Location: Level 5 / 309 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Direct Reports: 3 x across Sport; Membership; Communications & Commercial
Indirect Reports: 6+ with potential for more
Employment Type: Full-time
Hybrid arrangements: Office-based four days per week (Wednesday optional WFH day)
State-based travel: Approximately 20% (metropolitan and regional NSW)
Salary: $150k + super with scope for progression for the right candidate

About Bowls NSW
Bowls NSW is the State Sporting Organisation for lawn bowls in New South Wales. As a not-for-profit entity, we are committed to supporting our 600+ affiliated clubs and over 45,000 members. Our focus is on sport delivery, driving participation, promoting excellence, and ensuring the sport remains vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready.

Position Overview
The General Manager (GM) is the senior operational leader of Bowls NSW and is responsible for translating strategy into execution across the organisation. Working in close partnership with the CEO as part of the executive leadership structure, the GM leads day-to-day organisational performance, staff leadership, and the delivery of major strategic and commercial initiatives.

The role has broad accountability across sport operations, membership, communications, and commercial functions, ensuring alignment, accountability, and performance across all business areas. This position is a key member of the executive leadership structure and is designed as a genuine succession pathway for future CEO-level leadership.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Operational Management

• Lead the day-to-day operational management of Bowls NSW in partnership with the CEO.
• Lead and develop three direct reports across Sport, Membership, and Communications / Commercial portfolios.
• Provide oversight and guidance to a wider team of 6+ indirect reports.
• Foster a strong team culture, staff engagement, and accountability for performance and outcomes.
• Lead all functions of Human Resources in conjunction with the CEO and external advisors.
• Drive organisational performance against agreed strategic, operational, and financial targets.

Strategic Delivery and Organisational Performance

• Lead and oversee key strategic initiatives in line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, including:
• • Membership growth and retention programs
  • Diversification and inclusion initiatives
  • Revenue growth and commercial innovation
  • National integrity framework matters

Governance & Reporting

• Lead preparation of operational and performance reporting for the Board in collaboration with the CEO.
• Oversee and contribute to financial and operational reporting.
• Contribute to effective governance practices and compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders including clubs, partners, Region associations, individual members, and government agencies.
• Represent Bowls NSW in a professional manner at events, meetings, and public forums as required.

About You
You are a proactive and values-driven leader with a passion for sport and a demonstrated ability to drive outcomes. You are commercially minded, strategically aware, and operationally excellent. You thrive in a collaborative environment and are comfortable managing a range of projects, people, and priorities.

You will demonstrate substantial experience across several of the following areas:

• Sport administration or management
• Project or program management
• Governance or compliance
• Business operations or commercial roles

You may come from within the sporting sector or from other professional settings where high-performance, strategic execution, and team leadership are key.

Key Attributes

• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills
• High emotional intelligence and team-first mindset
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Strategic thinking and ability to deliver on complex projects
• Professionalism and discretion
• Adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement

Selection Criteria
Leadership and People Management

• Demonstrated experience leading and managing teams, including direct and indirect reports.
• Ability to build a positive, performance-focused culture and support professional development.

Operational and Organisational Management

• Proven ability to support or manage day-to-day organisational operations, including HR, reporting, and financial oversight.
• Experience in managing internal processes to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Project Management and Strategic Execution

• Demonstrated success in leading and delivering complex projects or initiatives aligned to strategic goals.
• Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

Campaign and Marketing Initiative Delivery

• Experience in planning, executing and evaluating large-scale campaigns or public-facing initiatives.
• Ability to work across departments to align messaging, drive participation, and support membership or revenue growth through marketing and communications efforts.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• High-level written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing board or executive reports.
• Proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships, both internal and external, with professionalism and influence.

Governance, Risk and Compliance Awareness

• Understanding of governance principles, risk management, and compliance requirements relevant to a not-for-profit or sporting organisation.
• Experience supporting or working with a board or executive leadership team is desirable.

Commitment to Growth and Innovation in Sport

• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing sport and/or not-for-profits.
• A genuine interest in supporting membership growth, diversity and innovation in a changing sporting landscape.

Personal Attributes

• Professionalism, discretion and integrity.
• Adaptability, initiative and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes.
• A collaborative mindset, with readiness to support a high-performance culture.

Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to work closely with a forward-thinking and passionate team at a time of strategic growth and transformation for the sport. The General Manager will play a critical role in shaping the future of Bowls in NSW and may be considered for future leadership opportunities, including potential succession into the CEO role.

How to Apply
To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your CV and a two-page cover letter outlining how your skills and experience match the selection criteria for the role. Please submit your application directly to – communications@bowlsnsw.com.au.

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 18 February 2026. This position was previously advertised in May 2025. Past applicants need not apply.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.