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Business Operations Manager: Position Description

audreyjones12 — 2025-03-21 00:12:07 UTC

The role of a sports business operations manager is to manage the performance of the organisation in line with the clubs’ strategic priorities, goals, and the direction of the future. This includes successful financial operations, managing stakeholder relationships, optimising facilities and developing sustainable business models that will be both profitable, and foster a strong community. Business operations managers must also manage administrative functions and maintain strong relationships with partners to ensure that appropriate policies are in place to meet the clubs’ requirements.

The overarching goal of the business operations manager is to oversee the clubs management and empower all stakeholders to reach the goals of the business model.

The Team Behind the Team

audreyjones12 — 2025-03-21 00:13:40 UTC

A business operations manager needs to create a positive match day environment, and can do this by fostering strong relationships with partners to implement new and exciting opportunities for fans.

Scott Rollinson details the importance of the partnerships and sponsors that the Gold Coast Titans have, and how they have assisted in creating the best environment for staff to work in. There are specific procedures that the business operations manager can implement to connect and simplify all procedures into one place through direct communication and effective workflow systems. This is integral with the adaptability required in such a fast paced-industry.

No Money, No Game!

audreyjones12 — 2025-03-21 00:14:46 UTC

The current national cost of living crisis is causing difficulties for Australian families to pay for their children’s sporting activities. This has caused 63% of Australian families to make the switch to home-based activities over paid activities due to the financial pressures they are facing. At the grassroots level, Australian sporting clubs are facing an extreme decline in registration fees and an increase in operating costs. At a professional level, operations managers are facing the issue of maintaining revenue in ticket sales – and trying to create a pathway for young Australian athletes to sustain a strong future for the sport.

Clubs Under Pressure: The Brisbane Olympics

audreyjones12 — 2025-03-21 00:18:02 UTC

The 2032 Brisbane Olympics continues to bring in opportunities for sporting businesses in Australia, and specifically in Queensland. The Australian Federation of Sport have highlighted the potential for a local Olympics to serve as a catalyst to inspire young athletes to participate in sports. However, there is a lot of pressure on professional sports organisations to upgrade facilities and infrastructure, which can become a financial burden to the club. There is also an increased administrative load on operations management, and larger competition for attracting volunteers.

The Gold Coast Titans: Financial Hardship

audreyjones12 — 2025-03-21 00:19:03 UTC

In 2012, the Gold Coast Titans were reportedly facing 35 million dollars of debt to suppliers, which created a widespread financial stress and impacted the club greatly. During this period, there was an overarching instability that shadowed the clubs operations, which caused a snowball of issues for the Titans. With the reputation of financial debt, it was extremely difficult for the club to recruit and retain players, took away from the on-field performances, and diverted focus from the core goals of the company. Despite this event being so long ago, it is possible that fans and stakeholders still hold a distrust in the company and its ability to stay afloat among increasing financial demands.

The Future of Australian Sport: E-Sports

audreyjones12 — 2025-03-21 00:19:53 UTC

The overwhelming establishment of contemporary sports such as e-sport and entertainment sports are posing a risk on the popularity of traditional sports in Australia. Not only are more children withdrawing from organised sports due to this trend, but there is also a greater competition for the attention of potential fans. It is possible that if we continue in this direction, the Gold Coast Titans may struggle to maintain their market share which could lead to decreased viewership, merchandise sales, and sponsorship interest.

The COVID-19 Effect

audreyjones12 — 2025-03-21 00:20:26 UTC

Like all businesses, many sporting clubs are still reaping the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their in-club finances. A survey conducted in 2021 revealed that 93% of sporting clubs in Australia have lost money since the pandemic, and up to 80% of these clubs anticipate continued reductions post-pandemic. This immediate financial loss threatened the sustainability of many clubs in Australia, and the management of operations in businesses were certainly put to the test. The pandemic also affected the number of willing volunteers, which could mean clubs had to budget in paid staff to complete roles that previous volunteers would complete.

The NRL Takeover

audreyjones12 — 2025-03-21 00:20:55 UTC

In 2015, the Titans faced serious financial difficulties and could no longer meet their financial obligations, so the club’s license was transferred to the NRL, and finances were managed by an independent administrator. Considering the existing and potential financial issues that have affected sport, this is a beneficial way to address change. There is less pressure on the business operations managers in the club, immediate stability, greater financial management expertise, and long-term security and planning in place for the titans. This decision increased security for all stakeholders, as the NRL’s CEO advised fans, sponsors, and staff that the club would remain operating.

Building Titans: 2030 Roadmap

audreyjones12 — 2025-03-21 00:21:24 UTC

The Gold Coast Titans ‘Building Titans’ 2030 Roadmap outlines the club’s key priorities between 2021-2030, aiming to create sustained success, including the goal of financial excellence. This involves strategies to combat the financial environment of Australian sports, such as revenue growth, cost control, and diversifying income streams. The role of a business operations manager is integral in this project, as they must manage the performance, oversee all programs, conduct regular auditing and reporting, coordinate meetings with stakeholders, collaborate with departments, and oversee the submission of grants offered by government agencies.

The Growth of the Titans Legion

audreyjones12 — 2025-03-21 00:22:02 UTC

In 2024, the Titans produced a record growth in the legion, with 16,047 new members, which is direct evidence in their ability to combat financial issues. Increased memberships provide a more stable and substantial revenue stream and can help to offset the increased running costs – contributing to their goal of financial excellence. Business operations managers contribute to the club’s growth by developing and implementing membership strategies, managing marketing and media activities, enhancing fan engagement and the member experience, driving revenue-generating activities, utilising data and technology to oversee all operations and ultimately strengthening the Titans financial stability.