Head of Finance and Procurement

***CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2025***

HEAD OF FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT (RWC 2027 LOC)

FIXED-TERM CONTRACT UNTIL MARCH 2028

BASED IN SYDNEY (GADIGAL)

The Rugby World Cup Australia Local Operating Company (LOC) is searching for an experienced financial professional who will be responsible for overall financial control, budget management and reporting of the LOC. They will also lead the LOC's procurement function, providing comprehensive decision support and act as a trusted business partner for the entire LOC.

The successful candidate will possess outstanding communication skills, be able to work collaboratively and ideally have previous experience in a similar role within the sporting landscape.

Reporting to the EGM Business, there will be a close working relationship with all areas of the business within the LOC and World Rugby Group Finance team. The Head of Finance and Procurement will have a small number of direct reports.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be a part of a global event that will set new standards and drive the growth of rugby. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about sport, understand the power it has to make a difference and have a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. You will be part of a team that aims to inspire a new generation of fans and participants.

About the role

• Lead the LOC's budget management, forecasting and reporting processes, working closely with the LOC's budget holders and World Rugby, to manage and accurately track, forecast, and report against the approved budget, ensuring all outputs are fully aligned with the strategic and financial targets of the LOC
• Support budget holders to deliver within the approved budget parameters set for their areas of responsibility, proactively managing budget pressures within available budgets to the fullest extent possible, while seeking opportunities for efficiency and effectiveness that will result in budget savings and identifying budget risks
• Deliver high quality financial management information and decision support information at all levels of the business.
• Oversee the preparation and issuance of all financial information and management and fiscal reporting activities for the organisation including Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet reports, cash flow reporting, budget reporting and year-end financial statements
• Providing quality technical, analytical and decision support to the EGM Business and the Executive Team on a wide range of business wide projects and activities.
• Work closely with the World Rugby finance team to:
• manage cash flow, foreign currency considerations and all banking arrangements
• review and update internal control systems, financial policies, and procedures to ensure integrity of accounting data and information, minimise exposure to financial fraud and to improve efficiency and effectiveness across the LOC
• implement internal audit and/or cost validation processes with the relevant EGM/GMs to ensure the accuracy of revenue and supplier invoices as required
• Ensure financial compliance with statutory legislation, taxation obligations, superannuation and other obligations, accounting standards, internal controls, company policies and procedures, providing concise, timely and accurate compliance reporting and manage the annual audit process
• Ensure compliance with the LOC's and World Rugby's Group procurement policy and approach to procurement.
• Lead and manage the end-to-end procurement activity for a significant pipeline of opportunities, including:
• working with LOC Functional Areas (FAs) to understand business requirements, identify opportunities and develop suitable sourcing strategies, including working with the Commercial team to identify Value in Kind opportunities
• leading efficient, transparent and open tender processes and robust evaluation and commercial review and processes
• identifying cost-saving opportunities while balancing risk and impact on delivery
• supporting the negotiating and implementation of service agreements and contract management working closely with legal
• Promote sustainable and ethical supply chains, in line with World Rugby's Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030, the LOC's Tournament Sustainability Framework and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

About you

• You have proven experience in a senior Finance and Procurement role within globally recognised major events (single sport multi-city events or multi-sport single city events) or within a sport which has responsibility to deliver content domestically and internationally, or equivalent environment.
• You have the proven ability to work with Executive teams to provide quality financial decision support and manage budgets in line with strategic goals, ensuring visibility of budget risks and opportunities in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment with variable revenue.
• You have a Bachelor's degree with at least 7 years' industry related experience and are CA/ACA registered.
• You have experience leading the procurement function across a wide variety of spend areas that results in suppliers who meet delivery and commercial needs.
• You have a demonstrated understanding and exemplary record with legislative and compliance obligations.
• You are experienced at working in a fast-paced environment supporting multiple individuals across a varied portfolio of responsibilities.
• You are proactive, can anticipate needs and are a true team player – you are willing to muck in and support the broader team as we are growing and changing
• You have the flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on event schedules
• You can navigate ambiguity and cut through complexity, taking a logical and creative approach to problem-solving.
• It would be advantageous if you have experience using the SAP suite of products.

About us

World Rugby is the international federation responsible for the global development of rugby union. Its strategic mission is to accelerate the growth of rugby, inspiring more people to engage with the sport. Australia's hosting of Rugby World Cups 2027 and 2029 are at the heart of that mission, representing an unparalleled growth opportunity for rugby in Australia, the region, and the global game more broadly.

Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 is rugby union's pinnacle event contested every four years by the world's best nations.

For six weeks from 1 October- 13 November 2027, Australia will welcome the world to a nationwide festival of rugby, celebrating its rich culture and heritage, and kicking off a new era of rugby that will have a positive impact for Australia, Oceania and the game globally.

With an expanded format contested by the world's top 24 teams, Men's RWC Australia 2027 will inspire an entire generation and break down barriers by making rugby even more accessible, relevant and inclusive, boosting rugby's fanbase and participation globally.

All revenue generated by Men's RWC 2027 will be reinvested in the sport, supporting World Rugby's global growth ambition, its 133 member unions and six regional associations.

Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest sporting and entertainment brands in the world and the dual men's and women's hosting model creates a transformative opportunity to showcase the very best of rugby and Australia to an unprecedented global audience.

RWC 2027 tournament will be a nationwide celebration of the sport, its values and Australia's cities, culture and people, engaging new audiences and inspiring a new generation of fans and players. In Australia, the tournament is expected to generate $1.3B in direct visitor expenditure across Australia from more than 250,000 international visitors and inject a further $80m into the Australia economy as a result of hosting in 2027 alone.

Whilst the LOC has carriage of both the 2027 and 2029 RWC's, all roles are being recruited on the basis of working to deliver 2027, with a contract end date reflective of the successful conclusion of 2027. All roles within the LOC will be reviewed at the appropriate point in time to determine whether they will be extended to cover 2029 and to suit the needs of the business at that time.

The role offers hybrid working during the initial phases of planning, noting that as the event draws near the role will be required to be full time in the office integrating with the rest of the team. The current planning is based on:

• 3 x core office days – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• 2 x flexible days, where you can work from home if you prefer (Monday & Friday)

How to apply

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages), along with a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to the APPLY NOW link.

All applicants need to be able to obtain their own working rights in Australia.

RWC Australia 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. 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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

World Rugby 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. 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.