Summary
It has been recognised by the LAA Board, staff and Member associations the way in which a child experiences Little Athletics may no longer be optimal or relevant within the Australian sporting landscape and as such needs to be more appealing to a broader consumer base.
LAA requires a Little Athletics Product Manager (PM) with expertise in sports product and delivery and commercial environments, including review and change management, to lead the organisation’s ‘Product’ development body of work. The ideal candidate will be the primary interface between LAA, our external stakeholders and LAA’s state and territory member associations. In this high-profile role, they will collaborate with numerous operational, development and product teams inside and outside.
LAA to identify, define and specify solutions that create the conditions for a product and delivery in the 3 to 12 age group that delivers a better experience for the athlete and their families/carers. The LAPM will build collaborative relationships, working closely with others to identify and resolve barriers to success and to create and execute change. The successful candidate will experience a wide range of problem-solving situations, strategic to real-time, requiring extensive use of data collection and analysis, and will prepare and execute regular program updates to the LAA Chief Executive Officer and the LAA Board of Directors.
Little Athletics as a product is a highly regarded and recognised brand in the Australian sports participation landscape. Many elements of its delivery are relevant and contribute to its current levels of success but with refinement the product has potential to become a leading choice amongst Australian children.
Reports to: LAA CEO Direct
- Review, develop and ultimately implement a whole-of-sport little athletics product - including delivery (3 to 12 age group) at centre/club and association level throughout the country;
- Devise high-level strategic strategies that will promote the LA Product and increase participation and membership;
- Educate, train, manage and support participation/delivery staff who will be working within State and Territories.
Accountabilities
| The ideal candidate for this role will be able to: |
- Dynamically interact with stakeholders at multiple levels to define solutions and deliver LAA’s contributions to the Product project scope of work, including reviewing of previous external reports- product development; finance models; operating models; technology; workforce, people and culture; organisational structures; and marketing communications.
- Identify and analyse data to isolate issues, develop solutions and prioritise opportunities.
- Plan and manage multiple parallel project streams.
- Optimise resource utilisation for the greater good of the project.
- Create, maintain and disseminate project information to stakeholders and senior management.
- Remain flexible to changing priorities and open to new ideas.
- Be a visible and vocal role model across LAA and the wider community, championing the vision of Little Athletics.
- Develop and deliver new initiatives in order to grow membership numbers;
Essential Criteria
Desirable Qualifications:
- 5+ years project/program management experience - extensive research, consultation, experience in the structures, culture and delivery of the athlete experience.
- 5+ years of experience leading project delivery for large, cross-functional projects
- Experience using problem solving and analytical skills to solve business problems and drive process improvements
- Understanding of sporting commercial markets and business structures
- Excellent verbal and writing skills for non-technical and technical audiences
- Demonstrated ability to deliver both strategic and tactical results across diverse cultures from inception to completion
- Ability to work effectively with tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail and proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously
- Demonstrated ability to work in ambiguous situations and across organisational boundaries
- An ability to effectively develop key processes and procedures that facilitate efficient planning, reporting and control processes
- Belief in the value of participating in and contributing to a collaborative team environment
- Bachelor’s degree
Employer and Other Details
- The role will be Melbourne based in Albert Park but is open to negotiation for the right candidate.
- Applications will close on 1st February 2021 at 12.00pm. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
- This is a full-time fixed term role, preferred date of commencement 15th March 2021 or earlier where negotiated for a period of 3 years. The employer and employee may agree to extend the term of this agreement.
- Salary to be negotiated and dependent upon experience.
Application Instruction
To apply for this role, candidates must provide:
- a one page covering letter setting out your reason for applying and what you would bring to the role; and
- a resume of no more than 3 pages.
Andrew Johnston – Little Athletics Australia
Participation, Development and Projects Manager
