Head of Venue and Tournament Operations – Rugby World Cup 2025
World Rugby

Rugby World Cup 2025 (RWC 2025) in England, will be the 10th edition of the women’s tournament. In line with the ‘game-changer’ objectives of World Rugby’s strategic plan to provide a hosting roadmap for Rugby World Cup and stimulate dynamic development of rugby globally, World Rugby has recently established World Rugby Events (EventsCo) which is charged with organising and delivering major international events. Under the new model World Rugby will have a more direct role in the setting up, planning and delivery of the Rugby World Cups and aims to become a leader in the delivery of major international events.

In partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and UK Sport a local operating company (LOC) has been formed for RWC 2025.

Ambitions for the tournament are high as women’s rugby is one of the fastest growing team sports in the world. RWC 2025 will be the ultimate stage for the best players, teams and coaches from 16 nations across the globe and is set to be the biggest and most widely watched women’s rugby event ever.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be part of a global event that will set new standards, drive the growth of women’s rugby and promote opportunities for women on and off the pitch. 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 make history by breaking records for women’s sport and inspiring a new generation of audiences and participants.

World Rugby is looking to appoint a Head of Venue and Tournament Operations within the RWC 2025 LOC, based in London. The Head of Venue and Tournament Operations is a key member of the leadership team responsible for the planning and delivery of key functional areas including Venue Operations, Overlay, City Operations, Ceremonies & Sports Presentation, Image & Look and Media Operations. The role will ensure that all match venues are appropriately scoped and delivered to the highest possible standards for each client group by ensuring the planning process is relevant and thorough and integrates all other departments within the RWC 2025 LOC and all other Stakeholders.

Reporting to the Managing Director RWC 2025 there will be a close working relationship with all operations teams and client groups within the LOC and World Rugby EventsCo. The Head of Venue and Tournament Operations will have a number of direct reports across the functional area responsibilities.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the planning and delivery of a portfolio of specific Functional Areas; Venue Operations, Overlay, City Operations, Ceremonies & Sports Presentation, Image & Look and Media Operations.
• Oversee the management of the budget for all areas of responsibility to ensure delivery within budget scope to deliver operational requirements to service standards.
• 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.
• Work closely with other members of the senior team to support LOC and EventsCo management with tournament reviews, Board meetings and assurance check points.
• Lead the collaborative working relationship with the RFU, Host Venues and Cities during planning and operations ensuring each stakeholder delivers on its core agreement commitments.
• Oversee the recruitment and management of Venue and Tournament Operations staff including FA Managers/Coordinators and tournament-time operational staff. Oversee their training and onboarding, including all arrangements for their tournament-time deployment.
• 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.
• Oversee and centrally manage issues and queries during the planning and delivery of the tournament, supporting staff on the ground from the Main Operations Centre, collating data and reports and escalating issues as needed.

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE:

• Experience in holding a senior management role within a major sporting event landscape or equivalent events.
• Demonstrable success in managing or leading a functional area/specific project portfolio from providing strategic direction and guidance through to overseeing operational planning and delivery.
• Experience overseeing and managing budgets over multiple areas.
• Demonstrable experience in a number of functional areas falling within the remit of role, including planning and operational delivery experience.
• Demonstrable success in supporting senior leaders and providing managerial support and leadership to a team or workforce.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment supporting multiple individuals across a varied portfolio of responsibilities.
• Experience dealing with purchase order systems, other enterprise system tools and project management tools.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• A passion for sport and to contribute to the further growth of the women’s game.
• Takes positive action to build a diverse team and develop a culture of inclusion and belonging.
• Role-models World Rugby’s values of Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Passion, and Solidarity.
• A positive, ‘can-do’ attitude; someone who is resilient, flexible, curious, and delivery focused.
• Adept at working under pressure in a fast-paced environment, delivering work to deadlines and honouring commitments.
• A collaborative team player, who builds strong relationships with colleagues and a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, managing multiple workstreams at once; meticulous attention to detail.
• Can navigate ambiguity and cut through complexity, taking a logical and creative approach to problem-solving.

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, taking into account the event needs during planning and operations phases.

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