Senior Venues Manager

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 19 November 2025

Full time Fixed Term Contract start February 2026 until November 2027

Location: Sydney (Gadigal), Australia

The Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is proud to deliver one of the world's most iconic sporting events, the Rugby World Cup Men's 2027. More than a tournament, it's a celebration of Rugby's spirit, Australia's culture, and the power of sport to unite and inspire communities around the world.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Venues, the
Senior Venues Manager
will be the driving force behind how each stadium comes to life. From planning and venue readiness to integration of all Functional Areas, to ensuring every operational piece works seamlessly on game day, this role is where strategy meets delivery and where months of planning turn into unforgettable fan and player experiences.

You'll lead a team of Venue Managers, deliver the operating model on sites, and serve as the key link between tournament functions, venue owners, suppliers, and delivery partners. If you thrive in high-tempo environments where collaboration, detail and problem-solving matter, this is the role that puts you at the centre of one of the world's biggest sporting stages. This is not just venue operations. It's the engine room of the tournament.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Leadership and culture

• Lead the Venue Management Functional Area within RWCA, managing processes and structures for planning and delivery.
• Enhance the positive and welcoming culture within RWCA and externally.
• Recruit and manage the RWCA Venue Management team, including RWCA Venue Managers.
• Maintain the tournament-wide Venue Management Function Area Operating Plan (FAOP).

Budget and Venue contract management

• Manage and control venue match day and non-match day costs in line with budget expectations.

Responsibility for day-to-day management of match venue relationships, ensuring adherence to timelines on contractual deliverables and ensure seamless planning and approvals.

Venue Operations and integration

• Oversee the design, planning, approval and delivery of all venue operations and operational documentation at match venues.
• Be the focal point for venue knowledge for Functional Areas
• Manage tournament venue visits, coordinating venue operators, Functional Area representatives and suppliers, providing daily schedules, deliverables and debriefs.
• In conjunction with Overlay, coordinate venue works and other related works in collaboration with contractors and venue operators.
• Lead the operational drawing process across all Functional Areas via integration with RWCA's Iventis mapping platform.

Planning and reporting

• Lead venue operational planning and reviews.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on budgets, risks, milestones, and progress.
• Contribute to legacy planning and post-event reporting, ensuring knowledge transfer for future tournaments.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5+ years' experience leading venue or event operations, ideally within major international or multi-venue environments
• Strong communicator with a strategic mindset, able to build trust and foster a positive culture across diverse stakeholder groups
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate effectively across functions and deliver shared outcomes
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail, able to juggle competing priorities while remaining calm under pressure
• Proven ability to manage budgets, track delivery progress, and provide clear, accurate reporting on cost, risk and timelines.
• Thrives in fast-paced settings, delivering high-quality work to tight deadlines and following through on commitments
• Flexible to travel and work non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, event-time schedules) as required
• Familiarity with venue or event planning systems such as IVENTIS (or similar) is highly desirable

Why You'll Love It Here

• Competitive salary – we know world-class talent deserves to be rewarded.
• Hybrid game plan: Work from home on Mondays and Fridays, with a 3-day in-office schedule (Tues–Thu), moving to full-time in-office in 2027 as the tournament approaches.
• Unbeatable location: A modern space across from Sydney's Hyde Park, just a 5-minute walk from Town Hall, surrounded by public transport, great cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Wellbeing first: Weekly fresh fruit, Lunch & Learns and a focus on keeping our team feeling their best on and off the field.
• Locker-room ready: Showers, fresh towels, and Dyson hair tools so you can reset and refresh any time.
• Team spirit: Weekly drinks and social catchups that celebrate wins big and small.
• Make your mark: Play a key role in bringing the third largest sporting event in the world to life right here in Australia

How to apply:

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter outlining your suitability based on the requirements for the role via the APPLY NOW link.

In setting expectations, there will be a 2-round interview process in the Sydney City office (Elizabeth Street).

RWCA is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.