Padel Academy Australia Pty Ltd is establishing a premium padel and high performance academy in Brisbane. The Academy will feature 10-12 international-standard courts, high performance training programs, national junior development pathways, national team preparation programs, fitness and performance facilities, a healthy café and social hub, international tournaments including FIP events, and community memberships, coaching and social play. The Academy is positioned to become one of the leading padel centres in the Asia-Pacific region and to contribute to Australia's preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
About the role:
We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Club Director & General Manager to lead the launch, growth and ongoing success of the Academy. This executive leadership role combines strategic planning, commercial development, partnerships, event management, high performance sport oversight and operational leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing the Academy as a leading centre for player development, community engagement and international padel activity.
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the Academy's long-term growth strategy.
- Build relationships with national and international sporting organisations.
- Position the Academy as a recognised centre of excellence for player development.
- Drive expansion opportunities, partnerships and new revenue streams.
Commercial Development
- Lead sponsorship and partnership acquisition.
- Develop corporate programs and strategic alliances.
- Identify new commercial opportunities.
- Manage budgets, forecasting and financial performance.
- Deliver sustainable revenue growth across all business units.
High Performance Sport
- Oversee the Academy's high-performance environment.
- Work closely with elite coaches and performance staff.
- Support development pathways for emerging talent and elite athletes.
- Ensure world-class athlete experience and performance support systems.
Events & International Relations
- Lead planning and delivery of national and international tournaments.
- Build relationships with international federations, professional tours, national governing bodies, sporting organisations and athlete management networks.
- Support international training camps and exchange programs.
Operations & Facility Management
- Oversee all Academy operations.
- Ensure exceptional member and athlete experience.
- Lead operational teams and service delivery.
- Manage scheduling, facility standards and venue performance.
Community Growth
- Build a strong local membership base.
- Foster relationships with schools, clubs and community organisations.
- Develop participation programs for recreational players.
- Create an inclusive and welcoming club culture.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- Extensive experience in leadership positions within sport, sports business, events, hospitality or commercial management.
- Experience managing significant budgets and business performance.
- Demonstrated success in commercial partnerships, sponsorships and revenue growth.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.
- Strong understanding of athlete development environments.
- Experience delivering major sporting events or tournaments.
- Established professional network within sport and business communities.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills.
Highly Desirable:
- Experience within padel, tennis or other racquet sports.
- Active participation in padel with a strong understanding of the sport.
- Existing relationships within the international padel ecosystem.
- Experience working with international federations, professional tours or major sporting events.
- Experience developing sports facilities, academies or participation programs.
- Former elite or high-performance athlete.
- Experience working with Olympic, national team or talent development environments.
- Experience establishing new sporting ventures, facilities or organisations.
Remuneration: Competitive market-rate executive salary package plus performance incentives.
Job Type: Full-time Location: Brisbane, QLD
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Work Location: In person
