EL2/SES1 General Manager

Are you a visionary events professional ready to make your mark? Adecco is partnering with a high-profile Federal government client to find a suitable candidate to fill a unique opportunity. We're seeking a EL2/SES Band 1 General Manager to support the to deliver a step-change in how events are managed across a Campus embedding robust systems, targeted improvements clear procedures, and upskilling the team to sustain these improvements into the future.

Responsibilities

Operating under broad direction, providing strong leadership, stewardship and assurance across managed venues, with a focus on an Arena. This engagement is intended to strengthen governance, safety, and operational control to ensure the safe, compliant and high-quality delivery of upcoming events at the Arena.

You will also work to rapidly strengthen operations and build the capability of the various teams managing events and event logistics.

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership, Stewardship and Governance

• Embed proactive risk management practices into day-to-day operations and provide visible and decisive leadership to re-establish clarity, consistency and confidence in the delivery of Arena Operations.
• Reinforce a culture of accountability, disciplined execution and safety-first decision making across all levels of the teams
• Set clear expectations and communication pathways to ensure effective coordination across event and venue operation functions.
• Facilitate continuous improvement through the development of operational plans including strengthening internal controls, oversight and risk mitigations mechanisms to promote safe, compliant and financially responsible outcomes.
• Actively identify, manage and mitigate strategic, operational and reputational risks, ensuring compliance with the WHS Act 2011 (Cth) and ASC policies and frameworks.

Event Delivery

• Lead the planning and delivery of high-quality entertainment, sporting and commercial events in accordance with standards.
• Ensure events are planned and executed safely, including overseeing event presentation, operational logistics and post event reviews to ensure continuous improvement and compliance.
• Positively manage stakeholder relationships and effectively engage with a range of external stakeholders to ensure seamless stakeholder management and optimal revenue potential.
• Review and ensure all existing supplier, hirer and event contracts to ensure obligations for safety are explicit and enforceable.
• Campus-wide event operations: Provide subject matter expert advice for the operation of the Arena (up to 4,500 capacity) and event bookings in other Campus venues, ensuring safe and smooth delivery of events.

Safety & compliance uplift:

• Improve WHS in all event operations; review and finalise SoPs; strengthen risk and crowd management plans; update emergency planning and incident reporting.
• Operational process improvement: Review current practices and implement best-practice processes; produce templates and checklists for ongoing use.

Staff support & knowledge transfer:

• Mentor staff, build confidence and skills, and leave behind clear tools and practices to enable the team to operate independently after the contract ends.

Stakeholder management:

• Review processes with stakeholders to identify areas where our processes can improve.

Requirements

• 5+ years managing arenas, stadia, theatres, or multi-site event precincts.
• Proven track record in large-scale event operations and risk/crowd management.
• Experience uplifting WHS and embedding operational processes.
• Strong ability to mentor and upskill in-house teams.
• Availability for weekend/evening events; strong references from major venues/promoters.

Deliverables

Operational Assurance Review and Action Plan:

• Conduct a rapid assessment of operations including event delivery, safety management and governance controls against upcoming events.
• Provide a short assurance report and action plan addressing immediate and medium-term risks, gaps and needs.

Event Safety and Readiness:

• Review and strengthen event planning and approval processes to ensure consistent, risk informed decision making including delivery of an event readiness and escalation framework covering WHS, emergency response, contractor management, and event sign off.
• Deliver a plan outlining key responsibilities, communication pathways and reporting cadence.
• Establish key reporting tracking key safety, operational and financial indicators against upcoming events, to be provided to the Executive Committee/ GM Ops / CEO, with commentary on trends and risk mitigation progress.
• Oversee and assure the safe, compliant and responsible delivery of all events scheduled during the engagement period. Provide post event debriefs capturing lessons learned and continuous improvement actions to support practical knowledge transfer to staff.
• Review and update Arena Operational Plan and deliver a comprehensive readiness report covering operational capability, staffing, supplier readiness and risk controls for upcoming event cycles. Include assurance commentary and any further recommended actions.
• Progress Reporting

Your Profile

AUS citizenship and a Baseline Security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain for this opportunity.

Contact

Interested in learning more or ready to apply?

Feel free to reach out—I'm always happy to chat about the role and answer any questions. You can message me on LinkedIn or contact me directly