World Rugby is the international federation responsible for the global development of Rugby. It’s strategic mission is to accelerate the growth of Rugby, inspiring more people to engage with the sport.

Australia’s hosting of Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 are at the heart of that mission, representing an exciting growth opportunity for Rugby in Australia, the region, and the global game more broadly.

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.

The 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 $860m in direct visitor expenditure across Australia from more than 200,000 international visitors and inject a further $300m into the Australia economy as a result of hosting in 2027 alone.

With women and the heart of World Rugby’s growth mission, Rugby World Cup 2029 represents a transformative opportunity take the sport to the next level. Women’s Rugby is one of the world’s fastest growing sports and the fanbase growing at a faster rate than other sports with 166 million fans globally. The commercial value of women’s Rugby is expected to grow by 10x over the next decade, which is great for Australia.

Hosting both tournament also presents a fantastic opportunity for Rugby Australia to harness the power of the Rugby World Cup and grow its participation across Australia and the ambition to bring 30,000 players into the rugby ecosystem.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be 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 for the event.

You will be part of a team that aims to inspire a new generation of audiences and participants.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive General Manager of Operations has the responsibility, under the guidance of the Managing Director, for overseeing the successful operational planning and implementation of RWC 2027. In addition to the 2027 responsibilities, this person will also lead the initial planning and development of the Rugby World Cup 2029 until the LOC transitions post RWC 2027.

The role will ensure that all match venues and cities are appropriately scoped, contracted and delivered to the highest possible standards for each client group by ensuring the planning process is relevant and thorough and integrates with all other departments within the LOC and with the support and input from the tournament stakeholders.

Reporting to the Managing Director there will be a close working relationship with all areas of the business within the LOC and EventsCo. The Executive General Manager of Operations will have a number of direct reports across the functional area responsibilities.

Whilst the LOC has carriage of both the 2027 and 2029 RWCs, 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

General

  • As a member of the executive team, you will play a key role in shaping the strategy, operational and delivery solutions for the RWCs.
  • Lead the planning and delivery of a portfolio of specific Functional Areas including Venue Operations, Overlay, City Operations, Image & Look, Media & Broadcast Operations, Event & Venue Technology, Ceremonies & Sports Presentation, Spectator Services & Experience Delivery, Commercial and Ticketing Operations.
  • Establish an optimal operational structure and effective processes and polices for this division and its tasks.
  • Oversee the development and management of the budget for all areas under your responsibility to ensure the required service standards are achieved.
  • Monitor and manage milestones outlined in the tournament masterplan, ensuring all elements are met on time and to the desired standard, with risks identified and mitigated against.
  • Oversee the development of and contribute to required documentation, including tournament handbooks, manuals and guides, as well all LOC and wider EventsCo policies and procedures.
  • Be a key member of the senior executive team and work collaboratively with colleagues across Australia, London and Dublin as defined by the operational organisational structure.
  • Work closely with other members of the senior team to support LOC and EventsCo management with tournament reviews, Board meetings and assurance check points.

Planning and integration

  • Oversee the design and delivery of an integrated planning process that enable the efficient and cost effective delivery of the RWCs, whilst maintaining key service levels.
  • Lead the collaborative working relationship with Rugby Australia, Host Cities and Match Venues during planning and operations, ensuring each stakeholder is integrated and delivers on its core agreement commitments.
  • Oversee the development of, and contribute to, required documentation, including tournament handbooks, manuals and guides, as well all LOC and wider EventsCo policies and procedures.

Human Resources and Workforce

  • Recruit a team to support the delivery of this divisions responsibilities
  • Oversee the recruitment and management of Venue, City and the tournament operations staff including FA Managers/Coordinators and partner/contractor operational staff.
  • Oversee the training and onboarding, including all arrangements for their tournament-time deployment.

Rugby World Cup 2029

  • Take the lead on developing the delivery strategy and operational solutions to deliver the RWC 2029 prior to the transition of the LOC in late 2027.

Government Engagement

  • Lead the engagement on behalf of the LOC with the Australian Government and State Governments as it relates to tournament support and delivery.

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE:

  • Proven experience in a senior role working within globally recognised major events such as single sport multi-city events or multi-sport single city events or within a sport which has responsibility to deliver content domestically and internationally.
  • Excellent leadership, team management and interpersonal skills with a focus on hiring, developing, coaching, appraising, motivating a diverse team.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute effective strategies aligned with organisational goals.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to think critically under pressure.
  • Experience in a fast-paced environment supporting multiple individuals across a varied portfolio of responsibilities.
  • Proficiency in event management software, project management tools, and Microsoft Office suite is desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, business, or a related field with at least 10 years equivalent experience
  • Proficient computer software skills, including the Microsoft suite of products
  • Further education is desirable.

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.

Flexible Working:

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:

· 2023 – 3 days in the office (Tue, Wed, Thu)

· 2024 – 4 Days in the office (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)

· 2025– 4 Days in the office (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)

· 2026 and 2027 – Full time in the office



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Details

Location
Sydney, Australia

Posted
10 August, 2023