Drive Strategic Impact. Elevate a Sport. Shape Brisbane 2032.
Water Polo Australia (WPA) is on a bold trajectory towards $20 million in revenue, 30,000 members, and 2 Olympic medals by Brisbane 2032 - and we’re looking for a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help get us there.
As our COO, you’ll sit on the Senior Leadership Team and lead the ‘Lead Well’ strategic pillar – building organisational capability, governance strength, commercial growth, and operational excellence across the sport. You’ll oversee key functions including finance, legal, integrity, HR/IR, risk, IT, governance, commercial development, and the WPA Foundation & Alumni programs.
This is a big, system-shaping role for a leader who can operate strategically, manage complexity, influence diverse stakeholders, and deliver results.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Lead finance, legal, risk, governance and all enterprise services to ensure WPA is sustainable, transparent, and future-focused.
- Drive commercial growth and diversify revenue through partnerships, assets and new market opportunities.
- Embed best practice across integrity, HR, and risk management functions.
- Support Member Organisations and align national-local delivery of strategic goals.
- Partner with the CEO, Board, and external stakeholders to build a world-class sporting organisation ahead of Brisbane 2032.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a high-performing, values-led executive who can:
- Operate with strategic foresight and commercial savvy.
- Lead people, culture, and systems to deliver national outcomes.
- Influence at the Board, Government, and Member level.
- Align teams and resources to national goals.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Proven experience in senior/executive management roles.
- Deep understanding of at least one core function (e.g. finance, legal, risk).
- Excellent stakeholder, governance and operational leadership skills.
- Alignment to our values: High Performing, 2-Gether, and Open.
Why Water Polo Australia?
We’re a values-driven, proudly inclusive organisation with lofty aspirations. You'll be part of a leadership team that’s serious about performance, people, and impact - and you’ll play a central role in delivering success on the road to Brisbane 2032.
