Introduction

Touch Football Australia (TFA) is the national governing body for Touch Football in Australia. TFA has a strategic alliance with the National Rugby League (NRL) and operates in alignment with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), working collaboratively with State and Territory partners to deliver the sport from grassroots to elite.

The General Manager - Operations is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for leading organisational operations to ensure TFA is financially sustainable, strategically aligned and operationally high performing. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant national impact within one of Australia’s largest and most inclusive participation sports. As a values-driven organisation experiencing strong growth, TFA provides a collaborative environment where leaders can innovate, shape strategy and deliver meaningful outcomes for communities across the country. The position is ideal for an experienced executive who thrives on building high-performing teams, strengthening organisational capability and contributing to a sport that unites people of all ages and backgrounds.

Our Values

United – We work together, connect communities and foster strong relationships across the sport.
Excellence – We pursue high performance, continuous improvement and quality in everything we do.
Inclusion – We champion diversity, belonging and accessibility, ensuring our sport is welcoming for all.
Integrity – We act with honesty, transparency and fairness, protecting the reputation and trust of our game.

Strategic Direction

TFA has recently released the new Strategic Plan – The Next Play which sets the strategic direction for the 2025-2032 cycle with a vision to be a game that moves the nation – dynamic, inclusive and growing with every play. TFA’s purpose is to unite communities through safe, social, and meaningful touch football experiences. The four strategic pillars of The Next Play are:

• Grow – Empower everyone to participate, regardless of age, ability or background
• Represent – Inspire excellence through a world-leading elite system
• Showcase – Build a recognisable and commercial attractive brand
• Nurture – Secure a sustainable future for the sport

Location

The preferred location will be Sydney; however both Canberra and Brisbane may be considered.

TFA has a strong belief in the benefits of providing flexible working arrangements and will discuss various options with candidates throughout recruitment process.

Primary Purpose of the Role

The General Manager - Operations is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for leading organisational operations to ensure TFA is financially sustainable, strategically aligned and operationally high performing.

The role provides executive leadership of Finance, IT, Human Resources function to ensure strong governance, efficient systems, compliant processes and a thriving workplace culture that supports the growth and sustainability of Touch Football in Australia.

Job Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Strategy:

• Contribute actively to the Executive Leadership Team and organisational strategy.
• Lead operational planning to ensure Finance, HR and IT functions align with TFA’s strategic priorities.
• Provide considered, evidence-based advice to the CEO and Board.
• Model and champion TFA values across the organisation.

Financial Management & Sustainability

• Oversee outsourced finance services to ensure accuracy, transparency and strong financial stewardship.
• Lead organisational budgeting, forecasting and multi-year financial modelling.
• Manage financial governance including audit processes, policies, reporting, compliance and risk controls.
• Manage the organisation’s insurance portfolio for the sport, including member insurance programs, policy renewals, risk assessment and liaison with insurers and brokers.
• Support commercial decision-making through strategic financial insights and analysis.
• Ensure strong procurement, contract management and value-for-money practices.

Human Resources & People Capability

• Provide leadership to the HR Manager and ensure delivery of high-quality HR services.
• Champion organisational culture, wellbeing and employee engagement aligned to TFA values.
• Oversee talent acquisition, workforce planning, performance management and capability development.
• Ensure compliance with industrial relations, WHS and workplace legislation.
• Oversee workplace insurance requirements for staff, including workers’ compensation, injury management processes, and associated compliance obligations.
• Lead organisational development, change management and workforce optimisation initiatives.

Information Technology & Digital Systems

• Oversee outsourced IT providers to ensure stable, secure and user-focused digital services.
• Lead organisational IT planning, cybersecurity, infrastructure and digital transformation priorities.
• Ensure systems and data governance frameworks support efficiency, insight and organisational performance.
• Support the development of technology solutions that improve service delivery to participants and partners.

Integrity & Governance

• Lead and support the National Integrity Manager to uphold the National Integrity Framework and related policies.
• Ensure best-practice management of complaints, investigations and integrity matters.
• Strengthen safe, ethical and inclusive practices across all levels of the sport.
• Work collaboratively with Sport Integrity Australia and relevant government or sport sector bodies.

Risk, Compliance & Organisational Performance

• Maintain a strong enterprise risk management framework across operational areas.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, regulatory and policy obligations.
• Drive continuous improvement in organisational processes, systems and reporting.
• Oversee major cross-functional operational projects and organisational readiness efforts.

Key Relationships

Internal:

• Chief Executive Officer
• Executive Leadership Team
• HR Manager
• National Integrity Manager
• All staff and contractors

External:

• Outsourced Finance and IT providers
• Government departments and funding bodies (ASC, NRL)
• Legal, audit and consulting partners
• Suppliers, vendors and key stakeholders

Capabilities & Experience

Qualifications & Professional Background

• Tertiary qualifications in business, commerce, law, HR, finance, sport management or similar.
• Postgraduate qualifications (MBA, MHRM, MBus, etc.) advantageous.
• Evidence of ongoing professional learning in leadership, governance, finance or digital systems.

Essential

• Senior leadership experience in operations, finance, HR, corporate services or related fields.
• High-level interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust, negotiate effectively and influence diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to contribute to organisational strategy, lead cross-functional teams, and influence at CEO/Board level.
• Strong financial literacy and understanding of governance, audit and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and interpreting financial results for executive decision-making.
• Demonstrated success leading outsourced providers and internal operational teams.
• Experience in organisational culture, workforce capability and HR leadership.
• Strong capability in driving organisational change, culture uplift, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and change leadership skills.
• Proven ability to implement operational systems, processes and continuous improvement.
• Commitment to TFA values and fostering an inclusive, ethical and high-performing workplace.
• A strong personal ethos aligned to ethical leadership, fairness, transparency and collaborative decision-making

Desirable

• Experience within the sport, not-for-profit or membership-based sectors.
• Experience with digital systems, cybersecurity and/or data governance.
• Familiarity with government education departments, grant frameworks, and community development outcomes.
• Knowledge and passion for touch football