Head of Transport (Men's RWC 2027)

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS TUESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2025

Head of Transport

This is a fixed term role to commence in February 2026 - November 2027

Based in Sydney (Gadigal)

 

The Rugby World Cup Australia Local Operating Company (LOC) is searching for a Head of Transport to join our team!

The Head of Transport will play a key role within the Tournament Services department managing two key functional areas, Transport and Arrivals and Departures for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 (RWC2027). Reporting to the General Manager, Tournament Services, this role will work closely with colleagues across World Rugby Events & Media (WREM) and the LOC to ensure a successful and world-class operational delivery. This role will have a number of direct and indirect reports across the functional area responsibilities.  

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be a part of a global event that will set new standards and drive the growth of rugby. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about sport, understand the power it has to make a difference and have a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. You will be part of a team that aims to inspire a new generation of fans and participants.

 

About the role

  • Overall responsibility for the management, coordination and leadership of the Transport and Arrivals and Departures functional area requirements that includes:
    • Procurement of transport providers to ensure all bus and fleet requirements for tournament stakeholders are met
    • Lead the planning with transport and fleet providers to develop transport plans to service operational requirements and ensure all client groups are serviced in line with agreed service levels
    • Development of host city transport plans and procedures, including contributing to Local Area Transport Management Plans (LATMP) and leading on Venue Operational Transport Plans (VTOP) for each match venue
    • Development of VAPP concept and management of VAPP design, production and distribution
    • Contribution to Host City Working Groups and management of Transport and Airport Working Groups once created
    • Develop and maintain positive relationships internally and externally ensuring integrated planning and delivery
    • Development and implementation of air travel plans for key tournament stakeholders including Teams, Match Officials, Workforce and Guests
    • Design and implement a suitable Arrivals and Departures model at all official point of entry/exit sites to service key tournament stakeholders
    • Work with airport authorities and government agencies to deliver the Arrivals and Departures operation for both international arrivals and departures and domestic movements
  • Contribute to refining the Tournament Management System requirements for Transport and Arrivals and Departures and ensure that the all relevant data is input/managed by the Transport/Arrivals and Departures workforce
  • Manage the relationships with all key suppliers and partners including bus and fleet providers, airlines, travel management company and meet and greet providers and ensure all project milestones and KPIs are met
  • Manage the Transport budget which includes all flight and ground transport requirements for the tournament
  • Oversee the recruitment and management of the Transport team including tournament time operational staff, contractors and volunteers and provide leadership to deliver a world-class operation
  • Development of all necessary documentation on time and to the required high standard, such as operations plans, policies, procedures and contingency plans
  • Monitor and manage milestones outlined in the tournament masterplan, ensuring all elements are met on time and to the desired standard, with risks identified and mitigated against
  • Attend operational planning site visits as and when required
  • Issue reporting, management and resolution during the tournament
  • In conjunction with other relevant FAs, develop appropriate fan communications to support journey planning for ticketholders, including transport, parking and other relevant information to support Match Day communications 

 

About you

  • You have experience and demonstrated success in delivering similar operational requirements in previous roles, ideally on major sporting events and/or events within Australia.
  • You have experience managing a significant project, including managing significant budgets
  • You are an excellent communicator, highly personable and can build strong relationships with colleagues and a diverse range of stakeholders quickly 
  • You have the proven ability to collaborate with colleagues to effectively deliver on mutual objectives
  • You have strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and help drive an organisational culture that enables others to perform at their best
  • You have meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organisational skills, the ability to prioritise and multitask, and remain calm under pressure
  • You are adept at working under pressure in a fast-paced environment, delivering work to deadlines and honouring commitments
  • You are flexible to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on event schedules
  • You have a proven track record of working in an international environment with considerations for multiple cultures and languages.

 

About us 

World Rugby is the international federation responsible for the global development of rugby union. Its strategic mission is to accelerate the growth of rugby, inspiring more people to engage with the sport. Australia’s hosting of Rugby World Cups 2027 and 2029 are at the heart of that mission, representing an unparalleled growth opportunity for rugby in Australia, the region, and the global game more broadly.

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is rugby union’s pinnacle event contested every four years by the world’s best nations. For six weeks from 1 October- 13 November 2027, Australia will welcome the world to a nationwide festival of rugby, celebrating its rich culture and heritage, and kicking off a new era of rugby that will have a positive impact for Australia, Oceania and the game globally.

With an expanded format contested by the world’s top 24 teams, Men’s RWC Australia 2027 will inspire an entire generation and break down barriers by making rugby even more accessible, relevant and inclusive, boosting rugby’s fanbase and participation globally.

All revenue generated by Men’s RWC 2027 will be reinvested in the sport, supporting World Rugby’s global growth ambition, its 133 member unions and six regional associations.

Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest sporting and entertainment brands in the world and the dual men’s and women’s hosting model creates a transformative opportunity to showcase the very best of rugby and Australia to an unprecedented global audience.

RWC 2027 tournament will be a nationwide celebration of the sport, its values and Australia’s cities, culture and people, engaging new audiences and inspiring a new generation of fans and players. In Australia, the tournament is expected to generate $1.3B in direct visitor expenditure across Australia from more than 250,000 international visitors and inject a further $80m into the Australia economy as a result of hosting in 2027 alone.

Whilst the LOC has carriage of both the 2027 and 2029 RWC’s, all roles are being recruited on the basis of working to deliver 2027, with a contract end date reflective of the successful conclusion of 2027. All roles within the LOC will be reviewed at the appropriate point in time to determine whether they will be extended to cover 2029 and to suit the needs of the business at that time.

 

How to apply

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages), along with a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to the APPLY NOW link.

All applicants need to be able to obtain their own working rights in Australia.

RWC Australia is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.  

 

Flexible working

The role offers hybrid working during the initial phases of planning, noting that as the event draws near the role will be required to be full time in the office integrating with the rest of the team. The current planning is based on:

  • 3 x core office days – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
  • 2 x flexible days, where you can work from home if you prefer (Monday & Friday)