Senior Sports Event Operations Manager

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Prestigious events

Career advancement

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a Senior Sports Event Operations Manager to oversee end‑to‑end delivery of major sporting events. You will lead planning, budgeting, and coordination with venues, government bodies, sponsors and federations to ensure seamless execution.

The role requires a proven track record in complex sports events, strong leadership and risk management, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a high‑pressure environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in sports event management and operations.
• Proven track record in managing large‑scale, complex sporting events.
• Strong understanding of event planning, logistics, budgeting and risk management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications.
• Degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Hospitality, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development and execution of operational aspects for assigned sports events.
• Manage event budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness and target adherence.
• Coordinate with venue management, government bodies, sponsors, suppliers and federations.
• Oversee logistics like accreditation, transport, accommodation, security, medical and catering.
• Develop and implement comprehensive risk management and contingency plans.
• Manage on-site operations during events and troubleshoot issues.
• Lead and motivate event staff and volunteers to foster high performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and licensing regulations.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and produce detailed improvement reports.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Logistics

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Negotiation

Team motivation

Multi-project management

Education

Event Management degree

Sports Management degree

Hospitality degree

Tools

Project management software

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.