Eden Park is New Zealand’s national stadium, an iconic venue with over 125 years of history. We host world-class sporting events, concerts, cultural festivals, film and television productions, and corporate functions, welcoming more than half a million fans and visitors annually. With a reputation for excellence, we take pride in creating unforgettable experiences and delivering strong commercial outcomes that support the future of Recent Zealand’s national stadium.

About the role

The Eden Park Trust is seeking an experienced and highly capable General Manager Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in the leadership and success of New Zealand’s national stadium.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this is a senior executive position with responsibility for Eden Park’s operational strategy, major event delivery, venue operations, security, traffic and transport, emergency preparedness and operational performance, together with executive oversight of health and safety.

You will lead Eden Park’s Operations function, including the Events and Security teams, providing strategic direction, developing operational capability and ensuring the successful delivery of our diverse programme of major sporting events, concerts and other activities.

A critical part of this role is building and maintaining strong relationships with a complex network of external stakeholders. You will work closely with major sporting organisations, including Auckland Cricket, Auckland Rugby, New Zealand Rugby and the NRL, as well as touring promoters, concert production teams, Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, emergency services and other key partners. You will need the experience, credibility and judgement to navigate competing priorities,



negotiate practical solutions and build relationships that support Eden Park’s ongoing success.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will contribute to Eden Park’s strategic direction, commercial sustainability and long-term development, while ensuring operational plans, resources and capability support our organisational objectives.

This is a genuinely hands-on executive role. You will be equally comfortable contributing to strategic decisions, engaging with senior external stakeholders and being on the ground leading major events, resolving complex operational challenges and supporting your team when it matters most.

What you’ll do

Strategic & Executive Leadership

- Contribute to Eden Park’s organisational strategy and executive decision-making, providing sound operational advice, insights and recommendations.
- Develop and deliver the Operations strategy and annual operational plans, aligning capability, resources and investment with organisational priorities.
- Provide early operational input into proposed events and initiatives, assessing feasibility, capacity, risk, cost and delivery requirements.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen operational performance, innovation, resilience and long-term sustainability.
- Provide clear reporting and recommendations to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board as required.





Major Event Operations & Delivery

- Hold overall accountability for the planning and operational delivery of Eden Park’s major sporting events, concerts and other venue activities.
- Personally lead designated major or complex events, providing visible, decisive operational leadership throughout delivery.
- Oversee all stages of event operations, including planning, venue readiness, event delivery, pack-out, reinstatement and post-event review.
- Coordinate internal teams, event organisers, promoters, contractors and service providers to deliver safe, seamless and high-quality events.
- Ensure event plans identify operational requirements, resources, budgets, responsibilities, risks and appropriate contingency arrangements.
- Drive continuous improvement through event reviews, operational insights and stakeholder feedback.

Strategic Stakeholder Relationships & Partnerships

- Build and maintain trusted relationships with Eden Park’s key sporting partners, including Auckland Cricket, Auckland Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, the NRL and other national and international sporting organisations.
- Develop strong relationships with touring promoters, concert organisers, tour management and production teams, acting as a senior operational contact throughout planning and delivery.
- Lead Eden Park’s operational relationships with Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, Police, emergency services and other relevant agencies.
- Personally progress complex operational arrangements for concerts and major events, balancing production requirements, safety, venue protection, consent conditions and commercial commitments.
- Navigate complex stakeholder environments,

📌 General Manager, Operations (Gladstone)
🏢 The Eden Park Trust
📍 Gladstone