Head of Venue Operations

New precinct. New model. This role brings it to life.

The Adelaide Football Club is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its history – the move to our new home at Thebarton Stadium.

We are seeking a Head of Venue Operations to lead this once-in-a-generation transition and establish AFC as a best-in-class venue operator. This is a unique opportunity to shape a high-performance precinct that will support our AFL, AFLW and SANFL programs – including delivering a true home ground experience for our AFLW team for the first time.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role is accountable for the end-to-end operation of the Thebarton Stadium. This includes asset performance, procurement, contractor management, event delivery and governance.

You will be the single point of accountability for venue operations, including event command on match day, while building the systems, partnerships and capability required for long-term success.

This is an initial 18-month contract, aligned to the transition and establishment phase, with a review to follow.

What you’ll lead

• Venue operations, systems and standards
• Asset management and lifecycle plans
• Procurement and contractor strategies across all venue services
• Match day operations (AFL, AFLW & SANFL)

About You

We are looking for a proven venue operations leader who:

• Has experience managing a sporting or major event venue
• Brings deep expertise in compliance, WHS, risk and governance frameworks
• Has led complex procurement and contractor ecosystems
• Thrives in high-pressure, event-based environments with strong decision-making capability
• Can balance operational excellence with fan and community experience
• Is energised by building something new and leaving a lasting legacy

What’s in it for you?

Working at the Adelaide Football Club means being part of something bigger than a job. Your work will be seen, felt and experienced by players, fans, partners and the community.

This is a rare opportunity to build, lead and shape the future of our Club’s home.

What’s on offer

In addition to a competitive remuneration package, you will receive:

• Additional paid leave each year to help you recharge – 5 days
• Access to our gym, pool, and yoga classes to support your wellbeing
• Flexible working hours to help you balance work and life
• Ongoing professional development to build your skills and grow your career
• Membership perks include tickets to AFL, AFLW, and SANFL games
• Exclusive discounts through our sponsors and partners

About us

Founded in 1990, the Adelaide Football Club has quickly become a cornerstone of South Australian football, combining a proud legacy with bold, forward-looking initiatives.

At the heart of our Club is our people. We are a people-first organisation, and our success starts with who we engage.

We are deeply committed to our community, building authentic, lasting partnerships and creating experiences that extend beyond the football field.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role by Monday 8 June.

Other things to know

We make hiring decisions based on experience, skills and potential, as well as alignment with our values. If this role excites you but you don’t tick every box, we still encourage you to apply.

Diverse backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger and we warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.

The Club is committed to safeguarding children and young people in our care and creating a safe, supportive environment for all. As part of this process, the successful candidate will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including a Working with Children Check.