Stadium Event Manager

ABOUT US

As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game.

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Marvel Stadium is one of the busiest multi-purpose stadiums in the world, welcoming over two million patrons each year through its gates. As the home of elite AFL matches, Marvel Stadium also hosts international sporting events, major concerts, and entertainment experiences, showcasing global stars like Coldplay, Paul McCartney, P!NK, and Oasis. 

The Stadium Event Manager role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced venue, stadium or major event professional seeking to join a highly professional team in delivering dynamic events across the AFL, BBL and concert season at Marvel Stadium.   This role will suit industry an experienced industry professional with demonstrated experience in detailed operational planning, seamless delivery across all operational disciplines, outstanding stakeholder engagement and an agile and hands-on approach to event delivery. 

This role reports into a Senior Event Manager who leads a dynamic team of Event Managers across all stadium events so candidates should have excellent communication skills and proven capabilities to work in a complex venue or event environments, work in a collaborative team environment, create professional and detailed documentation, deliver to strict deadlines along with driving innovation, an commitment to continuous improvement is essential.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Based within the Stadium Operations team, working closely with event promoters, operational staff and executive leadership
• Required to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays, depending on major event schedules 
• Involves both office-based strategic planning and on-site event oversight 

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

• End to end management of stadium events for stadium tenants, including but not limited to AFL clubs, Melbourne Renegades, and other stadium hirers
• Operational and technical support to senior management in the planning and delivery of complex major stadium events (up to 70,000 customers/guests)
• Establish and maintain client relationships supported by detailed planning and communications
• Ensuring that hirers successfully complete all induction requirements and adhere to stadium policies, procedures and protocols
• Establish an effective schedule of meetings and communications with internal stakeholders to facilitate the successful delivery of events
• Work cooperatively and proactively with internal stadium stakeholders to ensure operational knowledge, understanding and support is applied across all event overlay
• Assume the role of Deputy Chief Warden and form part of the Emergency Management Team
• Take a lead role in event day management including managing all aspects of the event control room and delivering effective pre and post event briefings with internal and external stakeholders
• Coordination of external contractors and providers in operational delivery
• Adopt a proactive approach to the improvement and refinement of stadium operating policies and procedures
• Conduct post event reviews to facilitate an approach of continuous improvement
• Adopt a proactive and hands-on approach to working with event teams and personnel
• Assess and manage challenges with good judgement – including identifying when others require support and guidance
• Embrace opportunities and projects that support the overall effectiveness and efficiency of stadium operations

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER 

Core Competencies:

• Proven expertise in coordinating major concerts and sporting events
• Strong knowledge of venue/stadium operations
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with consistent professionalism and composure
• Motivated and organised with the ability to work to deadlines across a non-traditional working week
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and negotiation skills
• Proven results in delivering highly effective communication across all formats and platforms
• A team player who will positively contribute to overarching organisational goals
• A strong service mindset with a focus on service excellence
• Highly organised with meticulous attention to detail and ability to develop highly professional documentation and present with confidence and flair 
• Adept at working under pressure, crisis management, troubleshooting, and adapting to evolving environments 
• Professional confidence with highly developed communication and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to guide, direct, and inspire operational teams to deliver identified outcomes  
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to influence event execution through expertise and collaboration 
• Forward-thinking, proactive, and adaptable to industry shifts 
• Ability to understand and comply with regulatory, compliance and legal requirements applicable to major stadium, infrastructure industries, and sport and entertainment events 
• Strong technical and learning agility to apply new concepts and continuously improve 

Mandatory:

• 3 years + experience with large crowd capacities (20k+) and the intricacies of multiple activations
• Established knowledge of venue operations across major event production, staffing, security and facilities
• Deep understanding of large-scale event operations, logistics, and stadium-specific event requirements 
• Experience in holding Deputy Chief Warden or similar responsibilities in a public event environment 
• Qualification/s in Event Management or similar disciplines 

OUR CULTURE

Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation

THE PERKS

• Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
• My Development – lean into the AFL’s My Development program consisting of on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
• Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centered around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace
• My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts
• AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, enjoy and share the experience of our game with your family and friends!

Applications Close: 14 July 2025