Closing date for applications is 31st July 2026
Full time Fixed Term Contract start September 2026 until November 2027
Location: Within Australia. Sydney (Gadigal) preferred
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.
Rugby World Cup Australia is looking for a highly organised and relationship-driven Venue Overlay Manager to play a pivotal role in the planning and delivery of venue infrastructure and temporary power across a portfolio of tournament venues. Reporting to the Senior Overlay Manager, you will work across multiple venues, collaborate with venue owners, sporting stakeholders, consultants and suppliers, and help transform world-class stadiums into competition-ready environments. Working at the heart of a major international sporting event, you'll take ownership of your venue cluster, leading overlay design, stakeholder engagement, supplier coordination and delivery planning from concept through to implementation.
You'll thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, balancing technical detail with strong project management and communication skills to ensure every venue is delivered to the highest standard. Ideal for candidates with experience in major events, venue operations, overlay delivery, infrastructure projects or large-scale event environments, this role offers the chance to leave a lasting legacy on one of the world's biggest sporting stages.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Manage the planning, design review and delivery of venue overlay and temporary power requirements across an assigned portfolio of tournament venues, working closely with the Insourced Overlay Managing Contractor (IOMC) to ensure compliance, readiness and successful outcomes.
- Oversee the Tournament Operational Drawings including technical drawings, site plans and mapping deliverables, integrating with World Rugby's mapping platform, Iventis.
- Manage on-site delivery activities, including supplier mobilisation, venue liaison, operational planning, approvals and implementation to ensure infrastructure requirements are delivered safely, efficiently and on schedule.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including venue operators, consultants, sporting stakeholders and suppliers, to drive collaboration, resolve issues and support decision-making.
- Monitor venue budgets, and contract performance, supporting cost control, supplier management and the delivery of value-for-money outcomes across multiple workstreams.
- Lead project governance and reporting activities, facilitating regular stakeholder meetings, tracking progress, managing risks and implementing change control processes to maintain scope, budget and timeline integrity.
- Ensure all temporary infrastructure, power and operational requirements meet tournament standards, while providing guidance and support to team members and contributing to a collaborative, high-performing delivery environment.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 3 years' experience in major events, venue operations, overlay delivery, technical services, construction, infrastructure projects or similarly complex project environments.
- Experience working within major sporting events, stadium operations, venue overlay or multi-venue environments will be highly regarded.
- Strong understanding of temporary event infrastructure, temporary power, venue design, programming and operational readiness, ideally gained within major sporting or large-scale event settings.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple concurrent projects with the ability to prioritise competing demands and deliver outcomes within tight timeframes.
- Experience in procurement, contract administration, supplier management and cost control, including the delivery and oversight of high-value contracts and service providers.
- Proven ability to build and manage effective relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including venue operators, suppliers, contractors, consultants and clients.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to interpret and work with technical documentation, operational drawings, site plans and venue layouts, ensuring accuracy throughout the project lifecycle.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, facilitate collaboration and build trusted working relationships.
- Ability to thrive in complex, fast-paced and matrixed project environments, working collaboratively across multiple functions, organisations and cultures.
- Flexibility to travel regularly and work outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, to support venue planning, testing and delivery requirements.
Why You’ll Love It Here
- Competitive salary: We know world-class talent deserves to be rewarded.
- Hybrid game plan: Work from home on Mondays and Fridays, with a 3-day in-office schedule (Tues–Thu), moving to full-time in-office in 2027 as the tournament approaches.
- Unbeatable location: A modern space across from Sydney’s Hyde Park , just a 5-minute walk from Town Hall , surrounded by public transport, great cafes, restaurants, and shops.
- Wellbeing first: Weekly fresh fruit, Lunch and learns and a focus on keeping our team feeling their best on and off the field.
- Locker-room ready: Showers, fresh towels, and Dyson hair tools so you can reset and refresh any time.
- Team spirit: Weekly 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) and cover letter 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 2-round interview process in our Sydney office for Sydney locals or virtual for interstate candidates.
All applicants need to be able to obtain their own unlimited 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.
