Closing date for applications is 31st July 2026
Full time Fixed Term Contract start September 2026 until November 2027
Location: Sydney (Gadigal), 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.
Rugby World Cup Australia is looking for a Project Lead to join our Tournament Services Team based in Sydney to play a key role at the heart of tournament operations, supporting a range of functional areas to ensure projects, plans, and key deliverables stay on track. Reporting to the General Manager of Tournament Services, you will provide critical project, operational, and administrative support across multiple teams, helping to coordinate activities, manage priorities, and drive readiness for tournament delivery. The role is ideal for a highly organised and proactive professional with experience in project support, operations, or administration who is looking to develop their career in major events. This is a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the planning and delivery of a major international event while working alongside experienced professionals in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Manage and monitor project plans, risks, issues, and deliverables across Tournament Services functional areas, ensuring milestones are achieved and priorities remain on track.
- Support the development and maintenance of key operational documentation, including Functional Area Operating Plans, Venue Operating Plans, procedures, and other planning materials.
- Provide high-quality project and administrative support to the General Manager and functional area leads, including coordinating meetings, travel arrangements, reports, presentations, and action tracking.
- Coordinate activities for pre-tournament events, including team visits, venue visits, workshops, and other readiness initiatives.
- Contribute to workforce planning, tournament readiness, and training activities, supporting preparation exercises and ensuring operational requirements are effectively documented and communicated.
- Assist with the development and implementation of the Tournament Management System (TMS), working with functional areas to support integration, data management, and operational processes.
- Provide cross-functional operational support during tournament delivery, including reporting, logistics coordination, guest information management, venue allocations, maps and floor plans, and other activities that contribute to successful tournament operations.
Qualifications & Experience
- 2–3 years’ experience in a project support, administration, operations, or similar role, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work to deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience supporting project delivery, including maintaining project plans, tracking actions, risks and issues, and coordinating activities across multiple stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
- Experience supporting cross-functional projects and coordinating activities across multiple teams or stakeholders .
- Exposure to operational planning, workforce planning, or event readiness activities , including the development of operational documentation and procedures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to quickly build effective relationships and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritise competing demands, remain calm under pressure, and honour commitments.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience using project management or collaboration tools to support team outcomes.
- Experience in a major events, sports, tournament, venue operations, or workforce planning environment is advantageous, along with the flexibility to work outside standard business hours during key event periods.
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.
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.
