Samuel Watson
Cheltenham,VIC
Summary
General Manager with 15 years of sport industry experience focused on setting and achieving strategic and operational goals. Adaptive and deadline-oriented manager who consistently executes and completes multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Avondale FC
01.2021 - Current
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
- Provided strategic oversight of marketing and promotional campaigns to keep campaigns aligned with overall goals and objectives.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for enhancement in operations, systems, and procedures.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Enhanced brand reputation with effective marketing campaigns and public relations efforts.
Sales and Account Manager
Winning Edge Presentations
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
General Manager
Lacrosse Victoria
06.2016 - 01.2020
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Analysed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Delivered impactful presentations to key stakeholders, securing buy-in for critical strategic decisions.
- Demonstrated thought leadership within industry circles, contributing articles and presenting at conferences on strategy-related topics.
- Aligned company objectives with employee performance metrics, driving accountability and productivity improvements across the organisation.
Education
Bachelor of Recreation Management -
Victoria University
Footscray, VIC01.2009
Certificate IV Sport and Recreation -
Victoria University
Footscray, VIC01.2006
Advanced Diploma of Business Marketing -
RMIT
Melbourne, VIC01.2004
Skills
- Relationship Management
- Communications
- Operational Excellence
- Strategic Visioning
- Leadership and team building
- Problem Resolution
- Business Administration
- Team Player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Time Management
- Corporate Governance
- Customer/ Member/ Participant Focus
Websites
Personal Development
- Responsible Serving of Alcohol, 2023
- CPA/ VicSport Sport Discussion, 2018, 2020
- SportsJam Leader, VicSport, 2018
- Victorian Sport Awards – panel member, VicSport, 2018
- Certificate IV of Mediation, Department of Justice, 2013
- Membership Protection Information Officer, Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, 2012
References
Available upon request
Timeline
General Manager
Avondale FC
01.2021 - Current
Sales and Account Manager
Winning Edge Presentations
01.2020 - 01.2021
General Manager
Lacrosse Victoria
06.2016 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Recreation Management -
Victoria University
Certificate IV Sport and Recreation -
Victoria University
Advanced Diploma of Business Marketing -
RMIT
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