At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workforce planning for major Rugby World Cups and enhance operational capabilities.
- Company: World Rugby, the governing body for Rugby Union, focused on innovation and engagement.
- Benefits: 12-month fixed term contract with flexible working options and a diverse workplace culture.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion while enjoying excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of rugby events and making a global impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in major events workforce planning and HR management required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
12 months Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) based in London. Closing Date For Applications - 5pm Friday 27th February.
World Rugby is the world governing and law-making body for the sport of Rugby Union. In addition to its governance functions, World Rugby has established World Rugby Events & Media DAC (WREM) – which is charged with organising and delivering World Rugby’s major international events including the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups and the annual Sevens World Series (SVNS).
World Rugby is now on a mission to innovate, excite, inspire and engage new audiences in existing and new rugby markets to grow the sport for all. Through WREM, the delivery of these major tournaments under a new model will be key to the success of a ten-year strategic plan. This started with the hugely successful delivery of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 which was held in England and will continue with Rugby World Cups in Australia in 2027 played by men, Australia 2029 played by women and culminating in groundbreaking tournaments in the USA in 2031 and 2033 played by men and women respectively. The renowned Sevens World Series has been relaunched as ‘SVNS’ to be the gateway for engaging new fans and audiences with the sport of rugby union.
The delivery of an annual calendar of events involving the home international matches for the USA national men’s and women’s 15s and 7s teams is also the responsibility of WREM and is part of the runway activity through to RWCs 2031 and 2033 in the USA.
Under the new operating model launched in 2022, World Rugby has a more direct role in the setting up, running and delivery of the Rugby World Cups and SVNS and aims to be a leader in the delivery of major international events. WREM has established and will continue to establish local teams in Australia for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and will be establishing local delivery teams in the USA to support the planning and delivery of RWC 2031. Event Delivery Partnerships have been established in each territory for the delivery of the SVNS series and the USA annual events.
World Rugby is looking to appoint a Head of Workforce, reporting to the Director of Event Delivery, on a Fixed Term Contract basis to cover for a maternity period and ensure the continued development of operational capabilities in the Workforce areas.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ROLE
This role will have a primary focus on Tournament Time Workforce for Rugby World Cups and will be responsible for implementing the WREM Workforce planning and operating practices. These will provide the local teams with clear guidance on what and how they need to deliver to achieve the standards required and to exploit efficiencies, avoid duplications, and to provide maximise opportunities to develop WREM capabilities and develop future talent pipeline through the effective seconding and deployment of World Rugby central staff at Tournament Time.
In addition, there will also be an element of the role that will be responsible for working closely with World Rugby’s People & Culture (P&C) Team, to support the continued integration between WREM and the P&C Team, along with further developing HR processes to be adopted by WREM and the local teams. Emphasis will be on developing best in class practices, incorporating blue sky thinking combined with learnings from practical operational experiences.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Refine the Workforce planning and operations concepts for Rugby World Cups (initially) including for relevant Volunteer programmes, recruitment, onboarding, training, and deployment;
- Develop and design strategic Tournament Time workforce journeys and mobilisation plans for delivery by the local team;
- Oversee the integration between WREM and World Rugby’s People & Culture team, and taking responsibility for driving People & Culture activities and policies within WREM;
- Oversee specific Workforce Planning for each tournament, incorporating central and local World Rugby staff to ensure efficient and effective deployment;
- Develop the Workforce planning tools – for introduction and consistent use by WREM Local Teams to cover all categories of workforce; paid staff, volunteers, contractors, secondees, consultants, temporary Tournament Time staff. To include role planning, dot planning, efficiency and effectiveness, deployment planning;
- Ensure effective implementation of Tournament Management System Workforce module specifications – to cover all functional requirements – core data, link to Accreditation, links to HR systems, role assignments, scheduling, rostering, uniforming, reward and recognition, training and volunteer recruitment. This includes leading User Acceptance Testing, commissioning and deployment to users in local teams and centrally;
- Train and support the development of training for Central staff, local team staff, volunteers and both central and local contractors/suppliers;
- Support local teams in establishment of their Workforce Functional Areas, including operational documentation, service levels and client standards;
- Develop generic workforce policies, procedures and entitlements for application by the local teams;
- Lead the contract management for Consultants/Contractors engaged by WREM to support event delivery and capability;
- Oversee the Uniform Programme for Central and Local Teams including Tournament Time Uniform.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Essential for candidates to have 5+ years’ experience at a senior level in Major International Events Workforce planning and operations as well as experience in Human Resource management;
- Recognisable as a leading senior professional in the field of Workforce planning and operations;
- Essential for candidates to have played a senior role in managing a large-scale major event volunteer recruitment, selection and operational deployment programme;
- Proven successful management in a multi-stakeholder environment;
- Proven experience in developing systems, tools and policies in a high-volume workforce environment;
- Excellent planning and organisation skills including project planning;
- Experienced in all MS Office programmes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
- Positive, outgoing personality - collaborative, persistent, resilient and diplomatic;
- Ability to forge strong collaborative relationships and a team player;
- Ability to work on own initiative;
- Demonstrably high levels of integrity;
- Share and embrace World Rugby’s core values; Discipline, respect, integrity, passion and solidarity through teamwork.
CONTRACT BASIS
Fixed Term Contract period of 12 months. Start date: 1st June 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: World Rugby is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.
Flexible Working: Most of our roles offer hybrid working. We ask colleagues to work: Three (3) days a week “out of home”. Two (2) “core” office days (Tuesday & Wednesday) and a third day of your choice to be with stakeholders. “Out of home” can mean working in a World Rugby office/hub, working from a venue or face to face meetings with partners/suppliers/agencies/teammates or other rugby family stakeholders. The remaining two (2) days are flexible to work from home (or the office).
Head of Workforce employer: World Rugby
World Rugby is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of the historic Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in York. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values passion for sport and personal growth. Employees benefit from engaging in a fast-paced environment while contributing to a significant global event, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Workforce
✨Join HR Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Workforce
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at World Rugby. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to World Rugby and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at World Rugby. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to World Rugby's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at World Rugby
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with World Rugby.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
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A full-time HR role at World Rugby will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact World Rugby and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
