Senior Manager, Event & Venue Operations

About the organisation:

Melbourne Royal^® is a member-based, not-for-profit organisation that was formed in 1848 and the purpose is to celebrate agriculture, cultivate events and strengthen communities.

Our Vision is for Melbourne Royal to be globally recognised as a seal of excellence, highly valued for:

• Showcasing food and beverage, produce and producers
• Presenting premier events, including but not limited to the Melbourne Royal Show
• Activating and creating vibrant event spaces at Melbourne Showgrounds.

Every experience with our organisation and our people is designed to bring a smile to your face. From being a valued member to the awards, events and the venues we manage along with every other professional service we provide. We are cultivators of happiness.

In 2021, our organisation rebranded from the ‘RASV’ to ‘Melbourne Royal®’ to signify the beginning of an exciting new era for our organisation in the lead up to celebrating 175 years in 2023.  The rebranding to Melbourne Royal maximises our opportunities for business growth – developing new awards, new events, new venues, new services and membership and minimises our investment on creating new brands and logos as we innovate and create programs.

Reporting to the Executive General Manager, Operations, the Venue Operations Manager is responsible for leading the operational delivery of events and venue activities across Melbourne Showgrounds, ensuring a safe, efficient and high-quality experience for clients, patrons, contractors and stakeholders. This role plays a critical leadership function in the day-to-day management of venue operations, providing oversight of event delivery, operational planning, client liaison and workforce coordination across both event and non-event periods. The position leads the Venue Operations team and is responsible for ensuring operational requirements are effectively planned, coordinated and delivered in accordance with Melbourne Royal's operational standards, regulatory requirements and client expectations. Acting as the primary operational contact for clients while onsite, the role provides leadership and direction to operational staff, casual employees and contractors to ensure seamless event delivery and exceptional customer service outcomes.

• Demonstrated operations/logistics experience ideally in an event environment
• Ability to develop strong relationships with a range of stakeholders including management, staff, clients, and patrons
• Excellent interpersonal skills (including listening, influencing, and negotiating) together with high levels of professionalism
• Demonstrated strong customer service focus and ethic – highly collaborative and able to see value in attaining win-win outcomes
• Sound and accurate judgment together with confident problem solving and decision-making skills
• Experience in office administration procedures with sound skills in the use of Microsoft Office applications 
• Well-developed organisational and time management skills with the ability to multitask
• Ability to read and understand site/building layouts and event management plans
• Knowledge of emergency management and event procedures would be ideal
• Sound knowledge and understanding of workplace health and safety legislation and its application at a venue would be highly desirable
• A 'can do' attitude is essential and the ability to absorb pressure in a busy environment
• Results oriented with a strong focus on continuous improvement and quality control
• Ability to work ethically and with integrity and promote a diplomatic and tactful environment
• Experience with CCTV Operations
• Current Working with Children Check required
• Drivers Licence and Forklift Licence are essential
• Available to work the 11 days of the Melbourne Royal Show
• Available to be rostered flexibly with varying hours to accommodate event timings (early morning, event and weekend work will be frequently required)
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