The Opportunity
This is not your typical club leadership role. This established regional sports club is appointing its first formal General Manager/CEO to professionalise operations and deliver an ambitious transformation plan. With 4,000 members, multiple sporting codes, and prime positioning in Orange, this is a genuine chance to shape a community institution.
The club sits at a pivotal moment: Development is in coming including gaming room development approved. They need a leader who can honour 30+ years of success while building the frameworks for the next generation.
About the Venue
The Facilities:
* Licensed clubhouse with upgraded bistro operation
* Sports bar, TAB/Keno, function spaces (160+ capacity)
* Extensive sporting fields hosting AFL, rugby, soccer, touch football, athletics
* Outdoor entertainment zones with seasonal activation potential
* New gaming room in development (September 2026 target)
The Numbers:
* 30+ staff across permanent, part-time and casual
* 8 sporting codes, 50+ events annually
The Culture:
* Deep community roots with multi-generational membership
* Strong volunteer base including grounds maintenance
* Family-focused demographic with untapped potential
The Role
As GM/CEO, you'll have full operational authority and accountability. You'll partner with a long-serving admin manager who is a star and who brings three decades of operational knowledge and is ready to support your vision in whatever structure serves the club best.
Core Responsibilities:
* Leadership of all venue operations (bar, bistro, gaming, functions)
* Team management across 30+ permanent and casual staff
* P&L ownership: budgets, forecasting, cost control, board reporting
* Club / Gaming Compliance management: liquor, gaming etc
* Sporting group coordination and field allocation management
* Capital project oversight including gaming room development
* Systems implementation: CRM, rostering, online bookings
Strategic Priorities (First 12 Months):
* Establish service standards and operational consistency
* Launch summer activation program leveraging outdoor spaces
* Convert sporting participants into regular venue patrons
* Implement board reporting framework and quarterly governance rhythm
* Drive gaming performance pre and post development
* Build team culture bridging long-term staff and new standards
About You
We're seeking a leader with both operational grunt and strategic vision. You might be a current 2IC in a regional club ready for CEO responsibilities, an operations manager seeking your first executive role, or a hands-on CEO who thrives in venues where you can genuinely impact culture and results.
Essential:
* Leadership experience in clubs, hotels or multi-outlet hospitality
* Proven P&L management and financial reporting capability
* Strong people leadership with ability to unite diverse stakeholders
* Compliance expertise across licensed venue requirements
* Experience managing capital projects or facility improvements
* Cultural intelligence to honour legacy while driving change
* Willingness to be visible during key service periods (2-3 nights/week initially)
* Hands on in the business management style
Highly Regarded:
* Regional NSW hospitality experience
* Gaming performance improvement track record
* Grant writing and funding submissions
* Success modernising traditional venues
* Multi-site or sporting venue background
The Package
* Salary: $120,000 - $150,000 + super
* Title: General Manager or CEO based on experience
* Structure: Full-time with flexible mix of office and floor time
* Benefits: Relocation support available, on-site parking, venue privileges
* Growth: Clear pathway to expand role as venue develops
Life in Orange
Orange offers one of Australia's best regional lifestyle propositions. This thriving inland city (population 45,000) delivers:
* Renowned food and wine scene with 50+ cellar doors nearby
* Excellent schools (public and private options)
* Major regional hospital and healthcare
* Property market with consistent growth (30 years without decline)
* 3.5 hours to Sydney, daily flights available
* True seasons, elevation, and stunning landscapes
Ready to Lead?
This is a career-defining opportunity for someone ready to:
* Transform a community asset into a regional hospitality leader
* Build professional frameworks while respecting volunteer heritage
* Navigate the complexity of multiple stakeholders with diplomatic skill
* Drive commercial performance while maintaining community focus
* Lead through influence, not just authority
Confidential applications welcome.
#J-18808-Ljbffr