Senior Workforce Manager (Men's RWC 2027)

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 29 October 2025

Fixed Term Contract from February 2026 - November 2027

Based in Sydney (Gadigal)

 

The Rugby World Cup Australia Local Operating Company (LOC) is searching for a passionate, motivated, and innovative Senior Workforce Manager to join our team!

The Senior Workforce Manager will be responsible for leading the delivery of the Workforce Program for RWC 2027, including the Volunteer Program, staff training, uniforms and Tournament Time (TT) staffing. This role will be a key member of the People & Culture Team who will work to ensure that all Functional Areas have the teams they need to deliver at tournament time.  

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 as we deliver the biggest Rugby World Cup ever!

 

About the role

  • Support on workforce planning for all TT constituent groups including headcount planning, scheduling & rostering and supporting with the recruitment, onboarding and off-boarding of TT roles
  • Develop TT workforce policies and procedures  
  • Manage the tournament time training and development of all workforce
  • Support the procurement of the uniform supplier, and lead the ordering and distribution of TT uniform for paid staff and volunteers
  • Support the finalisation of the Volunteer Program strategy, including program timeline, milestones and key outcomes
  • Develop a detailed operational plan for the Volunteer Program, supporting the other departments that will oversee volunteer activity at tournament locations
  • Manage the end-to-end Volunteer Program including recruitment, selection, training and deployment
  • Support the implementation and maintenance of our workforce system (Wiz) to ensure it meets the needs of the workforce program
  • Design and implement a reward and recognition program to enhance workforce experience and retention
  • Lead the planning of workforce spaces on venues including managing the workforce check-in facility
  • Complete post tournament reporting requirements for the Workforce Program with a focus on documenting the agreed program outcomes
  • Represent Workforce in venue and department readiness meetings, and be based in the MOC at TT
  • Supporting with the delivery of our tournament outplacement program
  • Recruit and lead a small workforce team 

 

About you

  • You have proven experience managing workforce at a large-scale event, with a proven ability to lead and motivate large teams within an operational customer service environment
  • You have demonstrated experience developing recruitment and operating plans for large workforce cohorts (>500 people) in either a volunteer or paid staff setting
  • You have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to bring together diverse stakeholder groups
  • You are highly detailed orientated with experience of using systems to accurately manage large data sets (previous experience with a Tournament Management System would be an advantage)
  • You have a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude; someone who is friendly, flexible and delivery focused
  • You are an excellent communicator, highly personable and can build strong relationships with all levels of workforce
  • You are proactive and able to work independently, and enjoy leading and mentoring a team
  • You are adept at working under pressure in a fast-paced environment, delivering work to deadlines and honouring commitments
  • You have exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and multitask 

 

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, 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 a 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.  

While 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 for 2025 & 2026 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)