Senior Operations Manager

Aquatics / Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Venues

About State Sport Centres
Our venues are more than just sporting facilities for hosting championship events; they serve as daily hubs for juniors and community members, providing recreation and recovery facilities for diverse needs.

Located at the heart of premier multi-sport facilities in Victoria, we are dedicated to fostering peak performance, unlocking potential, and delivering top-quality experiences. We aim to fuel passion, inspire excellence, create opportunities, and contribute to the wellbeing of the Victorian community.

Are you ready to play a crucial role in the dynamic world of State Sport Centres?

If you are an experienced operations leader eager for your next professional challenge, passionate about supporting sport, and committed to creating a legacy of excitement and engagement, we want to hear from you.

About the role
We are seeking a dynamic and energetic Senior Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about supporting sport and recreation at all levels. This leadership role requires a continuous improvement mindset, exceptional attention to detail, and a drive to enhance operational efficiency across multiple venues.

As the Senior Operations Manager, you will oversee the safe and efficient operations of SSCT venues, ensuring high standards in venue preparation and presentation. You will lead a team of operations professionals, including Venue Operations Managers, to ensure smooth back-of-house functions, compliance, safety, and risk management.

Your primary responsibilities include:

• Leading back-of-house operations, including compliance, safety, and risk management across all venues
• Managing Venue Operations Managers at State Basketball Centre and Lakeside Stadium, ensuring successful event delivery
• Managing contracts for cleaning, security, parking, and other key suppliers
• Driving operational standards and consistency across venues
• Collaborating with teams such as Events & Bookings, Customer Experience, Finance, Facilities, and Marketing to deliver exceptional service
• Developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring compliance with safety and emergency principles
• Managing budgets, expenses, and meeting financial targets
• Mentoring and leading venue teams to foster continuous improvement and outstanding results

Required skills and qualifications:

• Tertiary qualifications in business, operations, events, project management, or related fields
• 7+ years of operational leadership experience in venue or event operations, with expertise in risk, safety, and quality
• Strong financial skills with experience in budgeting and reporting
• Proven leadership with the ability to inspire and manage large teams
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, balancing attention to detail with strategic thinking
• Resilience and emotional balance to manage change and complexity
• Solution-oriented mindset with mentoring skills
• A collaborative leader who fosters a positive, inclusive environment
• Ability to thrive in a fast-changing environment with multiple priorities
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends and holidays
• Victorian Working with Children's Check

Why work with us?
Enjoy flexible work arrangements, staff benefits like free parking, gym memberships, discounts, and more. Be challenged daily, develop your skills, and support elite athletes and world-class events in a supportive team environment.

How to apply:
Send your resume and cover letter. For inquiries, contact Abigail Grant at or We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and those with disabilities. A current Working with Children Check is required prior to employment.