Lead the Transformation of Major Event Delivery
Shape the future of event operations at one of Australia's most iconic sporting precincts.
Location: Canberra
Contract Term: 6 months labour hire (with extension option)
Salary: Competitive hourly rate aligned with EL2/SES Band 1 classification
Security Clearance: Ability to apply for Baseline and Working with Vulnerable People registration or equivalent
About the Role
Lead a high-profile transformation in how major events are delivered across a national sporting precinct.
A Federal Government sporting body is seeking an experienced events and operations leader to step in as Interim General Manager, Arena and Events. This pivotal role will deliver a step-change in event management, strengthening governance, safety, and operational excellence across government-managed venues.
Reporting to the General Manager, Operations, you'll provide strategic oversight of venue operations - embedding best-practice systems, robust risk management, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide visible, decisive leadership to ensure the safe, compliant, and high-quality delivery of events.
* Strengthen governance, safety, and operational systems across event and venue operations.
* Lead event planning and delivery, from concept to post-event review, ensuring operational readiness and WHS compliance.
* Build capability within teams to embed sustainable improvements and event management excellence.
* Manage relationships with suppliers, hirers, and external stakeholders to deliver seamless events and optimise revenue.
Key Outcomes
* Deliver an operational assurance review and action plan for upcoming events.
* Strengthen event safety and readiness frameworks, including WHS compliance.
* Establish reporting on safety, operational, and financial indicators.
* Oversee safe and compliant delivery of scheduled events, with post-event reviews.
* Update and assure the Arena Operational Plan for future event cycles.
(These deliverables will ensure operational assurance, safety, and sustainable improvements across the precinct.)
About You
You are a proven leader with deep experience in complex event and venue operations. Your background demonstrates:
* Extensive experience in large-scale sports, entertainment, or commercial event operations – including visible leadership and assurance in high-pressure environments.
* Exceptional leadership and change management skills – with a track record of embedding governance, driving cultural change, and fostering accountability.
* Strong Work Health and Safety expertise – with practical experience implementing WHS frameworks and risk mitigation strategies under the WHS Act 2011 (Cth).
* Outstanding stakeholder engagement and communication skills – able to influence, negotiate, and build trust across diverse internal and external groups.
* Commercial and contract management capability – including supplier performance oversight, budgeting, and compliance with governance frameworks.
* Values alignment – demonstrating commitment to safety, inclusion, child safety, and respectful leadership behaviours.
Why Apply?
* Opportunity to lead a high-profile transformation in event operations.
* Work in a dynamic environment with national impact.
* Competitive remuneration and flexible work arrangements.
To submit your application, please click Apply Now
For a confidential discussion, contact Sarah Barry-Nguyen at Hudson on or email during business hours.
Applications for this role will close at 10am on Friday 14th November
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Hudson
Hudson is committed to helping you find a workplace where you feel respected, supported, and free to thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences—because when different voices come together, amazing things happen. Casual Loading *Please note for all Australian* based contract and temporary roles only, the pay rate is inclusive of mandatory 25% casual loading. This excludes permanent and fixed term roles.