Caring for our city, creating a future for all

Our people are passionate about their communities and connected to their teams. They’re motivated by our genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, and our clear, compelling plan for our global city: Sustainable Sydney 2030 – 2050 Continuing the Vision.

Be part of a purpose-led organisation with care at its core. You’ll make a difference by acting in the best interests of our communities and city. Be better together with collaborative and inclusive partnerships. Embrace possibilities and be open to new ideas and creating bold solutions.

About the role

The Major Events and Festivals team delivers the City of Sydney’s Cultural strategy 2025–2035 through a series of large scale, major public and cultural events.

We’re looking for 3 Operations Managers to join us in the planning and delivery of our major events.

Operations Manager – Crowd & Transport, Sydney New Year’s Eve

Full time/Temporary starting as soon as possible until end end-January 2027, with possibility to reappoint in the same role from March 2027.

You will be responsible for the planning and operational implementation of pedestrian control plans, traffic guidance schemes and hostile vehicle mitigation plans for the Sydney New Year’s Eve event. Working closely with the Production Manager – Crowd & Transport, you will drive successful delivery by ensuring projects remain on schedule, meet critical milestones, and stay within budget.

Operations Manager – Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney New Year’s Eve

Full Time/Temporary from mid-October 2026 to mid-January 2027.

You will oversee the planning and delivery schedules and activities for all suppliers relating to Sydney Harbour Bridge for the Sydney New Years Eve event, including installation, operation and removal of all equipment and services. Under the direction of the Production Manager - Show, you will act as the primary contact for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Management activities for the City, its suppliers, Transport for NSW and other stakeholders.

Operations Manager – Sydney Lunar Festival

Full Time/Temporary from early October 2026 to early March 2027.

You will be responsible for the operational planning and delivery of external and internal decorative installations, community performances & activations and Sydney Lunar Streets, a street festival from Chinatown to Thaitown. You will work with stakeholders such as NSW Police, Transport for NSW & Transdev to oversee the planning and operational implementation of traffic guidance schemes, hostile vehicle mitigation plans and User Pays Police. You will coordinate with suppliers & contractors on scheduling, infrastructure and service requirements.

In this role you will:

• Collaborate with other event delivery teams to facilitate and support the seamless execution of all event operational elements across assigned events.
• Represent the City at key stakeholder meetings and leverage advanced stakeholder management/communication skills to effectively integrate third-party planning and negotiate positive outcomes for the City.
• Develop, manage and maintain key event documentation in consultation with the Senior Production Manager, including site plans, event plans, emergency management plans, schedules, risk assessments, budgets, etc.
• Work closely with the Logistics Manager to secure critical operational resources, such as fleet vehicles, consumables etc. and ensure event logistics are effectively planned and executed.
• Ensure all staff, suppliers, stakeholders, and event delivery partners are aware of their obligations in relation to the necessary WHS requirements, including the acquisition, maintenance and actioning of appropriate documentation according to the City’s policies and procedures.

The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrated experience in major event operations management and leading the development and execution of complex operational delivery plans.
• Proven experience in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders including representatives of external organisations, contractors, suppliers, internal departments and staff.
• Demonstrated experience in the administration of significant major event budgets, including forecasting and any other activities to monitor the status of the budget, make updates and report as required.
• Ability to develop, read, interpret, and update technical drawings, designs and site plans.
• Strong computer literacy skills and experience across both standard and specialist software such as Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Project/Teamwork, Microsoft Office, Technology One and Momentus.
• Relevant qualifications in Emergency management (e.g., Lead an Emergency Control Organisation or Operate as part of an Emergency Control Organisation Certifications) are advantageous (but not required).
• Current qualifications valid in the State of New South Wales or willingness to obtain these qualifications:
  • Driver licence.
  • White card (or general construction induction card).

This role has the option of a rostered day off each month, known as a 19-day month.

The recommended applicant must complete a pre-employment health declaration and a criminal history.

Applications must be submitted online by Thursday, 2 July 2026.

For more information, contact Eri Tada, Business Operations Coordinator at MAJEVRecruitment@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

What we can offer you

You’ll work with passionate, welcoming and supportive people who care for our communities and create a future for all.

Flexible working

• 3 days of care and cultural leave each year for health and wellbeing activities, cultural and religious days or events of significance
• Collaborative approach to flexible working
• City centre head office, with many public transport options.

Professional development

• Leadership and management development program
• Further education program providing reimbursement of course fees, and study and exam leave
• Opportunity to attend external courses and conferences
• Long service and employee recognition awards
• Employee assistance program offering free, confidential counselling

Supporting families

• We provide 26 weeks of paid parental leave for all new parents, supporting diverse and inclusive families
• Paid and unpaid adoption and long-term fostering leave
• Paid superannuation for up to 52 weeks of parental leave
• Part-time and job-sharing options available
• Supportive return-to-work environment

Inclusive culture

• Recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia
• Active employee networks including City Women, City Pride, DiverseCity, Inclusive City, Young Professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network
• Recognised family inclusive workplace
• Veteran employment supporter

How to apply

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds in a workplace as diverse as our communities. We’re passionate about gender balance, with an executive team two-thirds female and half of leadership roles held by women.

All applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, veterans and people of diverse sexualities and genders, are encouraged to join us.

We’re a disability confident recruiter. If you identify as a person with disability and require support for your application or the recruitment process, contact us at recruitment@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or 02 9265 9333.