Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Awards
Extra-Curricular Activities
Generic

Deanne Lees

Hamlyn Terrace,NSW

Summary

With 24 years of dedicated experience in professional sport operations, primarily within Rugby League, I have developed a profound passion for the industry. My expertise has been honed through close collaboration with many exceptional players and coaches, which has been both a privilege and a cornerstone of my career. The past nine years have been particularly enriching, as I have expanded my consultancy services across a diverse range of sports, both in Australia and internationally. This exposure has significantly broadened my understanding of various professional codes, enhancing my ability to support coaches, players and their support staff in elite competition preparation and performance. My contributions have been instrumental in fostering the growth or professional sport franchises, ensuring their success both on the field and in their business operations.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Racing Operations and Project Management

Scone Race Club
01.2024 - Current
  • Manage annual event operations for the prestigious Scone Cup Carnival, ensuring high-quality race day experiences.
  • Led initiatives to enhance Race Day delivery, focusing on operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive Asset Management and Maintenance Schedule system to streamline operations.
  • Provided oversight for multiple capital works projects, aligning with strategic objectives and operational needs.
  • Fostered improved communication channels with trainers to enhance collaboration and race day delivery.
  • Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with service providers, ensuring reliable and quality services for events.

Operations and Community Engagement Consultant

Fijian Drua
12.2022 - Current
  • Managed all aspects of Event Operations during the Drua's inaugural season in Australia, ensuring seamless execution of game day events.
  • Led the successful relocation of the team to Fiji coordinating logistics and operational requirements
  • Spearheaded the fit-out and establishment of the High Performance Centre in Nadi, enhancing team training capabilities.
  • Developed and implemented operational structures to optimize team efficiency and event management.
  • Formulated a comprehensive community engagement strategy to foster relationships and support local initiatives.
  • Directed infrastructure projects, contributing to the development of facilities and resources for the team and community.
  • Conducted staff training programs to elevate business operation performance and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Initiated and managed community programs under the Drua Foundation promoting social responsibility, health and wellbeing.

Project Manager, Team Operations & Events

Rugby Australia
01.2016 - 01.2022
  • Orchestrated team logistics for 16 men's teams during the World Rugby Sevens Sydney ensuring seamless travel and accommodation arrangements and access to professional standard training facilities.
  • Managed comprehensive event planning including coordination of event collateral to support participating team operations.
  • Fostered corporate relationships to enhance team support and event success.
  • Directed media relations and volunteer coordination efforts, contributing to the tournaments positive public image.
  • Administered budget oversight, maintaining financial control throughout the event planning and execution phases.
  • Navigated international visa processes for team members, ensuring compliance travel regulations.

Team Operations Manager

Manly Sea Eagles
01.2003 - 01.2016
  • Delivered comprehensive team operations for the Manly Sea Eagles, encompassing training and travel logistics, home game operational planning and delivery, community engagement and media relations.
  • Fostered and maintained robust relationships with sponsors and players, ensuring mutual satisfaction and support for team initiatives.
  • Coordinated weekly community engagement and media activities, enhancing the teams public profile and community involvement.
  • Directed team logistics with precision during high-stakes Grand Final weeks, ensuring seamless operations and team readiness.
  • Coordinated and managed the seamless relocation of newly signed players and their families to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Served as the primary liaison between the coaching department and business operations to ensure effective communication and alignment.

Education

School Certificate -

Asquith Girls High School
Asquith, NSW
01-1984

Skills

  • Effective communication
  • Strategic planning expertise
  • Effective multitasking in high-pressure environments
  • Collaborative team member
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Proficient decision maker
  • Results-driven
  • Lead by example

Timeline

Racing Operations and Project Management

Scone Race Club
01.2024 - Current

Operations and Community Engagement Consultant

Fijian Drua
12.2022 - Current

Project Manager, Team Operations & Events

Rugby Australia
01.2016 - 01.2022

Team Operations Manager

Manly Sea Eagles
01.2003 - 01.2016

School Certificate -

Asquith Girls High School

Awards

In 2010 I was immensely proud to receive the NRL Women in League Award for my contribution to the game of Rugby League and my dedication to community engagement through sport.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Sea Eagles Read Program


In partnership with the Department of Education I developed an innovative program to promote reading in schools, aimed at enhancing literacy skills and fostering a love for reading amongst students.


Sea Eagles Foundation


I spearheaded the establishment of the Sea Eagles Foundation with a charter to empower and uplift communities through targeted programs fostering education, health and wellbeing with specific focus on indigenous children, promoting cultural pride and educations opportunities, and for children with type 1 Diabetes, providing support and awareness to enhance their wellbeing. Additionally our diverse community engagement initiatives encouraged inclusiveness and active participation in sport, strengthening community bonds and creating lasting positive impact across the region.

Deanne Lees