Host City Operations Manager

Company description:

Closing date for applications is 18/08/2026

Full time Fixed Term Contract start October 2026 until November 2027
Location: Sydney or within Australia

The Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is proud to deliver one of the world's most iconic sporting events — the Rugby World Cup 2027 (Men's). More than a tournament, it's a celebration of Rugby's spirit, Australia's culture, and the power of sport to unite and inspire communities around the world.

Job description:

Rugby World Cup Australia is excited to announce we are seeking a Host City Operations Manager to join our Tournament Operations team! Reporting to the Head of Government Engagement and City Operations, this role is responsible for managing the operational relationship between government stakeholders and Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) to ensure all government obligations are delivered smoothly and on time. Acting as the primary liaison with host city officials and agencies, the position coordinates planning and delivery across transport, security, policing, medical, city activations, team services, and venue integration. It leads host territory working groups, manages information flow between the Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA), World Rugby and government partners, monitors contractual milestones and deliverables, and represents the RWCA in host city planning forums and tournament-time operations.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Act as the primary liaison between RWCA and designated host city officials, agencies, and departments.

• Coordinate with RWCA Functional Areas, World Rugby and Host Cities to deliver on the full range of obligations set out in Host Territory Agreements.

• Facilitate operational planning across Host Cities, with regards to traffic and transport planning, host city activations, security and policing, medical coordination, team services requirements and venue integration.

• Act as the key liaison between RWCA marketing and communications team and relevant government agencies.

• Manage regular Host Territory working groups, ensuring timely information sharing, reporting and issue resolution.

• Provide detailed information to the Head of Government Engagement and City Operations, Functional Areas and World Rugby and escalate risks or unresolved issues in a timely manner.

• Monitor and manage the progress of Host Territory and RWCA deliverables, milestones and payment schedules in accordance with contractual obligations and stakeholder requirements.

• Represent the RWCA at host city planning meetings and during the tournament period.

• Support government reporting obligations through preparation of updates, presentations, and briefings.

• Assist in the planning, development, and successful delivery of RWC2027 Fan Festivals and Fan Activation Zones within the Host City, ensuring alignment with the tournament's brand, fan engagement objectives, and operational requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

· 7-10 years' project management experience, ideally across complex, multi-stakeholder or government-led environments.

· 5+ years' experience in major event delivery, government liaison, or city operations, with direct exposure to host city agencies, inter-agency coordination, or public-sector partnerships.

· Strong understanding of city planning processes, transport planning, community activation, and operational integration across government and event functions.

· Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate, and engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior officials within government, public sector agencies, and international partners.

· Experience contributing to strategic brand, marketing or public-facing activation plans, with the ability to connect operational delivery to broader event objectives.

· Excellent communication skills, highly personable, and able to build strong, trusted relationships quickly across diverse stakeholder groups.

· Proven ability to collaborate across functional areas, ensuring alignment, information flow and delivery of shared objectives.

· Strong leadership capability, with experience guiding cross-functional groups and supporting a high-performance culture during planning and tournament periods.

· Exceptional attention to detail, highly organised, with the ability to prioritise, work across multiple projects, and maintain composure under pressure.

· Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments, with a commitment to high-quality delivery and follow-through.

· Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and event-time schedules as required.

· Experience working in international or multicultural contexts, with an understanding of cross-cultural communication and diverse stakeholder needs.

We offer:

· Competitive salary: We know world-class talent deserves to be rewarded.

· Sydney or within AU: Remote working opportunity with travel to our modern Sydney office, just a 5-minute walk from Town Hall, surrounded by public transport, great cafes, restaurants, and shops.

· Wellbeing first: Virtual lunch & learns and a focus on keeping our team feeling their best on and off the field.

· Team spirit: Weekly in-person drinks and social catchups that celebrate wins big and small.

· Make your mark: Play a key role in bringing the third largest sporting event in the world to life right here in Australia!

Australia's hosting of the Rugby World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game, celebrate our people and culture, and deliver lasting social and economic impact. At the heart of our mission is diversity, inclusion, and legacy ensuring Rugby's growth benefits all and inspires a new generation of players, fans, and communities. Join us in shaping an unforgettable celebration of Rugby, culture, and community.

How to apply:

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) outlining your suitability based on the requirements for the role via the APPLY NOW link. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.

In setting expectations, there will be a virtual 2-round interview process.

All applicants need to be able to obtain their own working rights in Australia.

We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and no fees will be payable.

Rugby World Cup Australia 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 and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. 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.