Full Time Fixed Term Contract role: January 2025 - October 2025 (10 months)

SEL is the exclusive hospitality program provider for Rugby Australia, responsible for designing, implementing, selling and delivering all official onsite and offsite hospitality across all inbound Wallabies Test Matches including the upcoming British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia in 2025 and The Rugby Championships.

We are now recruiting for the role of Hospitality Operations Manager and are looking for a highly talented individual that can help manage and implement a best practice, national hospitality program across multiple stadia and off-site venues.

Ideally the person will have previous experience and demonstrable track record in the management of large scale and multiple corporate hospitality events. Experience in event management, working within stadiums, event implementation and financial management of large-scale events is highly desirable.

The ability to manage the roll out of a corporate hospitality events program is an absolute must for this role and environment.  This is a fantastic career opportunity for anyone who has a passion for rugby union and working in a large scale and world-class sporting environment.

Primary purpose of the role:

Reporting to the Hospitality Program Manager, the Hospitality Operations Manager is responsible for managing and assisting with the development and execution of RA’s Hospitality Program which includes all Wallabies, Wallaroos and the British & Irish Lions Tour matches where hospitality is sold. 

Duties and responsibilities will include the following;

• Lead and manage the end-to-end operational delivery of Rugby Australia's hospitality program, across the 2025 British and Irish Lions Series & 2025 Rugby Championships.
• Develop and execute detailed match day operational plans, including bump in schedules, floorplans, run sheets, function manager briefings, and post-event reporting.
• Manage and oversee all match day staffing requirements, including scheduling, deployment, and performance of function managers, ushers, and support staff to ensure seamless execution of events.
• Oversee the development of theming, AV, and furniture plans, driving creative solutions to enhance the premium hospitality experience and implementing new ideas to exceed guest expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and venues to deliver on event requirements within budget and to the highest standards.
• Manage and develop all travel requirements for the Hospitality Operations team, including coordinating schedules, booking accommodations and transportation, and creating detailed travel plans and itineraries.
• Assist with managing event budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting, expense tracking, and cost efficiency.
• Provide leadership to the Hospitality Operations team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, corporate partners, and external suppliers to ensure seamless execution of events.
• Oversee the development of all accreditation processes for both functions and event staff, sales agents, speakers, and function managers.
• Oversee the development and deployment of match day event signage, ensuring it adheres to RA branding guidelines.
• Collaborate with the ticketing and sales teams on ticket distribution and guest communication as needed

Requirements:

• Proven 3-5 years’ experience in managing high-profile events or hospitality programs, preferably in a sporting or stadium environment.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team under tight timelines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a customer-first approach.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and composure under pressure.
• Knowledge and passion for Rugby Union or the sports industry is desirable.
• Availability for domestic travel and weekend work, with a valid Australian driver's license