The General Manager (GM) plays a pivotal role in leading the day-to-day operations of Bowls NSW. Working closely with the CEO, the GM will manage a diverse range of business functions, lead key staff across departments, and drive execution of major strategic projects aligned to our goals of membership growth, diversification, and revenue generation. This is a leadership role requiring a high-performing, dynamic and versatile individual who is equally confident managing people, projects, and performance. The role will be instrumental in supporting the CEO and is positioned as a key succession planning opportunity for future organisational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Management

• Support the CEO in the effective day-to-day management of Bowls NSW.
• Lead and develop direct reports across Sport, Membership, and Communications / Commercial portfolios.
• Provide oversight and guidance to a wider team of 7+ indirect reports.
• Foster a strong team culture, staff engagement, and accountability for performance and outcomes.
• Lead all functions of Human Resources in conjunction with the CEO and external advisors.

Strategic Project Delivery

• Project manage key initiatives in line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, including:
  • Membership growth and retention programs
  • Diversification and inclusion initiatives
  • Revenue growth and commercial innovation
  • National integrity framework matters

Governance & Reporting

• Prepare regular board reporting and contribute to board meeting preparation.
• Assist with financial and operational reporting, including budget tracking and performance dashboards.
• Contribute to effective governance practices and compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders including clubs, partners, Region associations, individual members, and government agencies.
• Represent Bowls NSW in a professional manner at events, meetings, and public forums as required.

About You

You are a proactive and values-driven leader with a passion for sport and a demonstrated ability to drive outcomes. You are commercially minded, strategically aware, and operationally excellent. You thrive in a collaborative environment and are comfortable managing a range of projects, people, and priorities.

You bring experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Sport administration or management
• Project or program management
• Governance or compliance
• Business operations or commercial roles

You may come from within the sporting sector or from other professional settings where high-performance, strategic execution, and team leadership are key.

Key Attributes

• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills
• High emotional intelligence and team-first mindset
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Strategic thinking and ability to deliver on complex projects
• Professionalism and discretion
• Adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement

Selection criteria

Leadership and People Management

• Demonstrated experience leading and managing teams, including direct and indirect reports.
• Ability to build a positive, performance-focused culture and support professional development.

Operational and Organisational Management

• Proven ability to support or manage day-to-day organisational operations, including HR, reporting, and financial oversight.
• Experience in managing internal processes to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Project Management and Strategic Execution

• Demonstrated success in leading and delivering complex projects or initiatives aligned to strategic goals.
• Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

Campaign and Marketing Initiative Delivery

• Experience in planning, executing and evaluating large-scale campaigns or public-facing initiatives.
• Ability to work across departments to align messaging, drive participation, and support membership or revenue growth through marketing and communications efforts.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• High-level written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing board or executive reports.
• Proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships, both internal and external, with professionalism and influence.

Governance, Risk and Compliance Awareness

• Understanding of governance principles, risk management, and compliance requirements relevant to a not-for-profit or sporting organisation.
• Experience supporting or working with a board or executive leadership team is desirable.

Commitment to Growth and Innovation in Sport

• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing sport and/or not-for-profits.
• A genuine interest in supporting membership growth, diversity and innovation in a changing sporting landscape.

Personal Attributes

• Professionalism, discretion and integrity.
• Adaptability, initiative and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes.
• A collaborative mindset, with readiness to support a high-performance culture.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to work closely with a forward-thinking and passionate team at a time of strategic growth and transformation for the sport. The General Manager will play a critical role in shaping the future of Bowls in NSW and may be considered for future leadership opportunities, including potential succession into the CEO role.