Venue Operations Manager - Major Sporting Events

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

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton invites applications for a Venue Operations Manager to lead end-to-end operations at our flagship venue during major sporting events. You will coordinate logistics, security, staffing, and spectator services to ensure safe, seamless experiences.

The role requires 8+ years of venue operations experience, a relevant degree, and strong leadership and budgeting skills. The position is based on-site at our Sandton venue with exposure to high-profile events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive venue operations or event management experience.
• Experience managing large-scale events and complex logistics.
• Strong understanding of security, crowd control, and health & safety for public venues.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and control operating costs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee venue operations for major sporting events, ensuring efficiency, safety and attendee satisfaction.
• Develop and implement operational plans including logistics, staffing, security, crowd management and emergencies.
• Manage relationships with event organizers, security firms, catering services, and authorities.
• Ensure venue is prepared and operational for all scheduled events, including setup and technical requirements.
• Manage operational budgets, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation for events.
• Supervise and coordinate on-site operational staff and volunteers during events.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, licensing, and environmental regulations.
• Develop strategies to enhance spectator experience within the venue.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and prepare detailed operational reports for improvements.
• Maintain and oversee upkeep of venue facilities and infrastructure.
• Act as a key contact for operational matters during event days in Sandton.
• Stay informed about best practices in venue management and Leisure & Sports.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Budget management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the organization of major sporting events, is seeking a highly experienced and adept Venue Operations Manager for its flagship venue in Sandton, Gauteng. This critical role ensures the seamless and safe operation of the venue during large-scale sporting events, encompassing everything from logistics and security to spectator services and facility management. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in event operations, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage complex, high-pressure situations effectively within the Leisure & Sports sector. This position is essential for delivering world-class event experiences and upholding the venue's reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of venue operations for major sporting events, ensuring efficiency, safety, and attendee satisfaction.
• Develop and implement comprehensive operational plans, including logistics, staffing, security, crowd management, and emergency procedures.
• Manage relationships with all venue stakeholders, including event organizers, security firms, catering services, and local authorities.
• Ensure the venue is fully prepared and operational for all scheduled events, including setup, technical requirements, and facility readiness.
• Manage operational budgets, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation for events.
• Supervise and coordinate on-site operational staff and volunteers during events.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, licensing, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the spectator experience within the venue.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and prepare detailed operational reports, identifying areas for improvement.
• Maintain and oversee the upkeep of venue facilities and infrastructure.
• Act as a key point of contact for operational matters during event days in Sandton.
• Stay informed about best practices in venue management and the Leisure & Sports industry.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in venue operations or event management, with a significant focus on major sporting events.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale events and complex operational logistics.
• Strong understanding of security, crowd control, and health & safety protocols for public venues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control operational costs effectively.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management and operational planning tools.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic and demanding environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.