Senior Operations Manager

About State Sport Centres:

Are you ready to be a crucial part of the dynamic world of State Sport Centres? We are the heartbeat of premier multi-sport facilities in Victoria, dedicated to fostering peak performance, unlocking potential, and delivering world-class events. State Sport Centres are more than just facilities; we're the driving force behind sports enthusiasts reaching new heights. We exist to fuel passion, inspire excellence, and contribute to the well-being of the Victorian community.  Join the team that transforms the sports landscape and creates a legacy of excitement, engagement, and inspiration. 

About the role: 

We are seeking a dynamic and energetic Senior Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about supporting sport and recreation at all levels. This key leadership role is ideal for someone with a continuous improvement mindset, exceptional attention to detail, and a drive to deliver operational efficiency and effectiveness across multiple venues.

As the Senior Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operations of SSCT venues, ensuring the highest standards in venue preparation and presentation. You will lead a diverse team of operations professionals, including Venue Operations Managers and their teams, to ensure smooth back-of-house functions, compliance, safety, and risk management across all venues.

As the Senior Operations Manager your primary responsibilities will include:

• Lead back-of-house operations, including compliance, safety and risk management across all SSCT venues
• Line manage Venue Operations Managers at State Basketball Centre and Lakeside Stadium, ensuring the successful delivery of events, bookings and activities to agreed standards
• Manage cleaning, security, car parking, and other key supplier contracts
• Drive operational standards and procedures to ensure consistency across all venues
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Events & Bookings, Customer Experience, Finance and Marketing to deliver exceptional service
• Oversee the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures and ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Risk, and Emergency Management principles
• Manage budgets, track expenses and ensure financial and operational targets are met
• Develop, mentor and lead venue teams to deliver outstanding results and foster a culture of continuous improvement

Required skills and Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualifications in business, events, project management, or a related field
• 7+ years of operational leadership experience in venue or event operations, with expertise in risk, quality, and safety
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and reporting
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage large teams
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to balance attention to detail with strategic thinking
• Resilient and emotionally balanced, with the ability to manage change and lead through complexity
• Solution-oriented, with the ability to mentor others and drive team performance
• A collaborative leader who builds rapport quickly and fosters a positive, inclusive working environment
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment with multiple priorities
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends and public holidays as necessary to manage venue and event demands
• Victorian Working with Children’s Check

Why is this a great place to work?

You will love working at the State Sports Centres. Here’s just a few reasons why:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Great staff benefits including free parking, performance gym membership, discounts at SSCT food & beverage and retail outlets and complimentary court hire for casual bookings across the stadiums
• Family and friends’ discounts on performance gym membership
• Discounts on holiday programs and creche for dependents
• You will be challenged daily and can develop yourself as a person as well as gaining valuable career skills
• We have a fantastic team of people who are great to work with
• Join us in our mission to help people to be excited about sport, engage in healthy activity and feel inspired to be their best
• We are surrounded by elite athletes daily and you will support various elite sports and world class events

How to apply:

Please send us a resume and cover letter supporting your application for this exciting role with State Sport Centres.  We will be reviewing applications and commencing interviews as they come in, so please don't delay in applying.  For further information please contact Abigail Grant, Talent Acquisition Business Partner +61 3 9926 1358

SSCT values diversity, is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and from people with disabilities. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are visitors to our venues and facilities. Successful applicants will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check before being able to commence employment.