As the Perth Bears prepare for our entry into the National Rugby League in 2027, they are seeking a visionary and hands-on Head of Technology, Data and Innovation to build and lead the technology foundations of the Perth Bears from the ground up.
This is a pivotal leadership role at the intersection of sport, technology and infrastructure. Reporting to the Chief Operating & Financial Officer, and working closely with every department across the club, you will be responsible for designing and delivering the club’s technology architecture, data strategy and innovation roadmap — establishing the platforms, processes and culture that will underpin every facet of club operations as we scale through our start-up phase and into elite-level competition.
A defining priority of this role in the foundation phase is building the club’s start-up environment from scratch — including Microsoft 365, SharePoint, intranet, hardware, and the technology specifications for the club’s new facility. You will be the person who ensures our people have the tools, systems and connected workspace they need from day one.
This position requires a builder and operator: someone comfortable moving between strategic architecture and hands-on execution, capable of shaping vision while rolling up their sleeves to get the job done. As the club grows, you will have the opportunity to build and lead a team around you.
What They are Looking For
You are a visionary technology leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on technical expertise and builds credibility through delivering measurable impact. You bring:
• Senior technology leadership experience (minimum 10+ years), with 5+ years in a senior leadership or CTO-equivalent capacity
• Tertiary qualified in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering or a related discipline
• Strong technical foundation and understanding of modern cloud infrastructure, systems architecture and enterprise technology platforms
• Demonstrated experience building and leading technology functions in a fast-paced or start-up environment, ideally within sport, entertainment, media or consumer-facing organisation
• Proven experience building organisational technology environments from the ground up, including Microsoft 365, SharePoint, intranet platforms and hardware deployment
• Experience developing technology specifications for new facilities or fit-outs, working alongside project teams
• Strong capability in technology assessment, implementation and integration with a track record of supporting business stakeholders through procurement decisions
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver end-user training programs that drive platform adoption
• Strong expertise in data strategy, analytics and using data to drive commercial outcomes
• Experience implementing AI and automation tools in a customer or operational context
• Demonstrated experience managing technology vendors, contracts and procurement processes
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to connect technology investment to business outcomes
• Understanding of cybersecurity, data governance and regulatory compliance
• Passion for innovation and emerging technologies, with ability to evaluate and implement new solutions
• Experience in sport or entertainment is highly regarded
• Understanding of NRL and Australian sports culture is advantageous
Working in a Start-Up Environment
The Perth Bears are a start-up organisation in a critical foundation phase. This position is intentionally hands-on and will initially operate with lean support structures.
The Head of Technology, Data and Innovation will be fully accountable for building the club’s technology environment from scratch from day-to-day IT operations and hardware, through to the intranet, SharePoint, facility technology specs, and the platforms that will power our commercial and football operations.
This is not a role with inherited infrastructure or existing systems. You will design, build and deliver concurrently while the club grows around you.
Success in this role requires comfort with ambiguity, strong personal accountability, and the ability to move seamlessly between strategic planning and hands-on execution. As the club scales, there will be significant opportunities to shape the future structure and resourcing of the technology and data function.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to lead the technology, data and innovation agenda for one of the most exciting new ventures in Australian sport, we want to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re the right person to build the Bears’ future.
You will be sent a pre-screening questionnaire after submitting your application.
Important Information
The Perth Bears are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disability.
Please note, the Perth Bears do not accept unsolicited applications or requests for employment sent directly to the Club. Only applications submitted through the advertised channels will be considered.
Applications will be reviewed as received, we encourage early applications, as interviews may commence prior to the advertised closing date, and the ad will be closed early should a suitable candidate be identified.
