The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) is the peak high-performance sporting organisation in Western Australia. WAIS has a proud history of Olympic, Paralympic and World Champions who have accomplished amazing achievements within sport and in life. WAIS enables and supports WA athletes to achieve success on a national and international level. Our culture of Striving for Excellence is lived through the behaviours of athletes and staff that demonstrate Passion, Integrity, Quality and Teamwork.
WAIS is proudly supported by the State Government and is a member of the National Institute Network who collectively support National and State Sporting Organisations to deliver the National High Performance Sport Strategy.
Job Description
Chief Operating Officer – Western Australian Institute of Sport
Lead, align, and help shape the future of high-performance sport in WA.
At the Western Australia Institute of Sport (WAIS), we don't just develop champions, we build the systems, culture and environments that allow them to thrive.
We're seeking a bold and brilliant Chief Operating Officer to play a central role in turning vision into reality and bringing our strategic ambitions to life.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll work closely with the CEO, Board and leaders to be the driving force behind turning strategy into action. You'll work across every corner of the organisation, from high-performance sport programs to corporate services, ensuring we operate with precision, cohesion and purpose.
This is a role for a high-impact leader with the operational know-how and long-range thinking to shape the systems and culture that drive high-performance sport for WA.
You'll lead major strategic initiatives, optimise our systems and structures and foster collaboration across departments with a clear eye on long-term impact.
This is a role for a connector, an influencer and a confident decision maker. Someone who can see the big picture and make it happen. You'll navigate a complex stakeholder environment – working closely with government, sport partners and internal teams.
If you're a strategic operator with serious leadership credentials, a knack for building trust and a passion for enabling performance, this could be your legacy move.
What you'll be doing
Strategic execution
Work hand in hand with the Board, CEO and leaders to operationalise the WAIS Strategic Plan
Champion organisation wide alignment and clarity of focus
Operational Planning
Lead our annual planning, monitoring and performance reporting cycles
Translate strategy into measurable outcomes, systems and accountability
Organisational Effectiveness
Review and evolve processes, procedures and operating structure
Drive greater cross departmental collaboration, efficiency and impact
Future planning
Take a long-range view of what's needed to support the next generation of WA athletes
Anticipate workforce, facility and service capability needs
Government and stakeholder relations
Influence and maintain strong relationships with government and funding bodies
Partner with stakeholders to progress strategic initiatives
Lead the integration and growth of our newly developed para sport unit
About you
This is a role for a strategic operator and natural collaborator who thrives in complexity and change. We're looking for someone who can:
Lead with clarity, empathy and accountability
Influence diverse internal and external stakeholders Bring discipline to planning, while staying adaptive to opportunity
Energise a culture of purpose, alignment and operational excellence.
You'll bring senior leadership experience from a complex environment, perhaps sport, government, or another values-driven sector with a track record of driving organisational performance and leading high-performing team.
All applications must be submitted through the WAIS career portal.
Please include a cover letter addressing your suitability for your role, along with your resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Please note, candidates that are shortlisted for an interview will be contacted shortly after the closing date. All other candidates will be communicated with at the conclusion of our process.
For further information: For role related queries please contact the WAIS HR team at
The job closes at 5pm (AWST) on 28 July 2025 so get your application in before then.
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