John Cain Arena

**About the role**

John Cain Arena is looking for a people-focused, pro-active and driven Operations Leader who is eager to take their leadership journey to the next level in the world of major events. Our precinct boasts some of Australia's top venue professionals, offering a unique opportunity to learn from the very best. This role will continue to support the growth of John Cain Arena and the wider Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct.

As the Operations Leader, you’ll get to assist in overseeing the production and operations functions of John Cain Arena and the broader Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct as required. Furthermore, this role plays a pivotal role in people management, contributing to the leadership and continuous growth of our dedicated operations team through leadership support and operational guidance with the venue Operations Supervisors which report through to this role.

In addition, this role will require you to work closely with the Operations Manager to collaborate with our clients, business partners, stakeholders (including promoters and rigging contractors), and event delivery teams to plan and execute events in alignment with client and business objectives. During events, the Operations Leader will take charge of providing support and contributing to the overall success of multiple functions within the event environment. This includes ensuring operational excellence, detailed planning and risk management, prioritising customer satisfaction, upholding safety and security standards, comprehensive reporting, maintaining venue presentation, and leading workforce teams.

**If you had worked with us over the last little while, here’s some of the things you would have been doing**:

- Lead the operational management of our NBL and Super Netball tenant clubs to deliver elite sporting events to our customers and large international and domestic broadcast audiences
- Played a key role in leading the planning and delivery of events to plan and deliver iconic entertainment shows which include Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL, Ocean Alley, Gabriel Iglesias, Victorian State Schools Spectacular, Harlem Globetrotters, Limp Bizkit, NF and more.
- Worked in partnership with key stakeholders across rigging, audiovisual, lighting and infrastructure to deliver events in partnership with iconic organisations including Mushroom Group, Secret Sounds, Live Nation, TEG, Destro All Lines and many more.
- Worked closely with our wider Operations Leadership team and Workforce Planning team to recruit and onboard new casual Operations team members, helping shape the wider team for long-term success.
- Lead the administrative functions for Operations, such as end to end finances of events, scheduling of team members, payroll, etc.
- Participated and contributed to wider business strategic objectives and event projects such as the annual NBL Open Air Game, the Australian Open, the AFL Grand Final Parade, Dreamhack and more.

**What you will bring to the role**

You are a hands-on and impactful leader ready to motivate and contribute to our operations team
- You are confident in building strong collaborative relationships and your skill in connecting with team members, all while maintaining a clear focus, will enable you to excel as a leader. Your willingness to share not only your technical and operational expertise but also your passion for nurturing the growth and development of your peers within the venue and across the M&OP business is invaluable. Combine these qualities with your previous experience in event operations planning and delivery within an arena, major stadium, events centre, mixed entertainment environment, or a similar setting, and you're poised to make a significant and enduring impact on one of the world's premier sport and entertainment precincts. Your people leadership abilities will be the driving force behind your success in this role.

You are safety focussed
- The safety of our people and guests is at the forefront of all planning & delivery, ensuring all team members (business partners, suppliers, contractors, clients etc) performing work in the venue do so in line with M&OP safety and compliance standards. We know that being curious and continuing to seek new ways to improve how we operate, and deliver is vital, and it will better support in your decision making. You must have a willingness to obtain appropriate certifications and licenses, such as Construction Induction, Working Safely at Heights, EWP, Forklift, Boom Lift, Dogging and Rigging (basic), OH&S and Chief / Fire Warden.

You can balance competing demands like a pro
- You are detail orientated and equally appreciate the importance of understanding and aligning your efforts with the bigger picture. A fast pace, ‘lots of balls in the air’ kind of environment is one you thrive in - it’s your quick thinking, tenacious and innate solutions-orientated spirit that keeps you on track. Due to the nature of the live events industry