Catering, Cleaning & Waste (CCW) Operations Manager

Closing date for applications is 16th July 2026

Full time Fixed Term Contract start September 2026 until November 2027

Location: Sydney (Gadigal), Australia

The Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is proud to deliver one of the world’s most iconic sporting events — the Rugby World Cup 2027 (Men’s). More than a tournament, it’s a celebration of Rugby’s spirit, Australia’s culture, and the power of sport to unite and inspire communities around the world.

Rugby World Cup Australia is seeking an experienced and driven Catering, Cleaning & Waste (CCW) Operations Manager to join our Tournament Services team. Based in our Sydney office and reporting to the Head of CCW, Freight & Logistics, this role leads two critical functional areas, overseeing the planning and execution of catering services for a wide range of client groups while working in close partnership with venue operators and suppliers to deliver a seamless and high-quality experience across all tournament locations. With a strong focus on consistency, quality, and operational excellence, this position is central to ensuring that both back-of-house services and fan-facing delivery meet world-class standards.

In addition, the role takes ownership of cleaning and waste operations, ensuring all venues deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable outcomes aligned with tournament requirements. You will collaborate with a diverse network of internal teams, contractors, and external stakeholders to align strategy with execution, manage service delivery, and drive continuous improvement across multiple sites. This is a fast-paced, high-impact role suited to a confident leader with major event or complex operations experience, who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about delivering exceptional results on a global stage.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the overall management, coordination, and delivery of Catering, Cleaning and Waste (CCW) operations across all tournament locations, ensuring alignment to strategy, standards, and service expectations.
• Oversee the end-to-end catering programme for all key client groups (fans, workforce, contractors, teams, match officials, media and broadcast), including development of non-match venue catering approaches.
• Manage appointed catering providers to ensure delivery against contractual obligations, service levels, pricing, staffing plans, and agreed KPIs.
• Define and implement the venue food and beverage concessions strategy, working with venues to deliver an exceptional fan experience while integrating and showcasing Tournament Partner products, including allocation and supply of VIK inventory.
• Lead the planning and delivery of sustainable cleaning and waste management programmes across match and non-match venues, including collaboration with venue operators and external site owners to meet agreed service levels and sustainability targets.
• Oversee liquor licensing coordination and compliance, manage the CCW budget, and develop all operational documentation including plans, policies, procedures, and contingency frameworks.
• Build and lead a high-performing CCW team, support operational readiness through site visits, and manage issue reporting, escalation, and resolution throughout the tournament lifecycle.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in CCW operations or similar large-scale operational delivery roles, with mandatory experience in major events or complex, multi-site environments.
• Demonstrated success delivering high-volume catering, venue operations, or related functional areas, ideally within Australia.
• Experience overseeing cleaning operations across large-scale environments, including defining service levels, managing providers, and maintaining consistent delivery standards.
• Proven capability in waste management and sustainability practices, including implementing recycling programs and waste reduction initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across internal teams, venues, suppliers, and partners.
• Solid project management capability, with experience managing multiple workstreams, competing priorities, and delivering outcomes to tight deadlines.
• Proven leadership capability, with experience motivating and developing teams, supported by excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and resilient, with strong problem-solving ability and adaptability.
• Ability to perform under pressure, with flexibility to travel and work irregular hours as required.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Competitive salary: We know world-class talent deserves to be rewarded.
• Hybrid game plan: Work from home on Mondays and Fridays, with a 3-day in-office schedule (Tues–Thu), moving to full-time in-office in 2027 as the tournament approaches.
• Unbeatable location: A modern space across from Sydney’s Hyde Park , just a 5-minute walk from Town Hall , surrounded by public transport, great cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Wellbeing first: Weekly fresh fruit, Lunch & Learns and a focus on keeping our team feeling their best on and off the field.
• Locker-room ready: Showers, fresh towels, and Dyson hair tools so you can reset and refresh any time.
• Team spirit: Weekly drinks and social catchups that celebrate wins big and small.
• Make your mark: Play a key role in bringing the third largest sporting event in the world to life right here in Australia!

Australia’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game, celebrate our people and culture, and deliver lasting social and economic impact. At the heart of our mission is diversity, inclusion, and legacy ensuring Rugby’s growth benefits all and inspires a new generation of players, fans, and communities. Join us in shaping an unforgettable celebration of Rugby, culture, and community.

How to apply

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) outlining your suitability based on the requirements for the role via the APPLY NOW link. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.

In setting expectations, there will be a 2-round interview process in our Sydney office.

All applicants need to be able to obtain their own working rights in Australia.

We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and no fees will be payable.

Rugby World Cup 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 and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. 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.