Venue Operations Manager - Sports Arena

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Venue Operations Manager to oversee daily operations of a major sports arena in Benoni, Gauteng. You will lead facilities, security, staffing, logistics and guest experience to ensure safe, seamless events.

The role requires hands-on leadership with 7+ years in venue operations, strong safety compliance, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination to deliver operational excellence at a premier Gauteng venue.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations/ Hospitality/ Sports management or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in venue operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational aspects of the sports arena, ensuring seamless execution of events.
• Manage and develop a team of operational staff, including event coordinators, technicians, and ushers.
• Develop and implement operational plans, procedures, and budgets for all events.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, security, and licensing regulations.
• Coordinate with promoters, leagues, and stakeholders to meet operational needs.
• Manage relationships with third-party vendors including catering, security, and cleaning services.
• Oversee maintenance and upkeep of facilities and equipment.
• Develop strategies to enhance fan and guest experience.
• Manage emergency response procedures and preparedness.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Hospitality Management, Sports Management, or a related field

Tools

Venue management software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Venue Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a major sports arena in Benoni, Gauteng. This critical role involves ensuring the smooth and safe execution of all events, from major sporting competitions to concerts and conferences. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of venue operations, including facilities management, security, staffing, logistics, and customer experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in venue management, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to handle complex operational challenges in a fast-paced environment. This position requires a hands-on approach and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence for our state-of-the-art facility in Benoni.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational aspects of the sports arena, ensuring seamless execution of events.
• Manage and develop a team of operational staff, including event coordinators, technicians, and ushers.
• Develop and implement operational plans, procedures, and budgets for all events.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, security, and licensing regulations.
• Coordinate with event promoters, sports leagues, and other stakeholders to meet their operational needs.
• Manage relationships with third-party vendors, including catering, security, and cleaning services.
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the venue facilities and equipment.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the fan and guest experience.
• Manage emergency response procedures and ensure readiness for any eventuality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Hospitality Management, Sports Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in venue operations, preferably within a large sports arena or stadium.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex event operations and large-scale gatherings.
• Strong understanding of venue safety, security protocols, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and control operational costs.
• Proficiency in relevant venue management software and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by the event schedule.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to manage operations at a premier sports venue in Benoni . You will be part of a dynamic team in the exciting Leisure & Sports industry, contributing to memorable experiences for thousands of fans. Professional development opportunities and exposure to a wide range of high-profile events are standard. This is a challenging yet rewarding position for a seasoned operations professional looking to make a significant impact in the heart of Gauteng .