Team Base Operations Manager (RWC 2027 LOC)

The Rugby World Cup Australia Local Operating Company (LOC) is searching for a Team Base Operations Manager to join our team!

The Team Base Operations Manager will play a key role in providing the 24 Participating Teams at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 with up to 40 world class Team Bases across the tournament’s seven Host Cities, ensuring they can train and prepare in optimum high performance environments. Reporting to the General Manager of Team Services and Rugby Operations and working hand-in hand with Team Services, this role will be responsible for managing the Outdoor Training Venues (OTVs), gyms, pools and Indoor Training Venues (ITVs) that make up a Team Base, and will require close liaison with the Event Services team within the LOC with regards to Team Hotel provisions.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be a part of a global event that will set new standards and drive the growth of rugby. 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. You will be part of a team that aims to inspire a new generation of fans and participants.

TEAM BASE OPERATIONS MANAGER
 
The Rugby World Cup Australia Local Operating Company (LOC) is searching for a Team Base Operations Manager to join our team!

The Team Base Operations Manager will play a key role in providing the 24 Participating Teams at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 with up to 40 world class Team Bases across the tournament’s seven Host Cities, ensuring they can train and prepare in optimum high performance environments. Reporting to the General Manager of Team Services and Rugby Operations and working hand-in hand with Team Services, this role will be responsible for managing the Outdoor Training Venues (OTVs), gyms, pools and Indoor Training Venues (ITVs) that make up a Team Base, and will require close liaison with the Event Services team within the LOC with regards to Team Hotel provisions.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be a part of a global event that will set new standards and drive the growth of rugby. 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. You will be part of a team that aims to inspire a new generation of fans and participants.

This is a fixed term role until November 2027

Applications close at midnight on 5 March 2025

About the role

• Ensure Team Base facilities and services are provided to the highest possible standards and in accordance with Rugby World Cup requirements, the Laws of the Game and Regulations Relating to the Game
• Provide a consistent level of delivery and service to all 24 Participating Teams
• Complete the selection of all required Team Base facilities and drive the finalisation of Team Base facility contracts
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders including the LOC, World Rugby, Team Base facility owners and operators, Rugby Australia and Member Unions, suppliers and contractors
• Lead the overall operational planning for each Team Base facility, including space allocations, technology and security provisions, commercially clean requirements and temporary overlay, in conjunction with relevant internal Functional Areas
• Management of the turf maintenance and upgrade programme for all OTVs, ensuring all training pitches are provided to a world class standard
• Development of all necessary documentation on time and to the required high standard, such as Team Base Guides, operations plans, policies, procedures and contingency plans
• Ensure all relevant health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to, and coordinate any required risk assessments
• Plan and attend operational planning site visits and support with the coordination of Team Site Visits
• People management responsibility, including tournament-time Team Base Coordinators appointed to support the operational delivery of each Team Base
• Issue reporting, management and resolution during the tournament.

About you

• You have experience and demonstrated success in delivering similar services in elite high performance sporting environments
• You are an excellent communicator, highly personable and can build strong relationships with colleagues and a diverse range of stakeholders quickly
• You have a positive demeanour and the proven ability to collaborate with colleagues to effectively deliver on mutual objectives
• You have excellent project management skills, with experience in managing complex projects to strict deadlines and within set budgets
• You have meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organisational skills, the ability to prioritise and multitask, remain calm under pressure and maintain high standards of work in a challenging and fast-paced environment
• You possess great integrity, have a passion for sport and desire to contribute to the successful delivery and legacy of Men’s RWC 2027
• You are flexible to work irregular hours and able to travel domestically at times
• Knowledge of Rugby Union and/or major event experience is desirable

About us

World Rugby is the international federation responsible for the global development of rugby union. Its strategic mission is to accelerate the growth of rugby, inspiring more people to engage with the sport. Australia’s hosting of Rugby World Cups 2027 and 2029 are at the heart of that mission, representing an unparalleled growth opportunity for rugby in Australia, the region, and the global game more broadly.

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is rugby union’s pinnacle event contested every four years by the world’s best nations.

For six weeks from 1 October- 13 November 2027, Australia will welcome the world to a nationwide festival of rugby, celebrating its rich culture and heritage, and kicking off a new era of rugby that will have a positive impact for Australia, Oceania and the game globally.

With an expanded format contested by the world’s top 24 teams, Men’s RWC Australia 2027 will inspire an entire generation and break down barriers by making rugby even more accessible, relevant and inclusive, boosting rugby’s fanbase and participation globally.

All revenue generated by Men’s RWC 2027 will be reinvested in the sport, supporting World Rugby’s global growth ambition, its 133 member unions and six regional associations.

Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest sporting and entertainment brands in the world and the dual men’s and women’s hosting model creates a transformative opportunity to showcase the very best of rugby and Australia to an unprecedented global audience.

RWC 2027 will be a nationwide celebration of the sport, its values and Australia’s cities, culture and people, engaging new audiences and inspiring a new generation of fans and players. In Australia, the tournament is expected to generate $1.3B in direct visitor expenditure across Australia from more than 250,000 international visitors and inject a further $80m into the Australia economy as a result of hosting in 2027 alone.

Whilst the LOC has carriage of both the 2027 and 2029 RWCs, all roles are being recruited on the basis of working to deliver 2027, with a contract end date reflective of the successful conclusion of 2027. All roles within the LOC will be reviewed at the appropriate point in time to determine whether they will be extended to cover 2029 and to suit the needs of the business at that time.

The role offers hybrid working during the initial phases of planning, noting that as the event draws near the role will be required to be full time in the office integrating with the rest of the team. The current planning is based on:

• 2025 – 4 Days in the office (Mon-Thu)
• 2026 & 2027 – Full time in the office

How to apply

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages), along with a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to the APPLY NOW link.

RWC 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. 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.