Manager – Events, Bookings & Partnerships 12-month maximum term contract

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’re on the hunt for a dynamic and experienced Manager – Events, Bookings & Partnerships to join our team on a Parental Leave 12-month maximum term contract. This pivotal position is responsible for the overall management of venue hire and event bookings across our premier multi-sport facilities. You will be instrumental in driving process efficiencies, nurturing client relationships, and supporting the development of our Events & Bookings team.

As the Manager – Events, Bookings & Partnerships, you will be responsible for the overall account management of all venue hire and event bookings and will manage the Events & Bookings team. Working closely with the General Manager Commercial, this role will generate business and sales leads, execute strategies to maximise venue utilisation, and optimise commercial outcomes. Your key focus will be on building strategic partnerships with sports organisations, schools, and other stakeholders, facilitating access to our venues, and supporting sporting organisations and individuals to achieve their goals.

Some key responsibilities will include:

• Provide strong leadership, management, and development to the Events & Bookings team
• Drive increased utilisation of SSCT’s hirable spaces by securing new clients and expanding activities with existing partners
• Oversee event procurement, negotiation, and planning, including the development of hire agreements, detailed event plans, logistics, and budgets
• Ensure compliance with account management frameworks, policies, and procedures for all clients and partners
• Manage and report on the Events & Bookings budget, monitor financial performance, and implement corrective actions as needed
• Collaborate with the General Manager Commercial to identify and engage potential business opportunities, including major sporting events and programs
• Work with Venue Managers to ensure events are financially viable and align with SSCT’s commercial parameters
• Lead the development and review of pricing frameworks for all hirable spaces and services.
• Manage the VenueOps software system, ensuring optimal application and support across SSCT departments
• Drive marketing and promotion efforts for SSCT’s hirable spaces, events, programs, and functions

Required skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in managing and developing a positive team culture with a focus on efficiency and high standards in venue and event booking processes
• Extensive experience in event management and procurement within a large or multi-purpose venue, with strong collaboration skills to work with sports partners and stakeholders
• Ability to build and optimise client and stakeholder relationships, delivering exceptional customer service and managing repeat bookings efficiently
• Strong knowledge and experience in financial and budget management, including the development of executive reports and briefings on commercial operations
• Strong IT skills with experience in CRM, event management, and/or sales management software. Experience with VenueOps is preferred

Why is this a great place to work?

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

• 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
• Flexible working arrangements
• 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 through a resume and a cover letter to support your application for this role at the 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.