingency plans.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Budgeting

Risk management

Project mgmt

Education

Event/Sports mgmt degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent sports management agency, is seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Senior Sports Event Operations Manager to oversee the successful execution of major sporting events. This role, based in Pretoria, demands exceptional organizational skills, a proactive approach, and a deep understanding of event logistics, stakeholder management, and risk mitigation. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering world-class sports events from conception to completion. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in managing complex event operations within the sports industry. If you are passionate about delivering memorable sporting experiences and thrive in a high-pressure environment, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact in Pretoria.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of all operational aspects for assigned sports events.
• Manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial targets.
• Coordinate with various stakeholders, including venue management, government bodies, sponsors, suppliers, and sports federations.
• Oversee logistics such as accreditation, transportation, accommodation, security, medical services, and catering.
• Develop and implement comprehensive risk management and contingency plans.
• Manage on-site operations during events, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless delivery.
• Lead and motivate event staff and volunteers, fostering a high-performance team culture.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and produce detailed reports to identify areas for improvement.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in sports event management and operations.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, complex sporting events.
• Strong understanding of event planning principles, logistics, budgeting, and risk management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications.
• A degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Hospitality, or a related field is preferred.
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, as required by event schedules.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to work on prestigious national and international sporting events.
• Be part of a dynamic and passionate team within the thriving sports industry in Pretoria.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading sports management organization.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of high-profile sporting spectacles.