Venue Operations Manager - Sports Events

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Venue Operations Manager for major sports events in Randburg. This on-site role oversees all logistics, staff, and safety across multiple venues during event periods, coordinating with security, catering, IT, and medical teams to ensure flawless execution.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in a related field, with 4+ years in large-scale venue operations, strong leadership and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• Minimum 4 years in venue operations management for large-scale sports events.
• Experience leading on-site operational teams and coordinating diverse stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of event logistics, site planning, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive operational plans for each venue.
• Lead on-site teams, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and supervision.
• Coordinate with security, catering, IT, and medical teams.
• Ensure venue setup adheres to event specifications (branding, seating, tech).
• Implement health, safety, and security procedures across venues.
• Manage attendee, athlete, and staff flow within venues.
• Oversee inventory and management of venue equipment and supplies.
• Serve as primary contact for venue issues and emergencies during events.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and contribute to improvement reports.
• Manage venue operating budget and control expenses.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading event management company specializing in major sporting competitions, is seeking a highly organized and experienced Venue Operations Manager - Sports Events for their operations in Randburg .

This critical role involves overseeing all logistical and operational aspects of multiple sporting venues during event periods, ensuring seamless execution from setup to breakdown. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing staff, coordinating with various stakeholders (security, catering, technical teams), implementing safety protocols, and ensuring an exceptional experience for athletes, spectators, and staff. This position demands exceptional problem‑solving skills, a meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to thrive under pressure in a fast‑paced environment. You will be the central point of contact for all venue‑related activities, ensuring the smooth running of events in Randburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive operational plans for each assigned sports venue.
• Manage and lead on‑site operational teams, including staff recruitment, training, scheduling, and supervision.
• Coordinate with all external service providers, including security, cleaning, catering, IT, and medical teams.
• Ensure the venue is set up according to event specifications, including branding, seating, and technical requirements.
• Implement and enforce health, safety, and security procedures throughout the venue.
• Manage the efficient flow of attendees, athletes, and staff within the venue.
• Oversee the inventory and management of venue equipment and supplies.
• Act as the primary point of contact for venue‑related issues and emergencies during the event.
• Conduct post‑event debriefs and contribute to operational reports for continuous improvement.
• Manage the venue operational budget and control expenses effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in venue operations management, specifically for large-scale sports events or similar high‑profile functions.
• Proven experience in managing operational teams and coordinating with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of event logistics, site planning, and risk management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make quick, sound decisions.
• Proficiency in project management software and MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and security regulations relevant to event venues.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, based on event schedules.
• Familiarity with the sports and events landscape in Randburg is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive contract rate, commensurate with experience and the demanding nature of the role, along with potential for extended contracts based on performance and future events. You will gain invaluable experience working on high‑profile international sporting events, collaborating with industry‑leading professionals. This role provides direct operational oversight and the opportunity to significantly impact the success of major events. The position is based on‑site in Randburg , offering direct engagement with the event environment.