About Us:

The A-Leagues are the top professional association of football (soccer) competitions for men and women in Australia and New Zealand. Our vision is to grow our league and clubs by winning the next generation, so that young people become lifelong fans.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Head of Football Operations, the Events and Security Manager  is responsible for the strategic direction and management of all APL owned events.

They are responsible for defining the role events play in our strategy, recommending the event calendar and leading the creative vision, provision and end to end delivery of events with the aim of delivering fan engagement, revenue and brand outcomes.

You will collaborate across teams (Marketing, Commercial, Football Operations, and Executives) to lead key projects like Finals Series, Dolan Warren Awards, Season Launches, and international tours.

This role also takes ownership of critical security operations, as per A-Leagues Minimum Security Standards. 

To be successful in this role you will have both commercial skills (with experience in revenue, brand, ticketing, and fan experience) and highly developed event management skills, required to deliver on our existing events and build new opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute the annual APL events calendar and plan aligned with overarching strategic and revenue goals.
• Identify and evaluate new event opportunities to support strategic expansion.
• Collaborate with Marketing to establish and deliver the creative direction for all events.

End-to-End Event Management & Delivery

• Oversee full end-to-end event delivery, ensuring high-quality execution and successful outcomes across all elements.
• Define requirements and build efficient project plans to achieve milestone deadlines.
• Lead project teams, monitor operational performance, and drive high standards of quality control and customer service.
• Partner with Marketing, Media & PR, and Broadcast & Content teams to maximize event promotion across traditional and digital channels.

Security Operations & Risk Management

• Lead strategic security operations across the A-Leagues, collaborating with police, venue management, government agencies, and outsourced security providers.
• Maintain and refine the A-Leagues Minimum Security Standards to safeguard all major events.
• Direct security planning and risk assessments for all high-risk and designated medium-risk matches alongside clubs, venue teams, contractors, and law enforcement.
• Ensure full WHS compliance and apply best-practice risk management procedures across all operations.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Build, manage, and reconcile event P&Ls and budgets, ensuring financial targets are met and costs strictly controlled.
• Negotiate and manage venue and stadium hire agreements to achieve optimal commercial outcomes for APL.
• Procure top-tier suppliers at competitive rates and manage invoice processing with Finance within agreed payment terms.

Stakeholder Engagement & Continuous Improvement

• Cultivate strong collaborative relationships with internal and external partners, facilitating weekly WIP meetings as needed.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and deliver comprehensive reporting on event efficacy, key learnings, and fan impact to promote ongoing refinement.

Our Values:

• FAN FIRST - We respect the privilege and responsibility that comes with our mission to unite, entertain and grow our game. 
• CHALLENGE FEARLESSLY - We strive to do things differently, chase new ideas, create, and innovate. 
• WIN TOGETHER - The only way to win is to win together; who makes the assist is as important as who scores the goal.
• INTEGRITY IN EVERYTHING - Sport is all about competitiveness and fierce rivalry, but we always play fair!
• LEAD THE GAME - We are custodians of the league, responsible for leading, protecting, connecting, and growing the game.

About You:

• Qualifications in Event Management, marketing or related disciplines, or equivalent work experience.
• 7+ years’ experience in an end to end Events Management role - ideally within a sporting organisation, covering project planning, creative development, budget & P&L management, commercial negotiations and agreements, and stakeholder management
• Energetic, team player who thrives in a fast paced environments
• Strong stakeholder management experience and relationship building skills. Proven ability to communicate and engage executive level stakeholders
• Excellent time management skills, ability to multi-task whilst remaining detail oriented
• Budgeting and financial experience.
• Results, growth and performance driven.
• Fan, customer and client centric.
• Innovative thinker & problem solver.
• A passion for sports is desirable.

Why work for us?

You’ll get to work as part of an elite team of passionate and like-minded individuals. On top of that, there’s:

• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous leave entitlements including company paid parental leave.
• Monthly mobile phone allowance.
• Employee Recognition Program.
• Plus benefits, discounts and tickets.

Above all, we love football and, if you do too, you’ll love working with us. So if you’re excited about this opportunity, please ‘Apply now’.