Position Overview

The General Manager (GM) plays a pivotal role in leading the day-to-day operations of Bowls NSW. Working closely with the CEO, the GM will manage a diverse range of business functions, lead key staff across departments, and drive execution of major strategic projects aligned to our goals of membership growth, diversification, and revenue generation. This is a leadership role requiring a high-performing, dynamic and versatile individual who is equally confident managing people, projects, and performance. The role will be instrumental in supporting the CEO and is positioned as a key succession planning opportunity for future organisational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Management

Support the CEO in the effective day-to-day management of Bowls NSW.

Lead and develop direct reports across Sport, Membership, and Communications / Commercial portfolios.

Provide oversight and guidance to a wider team of 7+ 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.

Strategic Project Delivery

Project manage key 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

Prepare regular board reporting and contribute to board meeting preparation.

Assist with financial and operational reporting, including budget tracking and performance dashboards.

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 bring experience in one or more 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.