Venue Operations Manager (Sports Stadium)

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Bonuses and incentives

Relocation assistance (considered)

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks an experienced Venue Operations Manager to lead daily stadium operations, safety, and guest services for major events.

You will manage facilities, security, ticketing, hospitality, and staff, driving efficient event execution and high-quality attendee experiences in a high-pressure setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Minimum 7 years in venue or large-scale event operations.
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of health, safety and security regulations for public venues.
• Budgeting, cost control, and vendor management experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily venue operations including facilities, cleaning, security and safety compliance.
• Plan and execute event logistics for sports, concerts, conferences and gatherings.
• Lead a diverse team of operational staff, supervisors, stewards and security personnel.
• Develop robust security plans and emergency procedures for all events.
• Coordinate with event organizers, promoters, artists, leagues and external agencies.
• Manage relationships with key vendors for catering, AV, security and cleaning services.
• Oversee ticketing, access control and crowd management to ensure smooth entry/exit.
• Ensure facilities, seating, restrooms and premium spaces are well maintained.
• Manage the venue's operational budget and optimize resource allocation.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for venue operations.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to drive improvements.

Skills

People leadership

Operations management

Budgeting

Problem solving

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Risk management

Education

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

Tools

Event management software

MS Office / Office Suite

Job description

About the Role A major multi-purpose sports stadium located in Vereeniging, Gauteng , is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Venue Operations Manager. This critical role is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the stadium, ensuring seamless execution of events, safety, security, and optimal functionality of all venue facilities. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in large-scale venue management, event operations, and staff leadership within the sports or entertainment industry. You will oversee various departments, including facilities management, security, ticketing, hospitality services, and guest services, to deliver exceptional experiences for attendees and stakeholders. This position demands strong organizational skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to manage complex logistical challenges in a high-pressure environment. Join our team in Vereeniging and play a key role in hosting major sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale gatherings. You will be at the forefront of ensuring the stadium operates efficiently and safely, contributing significantly to the local sports and entertainment landscape. This role requires a proactive and detail-oriented approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily venue operations, including facility maintenance, cleaning, security, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute operational logistics for all scheduled events, such as sporting matches, concerts, conferences, and other gatherings.
• Manage and lead a diverse team of operational staff, including supervisors, stewards, security personnel, and facilities crews.
• Develop and implement robust security plans and emergency procedures, ensuring the safety and well-being of all guests, staff, and performers.
• Liaise with event organizers, promoters, artists, sports leagues, and external agencies to ensure event requirements are met.
• Manage relationships with key vendors and contractors, including catering, AV, security, and cleaning services.
• Oversee the operational aspects of ticketing, access control, and crowd management to ensure smooth entry and exit processes.
• Ensure the stadium's facilities, including seating areas, concourses, restrooms, and premium spaces, are well-maintained and functional.
• Manage the venue's operational budget, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all venue operations.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in venue operations management, with a significant portion in sports stadiums or large-scale event venues.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large teams, security operations, and complex event logistics.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and security regulations relevant to public venues.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and control operational costs effectively.
• Experience in risk management and emergency preparedness planning.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and long hours during event periods in Vereeniging .
• Proficiency in event management software and standard office applications.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Experience with unionized workforces is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.
• Be part of a high-profile organization contributing to major events in Vereeniging .
• Generous annual leave allowance.