Director Venue Operations

Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Manage the operations for Sydney Olympic Park's premium sport and recreation venues
• Full time temporary role until 30 June 2026
• Sydney Olympic Park location with hybrid working supported
• TRP from $225K to $249K including superannuation, commensurate with experience

About the Role

As Director, Venue Operations, you will lead the strategic and operational management of Sydney Olympic Park Authority's premier network of sport and recreation venues, including the Aquatic Centre, Hockey Centre, Athletic Centre, Archery Centre, Sports Halls, and the Quay Centre. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring these venues deliver exceptional experiences across high-performance sport, community engagement, and commercial programming.

This is not a conventional 9-to-5 role. The successful candidate will be expected to provide visible, hands-on leadership across a dynamic and high-profile precinct, including being onsite as the point of escalation during major events, operational challenges, or critical incidents. You will oversee day-to-day operations, drive capital improvements, manage multimillion-dollar budgets, and lead a high-performing team to deliver on SOPA's strategic objectives.

For more information read the full Role Description:Director Venue Operations

About You

You are a hands-on leader with extensive experience in managing complex venue operations and event delivery. Your leadership style is collaborative and strategic, with a proven ability to balance commercial imperatives with community and government priorities. You bring a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, risk management, and delivering high-quality services in a dynamic, high-profile environment.

You thrive in fast-paced, multifaceted environments and understand the importance of being present and responsive when it matters most. Your ability to lead from the front will be critical to your success and you will be required to be on-call as an escalation point on evenings, weekends and during high-demand periods. With a deep understanding of operational delivery, you are adept at navigating competing demands, driving cultural change, and fostering innovation. Relevant tertiary qualifications and a commitment to public value and inclusive leadership are essential.

About Us

Sydney Olympic Park Authority is entrusted with managing some of the state's most significant public assets, transforming the Park into a world-class, sustainable precinct since the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We oversee the daily management of public spaces, sporting venues, parklands, and facilities while delivering events, enhancing visitor experiences, and protecting the Park's natural and cultural heritage.

Guided by clear precinct controls and the draft Master Plan 2050, we are shaping a vibrant, connected and high-quality urban environment that brings the strategic vision to life. Sydney Olympic Park is evolving into more than a destination, into a vibrant, thriving well connected suburb energised with everyday life.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively; and deliver affordable and diverse housing.

We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and building the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close on Sunday September 21st 2025 at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Alex Underwood, A/Talent Acquisition Partner via

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via or HR Support, option 3, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander check out Our Mob on Country to see the work we do and get assistance in applying.