About Auckland Rugby
Auckland Rugby is the largest Regional Sports Organisation in NZ. We are committed to creating a better Auckland, built by rugby. The Auckland Rugby Way is focused on achieving within four key areas:
Innovate and grow the community game
Win and be better supported in high performance
Be more inclusive and grow the strongest rugby whanau
Ensure we are around another 100+ years
How we operate to drive achievement across the key focus areas is important and our behaviour is guided by a set of values connected to the four elements within the Auckland Rugby crest:
Strive to advance
Put in the hard mahi
Work as a team
Lead by example
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the operational delivery of club rugby and help strengthen the capability and long-term sustainability of rugby clubs across Auckland.
About the role
Reporting to the Head of Community Rugby (Clubs), the Club Rugby Manager provides operational leadership and coordination across Auckland’s club rugby network. The role leads the delivery of Auckland Rugby’s club priorities through the annual club operating plan, club health and capability initiatives, and the effective delivery of senior and junior club rugby.
You will lead two direct reports, the Club Rugby Partner and Junior Rugby Manager, setting clear priorities, supporting their development and monitoring delivery and performance. You will also manage operational budgets and resources within delegated authority and act as the primary operational contact for senior club rugby matters.
Working across a network of 16 senior clubs, five additional junior clubs, approximately 12,500 players and more than 750 volunteer coaches, this is an influential role requiring strong people leadership, sound operational judgement and the ability to build trusted relationships across a diverse community rugby environment.
You will work closely with clubs, governing committees, NZ Rugby, regional sport organisations and teams across Auckland Rugby to ensure club priorities are coordinated, risks are identified and practical support is provided where it will have the greatest impact.
The role will include, but is not limited to:
Operational leadership and planning: Translate strategic club priorities into an annual operating plan, delivery schedule and measurable outcomes, ensuring responsibilities are clear and activity is coordinated across relevant Auckland Rugby teams.
Club health and capability: Lead the operational delivery of Auckland Rugby’s club capability framework and work with clubs to strengthen governance, management, financial sustainability, workforce capability, facilities, communications and community connections.
Senior and junior club rugby: Lead operational planning for senior club rugby and oversee junior rugby governance, planning and delivery, ensuring alignment with regional and national priorities.
Competitions and events: Work alongside the Competitions Manager and relevant committees to support club competitions and oversee club-based events, including finals, senior field days, junior festival days and Club 7s.
People leadership: Provide clear direction, support and performance oversight to the Club Rugby Partner and Junior Rugby Manager, ensuring priorities and expectations are understood.
Stakeholder relationships: Build trusted working relationships with club representatives, committees, volunteers, NZ Rugby, regional sport networks and teams across Auckland Rugby.
Budgets and resources: Manage allocated operational budgets and resources within delegated authority, monitor expenditure and ensure Auckland Rugby’s financial policies and processes are followed.
Reporting and improvement: Use participation, registration, club health and operational information to monitor delivery, identify risks and recommend practical improvements to systems and services.
Communication and coordination: Coordinate significant or cross-functional communication with clubs to provide clear information, minimise duplication and ensure agreed actions are followed through.
The Benefits
All the tools required to get the job done, including a vehicle, laptop and phone, as well as tickets to matches, plenty of on-site car parking, access to our Employee Assistance Programme and being based at Eden Park, the home of NZ’s best sporting venue.
You will also have the opportunity to influence the future of club rugby across Auckland and work alongside committed staff, volunteers and community leaders who share a passion for growing the game.
Skills and experience
Auckland Rugby welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We know that great minds don’t think alike, and it takes all kinds of minds to make rugby a great sport experience.
Ideally, we are looking for someone with:
A tertiary qualification in Sport Management, Sport Development or related field
Five to seven years’ experience in sports management, community sport, sport development or a related operational leadership role
Proven experience leading and supporting people to deliver agreed priorities and outcomes
A strong understanding of community sport and the opportunities and challenges facing clubs and volunteers
Experience developing and delivering operational plans, programmes or capability initiatives
Strong relationship and stakeholder management skills
Experience managing budgets, resources and operational reporting
An understanding of incorporated societies, governance and club management practices
Excellent organisational, communication, presentation and facilitation skills
Sound judgement and a practical, creative and solutions-focused approach
The ability to manage competing priorities and remain effective in a busy environment
Confidence using Microsoft Office and relevant operational systems
Flexibility to work outside standard business hours when required, including some weekend work.
If you are ready to roll your sleeves up, put in the hard mahi and help Auckland’s rugby clubs and communities thrive, we would love to hear from you.