- Opportunity to build network as Club CEO or GM
- Strong salary, 5 weeks annual leave, free meals and career progression
- Community-focused, well-known and expanding venue reporting directly to the board
The Opportunity
This is not your typical club leadership role. This established regional sports club is appointing its first formal General Manager/CEO to develop operations and deliver an ambitious transformation plan. With strong membership multiple sporting codes, and prime positioning in Orange, this is a genuine chance to shape a community institution.
The club sits at a pivotal moment: Development is moving forwards and development approved. They need a leader who can honour 30+ years of success while building the frameworks for the next version of the Club.
About the Venue
The Facilities:
- Licensed clubhouse with upgraded bistro operation
- Sports bar, TAB/Keno, function spaces (160+ capacity)
- Extensive sporting fields hosting
- Outdoor entertainment zones with seasonal activation potential
- New gaming room in development (September 2026 target)
The Numbers:
- 30+ staff across permanent, part-time and casual
- 8 sporting codes, 50+ events annually
The Culture:
- Deep community roots with multi-generational membership
- Strong volunteer base including grounds maintenance
- Family-focused demographic with untapped potential
The Role
As GM/CEO, you’ll hold full operational authority and accountability for the club’s performance. You’ll partner with a long-serving admin manager who is a standout operator, bringing over 30 years of institutional knowledge, and who will support your vision and execution in whatever structure best serves the club.
Core Responsibilities:
- Leadership of all venue operations (bar, bistro, gaming, functions)
- Team management across 30+ permanent and casual staff
- P&L ownership: budgets, forecasting, cost control, board reporting
- Club / Gaming Compliance management: liquor, gaming etc
- Sporting group coordination and field allocation management
- Capital project oversight including gaming room development
- Systems implementation: CRM, rostering, online bookings
Strategic Priorities (First 12 Months):
- Establish service standards and operational consistency
- Launch summer activation program leveraging outdoor spaces
- Convert sporting participants into regular venue patrons
- Implement board reporting framework and quarterly governance rhythm
- Drive gaming performance pre and post development
- Build team culture bridging long-term staff and new standards
About You
We’re seeking a leader with strong operational capability and strategic vision. This may suit a current 2IC in a regional club stepping into a CEO role, an operations manager moving into their first executive position, or a hands-on CEO who values driving culture and performance.
Essential:
- Leadership experience in clubs, hotels or multi-outlet hospitality
- Proven P&L management and financial reporting capability
- Strong people leadership with ability to unite diverse stakeholders
- Compliance expertise across licensing and gaming requirements
- Strong Gaming experience
- Experience managing capital projects or facility improvements
- Cultural intelligence to honour legacy while driving change
- Willingness to be visible during key service periods (2-3 nights/week initially)
- Hands on in the business management style, with a total staff of 30. It’s not a desk job. There is time for office work but needs to be balanced with being on the floor.
Highly Regarded:
- Regional NSW hospitality experience
- Gaming performance improvement track record
- Grant writing and funding submissions
- Success modernising traditional venues
- Multi-site or sporting venue background
The Package
- Salary: $120,000 – $150,000 + super
- Title: General Manager or CEO based on experience
- Structure: Full-time with flexible mix of office and floor time
- Growth: Clear pathway to expand role as venue develops
Life in Orange
Orange offers one of Australia’s best regional lifestyle propositions. This thriving inland city (population 45,000) delivers:
- Renowned food and wine scene with 50+ cellar doors nearby
- Excellent schools (public and private options)
- Major regional hospital and healthcare
- Property market with consistent growth (30 years without decline)
- 3.5 hours to Sydney, daily flights available
- True seasons, elevation, and stunning landscapes
Ready to Lead?
This is a career-defining opportunity for someone ready to:
- Transform a community asset into a regional hospitality leader
- Build professional frameworks while respecting volunteer heritage
- Navigate the complexity of multiple stakeholders with diplomatic skill
- Drive commercial performance while maintaining community focus
- Lead through influence, not just authority
If you bring the operational experience, cultural intelligence, and vision to lead this venue through its next phase of evolution, we want to hear from you.
Confidential applications welcome.
Note: This appointment is being managed by executive search. All inquiries will be treated with strict confidentiality. Suitable candidates will receive comprehensive venue information.
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