Assistant Director (Operations and Business Development) in the Centre for Sports and Exercise (Ref.: 534456)
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) seeks a strategic, visionary leader with high sense to shape the future of sports operations and business development as our next Assistant Director (Operations and Business Development) in the Centre for Sports and Exercise (CSE).
The CSE is dedicated to fostering a vibrant culture of sports, wellness, and community at HKU. We manage world-class facilities like the Stanley Ho Sports Centre and deliver comprehensive programmes that serve students, staff, alumni, and the wider community, supporting the University's commitment to holistic education and excellence.
The Role
Reporting to the CSE Director, this senior leadership role is responsible for shaping the long-term strategic direction, ensuring financial sustainability, and driving operational excellence across the CSE's facilities and commercial portfolio. Beyond day-to-day management, the appointee will architect the business model, forge transformative partnerships, and benchmark our sports infrastructure and services against global best practices. The appointee will also provide strategic oversight to operations and business development functions, ensuring alignment with HKU's broader institutional goals.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and execute the CSE’s long-term strategic plan for operations, business development, and facility utilization & evolution;
- Provide senior leadership and strategic oversight to the operations and business development team, fostering a culture of innovation, data-driven decision-making, and exemplary customer service;
• Drive financial sustainability and growth by identifying and securing new revenue streams, strategic partnerships, and sponsorship & donation opportunities;
• Champion the integration of advanced technologies and data analytics to optimize facility usage, enhance user experience, and inform capital planning and resource allocation;
• Lead strategic community and alumni engagement initiatives related to sports facilities and programmes, contributing to fundraising and development goals;
• Ensure operational policies, safety standards, and service delivery models are world-class, scalable, and responsive to the needs of a diverse university community;
• Collaborate closely with senior University leadership, internal stakeholders, and external bodies to advance the CSE's mission and represent HKU's interests.
Qualifications and Qualities
• A recognized postgraduate degree, preferably at the Master's level or above;
• Not less than 15 years’ progressive leadership experience in strategic operations, business development, or commercial management, ideally within sports, hospitality, facility management, or a related service sector;
• A proven track record in developing and implementing long-term strategic plans and complex business cases that deliver measurable financial and operational outcomes;
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with experience in mentoring senior managers and leading multi-disciplinary teams;
• Outstanding financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, P&L management, and partnership/sponsorship negotiations;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities, with fluency in written and spoken English and Chinese (Cantonese essential; Putonghua highly desirable);
• A visionary, proactive, and results-driven mindset, with the ability to inspire change and drive excellence across a large organization.
What We Offer
The appointment will be made on fixed-term full-time contract for 2 years, to commence as soon as possible with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance. A highly competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme at 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and medical benefits. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.
How to Apply
The University only accepts online applications for the above post. Applicants should apply online at the University’s career site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will commence from March 24, 2026 and continue until April 9, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
