Description

About MARI Group

MARI is a global events and experiences company powering world-defining live experiences. Our portfolio of premium live properties spans sports, art, and entertainment — including the Madrid and Miami Open tennis tournaments, Frieze (a leading voice in contemporary art), and Barrett-Jackson (the premium U.S. collector car auction company). MARI also includes TodayTix Group, the global e-commerce leader for cultural experiences, connecting millions of customers with the best in live entertainment.

MARI is reshaping the live events landscape — building a growing portfolio of category-defining events and brands that set the standard for what's next, across sports, entertainment, art, and lifestyle.

At MARI, you'll work alongside people who are passionate, curious, and driven — people who believe that live experiences have the power to shape culture, and who care about the work, the mission, and each other. We welcome outstanding applicants of all backgrounds and encourage everyone to apply.

About the Role The Event Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in delivering a portfolio of major, high-profile events, including the Nike Melbourne Marathon, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, and Great Ocean Road Running Festival.

Reporting to the Operations Director, this role sits at the heart of event execution; coordinating suppliers, managing logistics, and ensuring seamless operational delivery across multiple large-scale experiences. You’ll work closely with internal teams, stakeholders, and partners to bring complex events to life, from early planning through to on-the-ground delivery.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of event operations end to end; driving efficiencies, enhancing participant and exhibitor experiences, and contributing to the ongoing evolution of some of Australia’s most iconic events.

We are seeking a highly passionate and driven Event Operations Manager to lead the planning and delivery of world-class, large-scale events across a diverse and growing portfolio at Mari Group. This role sits within the Events Operations team, working closely with the Operations Director, Event Directors, and cross-functional internal teams, and will have a direct impact on the successful execution, safety, and participant experience of some of Australia’s most loved events.

As the primary owner of event operations delivery, you'll be responsible for planning and executing end-to-end event logistics, managing supplier partnerships and complex stakeholder relationships, and driving operational excellence across a portfolio of large-scale events.



You’ll act as a key point of contact for internal teams, venues, government bodies, and external partners; ensuring alignment, clear communication, and seamless collaboration at every stage of delivery. If you're energized by live events, culture, and sport, and you have a proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale, high-profile events - this role was built for you.

This is a full-time role and qualified candidates must be based in Melbourne.

What Success Looks Like

- Seamless end-to-end delivery of flagship events - Events are delivered on time, on budget, and to a high standard, with minimal operational issues and strong stakeholder and participant satisfaction.
- Effective stakeholder and supplier management - Strong, trusted relationships established with key stakeholders (venues, agencies and councils), and suppliers, resulting in smooth collaboration, timely decision-making, and high-quality outcomes.
- Operational improvements and efficiencies identified - Continuous enhancement of event operations through better planning, processes, tenders and cost efficiencies, with measurable improvements implemented across the event portfolio.
- Well-coordinated workforce and logistics execution - Casual staff, volunteers, and suppliers are effectively planned and managed, ensuring seamless on-ground delivery during event build, live days, and bump-out.
- Robust safety and compliance outcomes - Events are delivered in line with OH&S; requirements, with robust risk management planning.

What You'll Own:
- Lead and manage event operations delivery across a portfolio of large-scale events, owning logistics planning, site operations, and on-the-ground execution
- Drive operational excellence by implementing efficient processes, forward planning, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance delivery and participant experience
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Event Directors, Marketing, Commercial, Finance, and external stakeholders to ensure aligned planning, timelines, and seamless execution
- Own supplier and stakeholder management including sourcing, onboarding, negotiation, and performance management to ensure high-quality delivery and solid partnerships
- Represent Mari Group externally with key partners including venues, councils,



government bodies, sponsors, and contractors, acting as a trusted operational lead

What You Bring:
- 3–5+ years of experience in event operations, ideally across large-scale, complex events
- Proven track record of delivering high-profile events end-to-end, with strong attention to detail, a focus on safety, and exceptional participant experience at the forefront
- Strong ability to manage competing priorities and stakeholders, balancing multiple projects while maintaining clear communication and a calm, solutions-focused approach under pressure
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, with the ability to adapt quickly and problem-solve in real time
- Passion for live events, sport, and culture, with a genuine enthusiasm for creating exceptional audience and participant experiences
- Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build and maintain trusted partnerships across suppliers, stakeholders, and internal teams, while effectively coordinating logistics, compliance, and delivery requirements

Desirable:
- Experience and Knowledge of event permitting processes
- Experience with CAD mapping or similar planning tools to support site design, layouts, and operational planning
- Familiarity with event technology and systems (e.g. scheduling tools – Monday.com)
- Experience leading or supporting casual workforce
- Demonstrated experience in risk management and event safety planning, including identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational risks
- Interest in and familiarity with sustainable event practices
- Ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and innovate operational processes

Benefits

Here are some of the Benefits and Perks offered at MARI Group:

- Superannuation scheme
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Flexible Paid Time Off
- Office is based in a vibrant and buzzing part of the city

MARI believes in the power of live experiences to unite people — and we know that can only be achieved when we reflect the full diversity of the world around us. As a global company that shapes culture across sports, art, and entertainment, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and to practicing anti-discrimination across race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and beyond. We recognise that systemic inequality and discrimination remain challenges across the events and entertainment industry, and we are dedicated to driving meaningful progress — both within our own organisation and across the wider industry we are proud to be part of.

📌 Event Operations Manager (MARI) (Australia)
🏢 Mari
📍 Australia