Security Operations Manager (Men's RWC 2027)

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 22 March 2026

These are fixed term roles to commence in May 2026 until November 2027

Location: Sydney (Gadigal), Australia

Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is proud to deliver one of the world’s most iconic sporting events — the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. More than a tournament, it’s a celebration of Rugby’s spirit, Australia’s culture, and the power of sport to unite and inspire communities around the world.

Rugby World Cup Australia is seeking an experienced, highly collaborative Security Operations Manager to join our Sydney CBD team. As a key member of the Tournament Services function and reporting to the Head of Security, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering the end‑to‑end security program for Rugby World Cup 2027, one of the world’s biggest sporting events. In this role, you will lead the planning, development, coordination, and assurance of all security operations across match and non‑match venues, using a comprehensive, risk‑based approach to ensure a safe and secure tournament for all client groups—including fans, teams, match officials, workforce, guests, media, broadcasters, commercial partners, and premium experience attendees.

You will work closely with government and private security agencies, law enforcement, venue operators, and internal operations teams to coordinate multi‑agency planning, undertake detailed venue assessments, support key procurement activities, and oversee operational readiness and live tournament delivery. You will also lead a small team within the security function, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and high‑performance environment. This is a dynamic, hands‑on leadership role suited to someone who brings strong event security experience, excellent relationship‑building and communication skills, and the confidence to navigate complex, fast‑moving operational environments.

• Develop and implement core security documentation—including venue risk assessments, operational plans, and procedures—aligned with the RWC 2027 Security Strategy across all matches and non‑match venues.
• Work collaboratively with public and private security partners to align planning and delivery with established policies, ensuring integrated approaches with police and relevant security agencies.
• Support development of accreditation and access control protocols, ensuring effective and consistent access regimes across all venues and client groups.
• Design and deliver operational security protocols for all venue types, ensuring requirements are clear, understood, and embedded across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Develop and oversee training and competency programs for security staff and contractors, including recruitment, onboarding, workforce integration, and tournament‑time deployment.
• Manage security operations within the tournament delivery program, including budget oversight, milestone tracking, risk mitigation, procurement of resources, and issue resolution across the tournament footprint.
• Build strong, trust‑based relationships with internal teams, World Rugby client groups, law enforcement, venue operators, team liaisons, and other stakeholders, contributing to positive governance and assurance processes.

• 5+ years’ experience leading security operations in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments such as major events, large‑scale venues, or other high‑profile, security‑sensitive settings.
• Demonstrated capability in end‑to‑end security planning and delivery, including comprehensive risk assessments, venue readiness, operational implementation, and incident response.
• Strong experience coordinating multi‑agency security planning, with the ability to build effective partnerships across public and private security providers, law enforcement, venue operators, and government bodies.
• Leadership experience managing teams or contracted workforces, with a supportive approach to coaching, motivating, and developing people in high‑pressure environments.
• Practical experience with procurement processes, contractor oversight, budgeting, and operational reporting or project management systems.
• Highly organised and resilient, with strong problem‑solving capability and the ability to manage competing priorities, fixed deadlines, and dynamic operational demands.
• A collaborative, values‑driven team contributor with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, committed to fostering inclusion, positive culture, and strong stakeholder relationships.
• Willingness to work flexibly during event periods, including evenings, weekends, and significant travel across host cities when required.

• Competitive salary: We know world-class talent deserves to be rewarded.
• Hybrid game plan: Work from home on Mondays and Fridays, with a 3-day in-office schedule (Tues–Thu), moving to full-time in-office in 2027 as the tournament approaches.
• Unbeatable location: A modern space across from Sydney’s Hyde Park, just a 5-minute walk from Town Hall, surrounded by public transport, great cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Wellbeing first: Weekly fresh fruit, lunch and learns with a focus on keeping our team feeling their best on and off the field.
• Locker-room ready: Showers, fresh towels, and Dyson hair tools so you can reset and refresh any time.
• Team spirit: Weekly drinks and social catchups that celebrate wins big and small.
• Make your mark: Play a key role in bringing the third largest sporting event in the world to life right here in Australia!

Australia’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game, celebrate our people and culture, and deliver lasting social and economic impact. At the heart of our mission is diversity, inclusion, and legacy ensuring Rugby’s growth benefits all and inspires a new generation of players, fans, and communities. Join us in shaping an unforgettable celebration of Rugby, culture, and community.

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) outlining your suitability based on the requirements for the role via the APPLY NOW link. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.

In setting expectations, there will be a 2-round interview process in our Sydney office.

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

We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and no fees will be payable. 

Rugby World Cup 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 and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. 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.