General Manager, Operations

Lead the Future of Women's Basketball in Australia

About the WNBL

The NBL Group, in partnership with the Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate, is redefining the future of women's basketball in Australia. The Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) is poised for an exciting transformation, with a new ownership structure, an elevated game, and a new level of excitement with the goal of being a global leader in women's sport.

As Australia's premier women's basketball competition, the WNBL showcases world-class athletes and is committed to setting new benchmarks for excellence, innovation, and growth in women's sport nationally.

About This Opportunity

The WNBL is seeking an exceptional GM, Operations to lead the operational heartbeat of the league. Reporting directly to the CEO, WNBL, this is a pivotal senior leadership role where you'll drive competition delivery, strengthen governance, and serve as the CEO's trusted deputy in shaping the future of women's basketball.

As GM, Operations, you'll oversee end-to-end league operations, lead high-performing teams, and work at the intersection of sport, strategy, and stakeholder engagement. This is your opportunity to make a defining impact on one of Australia's most exciting and fastest-growing sports leagues.

What You'll Do

League Operations and Competition Management

• Lead and deliver all operational aspects of the WNBL season and pre-season, including fixture builds, scheduling, and competition logistics
• Maintain strong engagement with club General Managers and CEOs, ensuring operational alignment and responsiveness to issues
• Design and implement competition structures, including expansion options and innovative formats
• Process and approve player contracts in line with league policies, oversee compliance, and manage competition governance
• Plan and execute marquee league events, including the Preseason tournament, Finals Series, and MVP Awards
• Coordinate the league's operational calendar, ensuring milestones, reporting, and season delivery requirements are met

Policy and Governance

• Draft, update, and communicate the WNBL Operations Manual and competition-related policies
• Ensure compliance with WNBL and Basketball Australia governance requirements, escalating issues to the CEO where required
• Liaise with the Australian Basketball Players' Association (ABPA) on competition matters
• Prepare board meeting agendas, draft operational papers, and coordinate follow-up actions in partnership with the CEO
• Provide operational support to the CEO on governance and stakeholder engagement by ensuring inputs are accurate and timely
• Represent the CEO in agreed forums when required

Finance and Budget Oversight

• Develop and manage the operational budget, ensuring cost-effective delivery of league activities
• Oversee financial compliance for competition contracts, agent fees, and league events, providing regular reporting to the CEO

Leadership and Organisational Development

• Lead and develop operational teams, building high-performance cultures and processes
• Implement operational KPIs and reporting frameworks to measure efficiency, growth, and stakeholder satisfaction
• Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and risk management across all league operations
• Act as the CEO's trusted deputy, capable of making operational decisions independently while maintaining alignment with strategic priorities

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience:

• Proven experience in sports operations, competition management, or event delivery with end-to-end accountability
• Strong knowledge of governance and compliance frameworks, with experience drafting and implementing policies
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across diverse stakeholders, including senior executives and boards
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Demonstrated financial acumen in developing and managing operational budgets
• Experience leading teams and building operational processes aligned with governance standards
• Proven ability to provide trusted support to a CEO, with the capability to represent the organisation when required
• Passion for women's sport and commitment to the growth of basketball nationally
• Willingness to travel and work outside standard hours as required

Why Join the WNBL?

As GM, Operations, you will step into one of the most influential leadership roles in Australian women's sport. Working in close partnership with the CEO, WNBL, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of the league. 

What We Offer:

• Strategic Impact: Shape the future of Australia's premier women's basketball league
• Leadership Opportunity: Build and lead high-performing teams in a transformational period
• Industry Prestige: Work with elite athletes, clubs, and key stakeholders in women's sport
• Purpose-Driven Mission: Champion the growth of women's basketball and inspire the next generation
• Location: New office in Cremorne with stunning facilities - with a dynamic, passionate team

Ready to Lead?

If you're an experienced sports operations leader who thrives on delivering excellence, building strong teams, and driving the growth of women's sport, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and be part of the WNBL's exciting journey to become a global leader in women's sport.

The WNBL is dedicated to championing diversity and inclusion. We wholeheartedly embrace individual differences and warmly welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations peoples.