Venue Operations Manager

About the business

Fiercely proud of our unique Western Suburbs heritage – the Western Bulldogs have represented Melbourne's West, our geographic heartland, for over 100 years. Our famous Bulldog fighting spirit mirrors that of the West – where hard work and standing up for what you believe in matters. We are the team of the Mighty West, for the West, which has been ingrained in our club for many years. However, our story is no longer only defined by where we come from. Our horizons have lifted, unprecedented opportunities await, and with that there is a moment in time to evolve.

While some things change, some stay the same. Our Club still exists to bring people together and create lasting memories, as much as it strives to win premierships. It's about our people, and their shared passion for the red, white and blue. It's about ambition, pride, determination, and having a place to call home. We'll always be entrenched in our community, embracing the beauty and strength in its diversity. It's the story of what it means to be a Bulldog 'Through & Through'.

We strive to create an inclusive environment where all are celebrated and belong regardless of age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or background. We are a child safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. If you are looking to be a part of a committed and passionate team, the Western Bulldogs encourage you to apply for this fantastic role.

Your contribution to the team includes

The role of Venue Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the safe management of all activities from the facility at Mission Whitten Oval, including match days, ground booking, opening trainings and more. This role is also responsible for:

• Deliver and manage all major events held at Mission Whitten Oval, including AFLW, VFL, VFLW match days, community events, open training, clinics, other sporting activities, and more
• Manage compliance and logistics by developing and maintaining permits, venue hire agreements, and emergency and risk plans; liaise with key stakeholders and emergency services
• Oversee venue infrastructure (scoreboard, PA systems) and catering requirements for events
• Host and deliver all events and functions in the Women's Heath & Leadership Hub, by working closely with internal teams and hospitality partners
• Ensure Whitten Oval is always operationally ready and compliant, including maintenance and upgrades, while benchmarking against leading AFL/W venues for best-in-class standards and patron experience
• Act as the primary liaison between the football department and venue operations, and manage any sub-tennancy agreements, leases and relationships
• Accelerate the full activation of the Whitten Oval precinct, collaborating with sub-tenants to strategically develop and grow key assets to boost operational use and revenue
• Lead WHS initiatives and compliance across the venue, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and standard
• Be an active member of the Wellbeing Health and Safety Committee; acting as the Chief Fire Warden
• Maintain emergency management plans and ensure staff and contractors are trained in procedures
• Collaborate with the Head of Infrastructure & Venues to provide inputs and support for budgets and forecasts for the venue
• Collaborate on marketing and communications plans for all events, while providing leadership and direction to ensure delivery of first-class events
• Foster strong relationships across all sites and ensure quality in all operations

Skills and experience

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in a role in a similar industry
• Proven background in the planning, preparation and execution of sporting events
• Proven background in successfully servicing large diverse groups
• Responsible Service of Alcohol Accreditation
• First Aid Certificate
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation and emergency management
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities

What's on offer

• Additional Work Life Leave – provided to those who are required to work weekends
• Birthday Leave – a day of leave available in the week of your birthday
• Close to West Footscray Station with free onsite parking available
• Club membership – Free access to Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW home games for you and your family
• Continuous learning & development – Array of paid and discounted professional training and development opportunities on offer
• Deals & Discounts with Club corporate sponsors – over 40% in some cases
• Parent friendly – Paid Primary and Secondary Carer's Leave available
• Wellbeing focus including – we support our staff to complete a proactive wellbeing plan, access to club gym, wellbeing sessions and activities across the year

How to Apply

Successful candidates will be required to hold a valid working with children check and a satisfactory national criminal history check.

If you are interested in working in a challenging yet extremely satisfying position, please click on Apply for this Job & attach your resume and a cover letter outlining your key attributes. Applications close at 5pm, Tuesday 25th November.

Western Bulldogs acknowledges that we reside on traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands, and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past, presenting and emerging. Western Bulldogs encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.