Warren Heilig
Cave Side,Tasmania
Summary
An accomplished Sports Administration professional and Marketing expert with over 16 years of experience in professional sports leadership across both Australia and Europe. Bringing a wealth of knowledge from an international athlete background, my career has evolved into a highly successful path in sports development, marketing, and event management. Recognised for the ability to lead diverse teams, build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, and consistently deliver successful program outcomes on time and within budget. Known for a keen ability to identify and capitalise on innovative sports marketing strategies, event coordination, and media relations, resulting in enhanced brand visibility and engagement across multiple platforms. Expertise spans the development and execution of large-scale initiatives that promote growth, participation, and sustainability within sports organisations. A proven track record of increasing fan engagement, attracting sponsorships, and improving organisational efficiency. Leadership is characterised by an emphasis on team cohesion, motivation, and professional development, driving a culture of excellence and success. Passionate about fostering community involvement and continuously identifying opportunities to elevate both individual and organisational performance, resulting in measurable, lasting impacts.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager - Participation and Industry Development
TasRacing
01.2022 - Current
- Oversaw program budgets, ensuring compliance with financial, contractual, and reporting requirements, while implementing cost-saving initiatives that optimised resource allocation.
- Led strategic initiatives aimed at driving industry growth, enhancing participation, and improving the overall sustainability of racing sectors across multiple regional markets.
- Built and maintained strong partnerships with key industry stakeholders, sponsors, and government entities to foster collaboration and secure long-term support for growth programs.
- Developed and implemented outreach programs targeted at increasing youth and community engagement, resulting in a measurable increase in both participation rates and audience diversity.
- Analysed market trends and competitor activities to inform growth strategies, enabling the organisation to adapt to changing industry dynamics and emerging opportunities.
- Directed promotional efforts, including media relations, social media campaigns, and public relations initiatives, significantly boosting brand visibility and fan engagement across digital platforms.
- Prepared detailed Board reports, presenting current statistical information through visually engaging graphs and spreadsheets to facilitate data-driven decision-making.
- Supported industry participants by delivering training in relationship of nutrition to performance.
- Planned and delivered successful campaign to promote female participation in racing industry – https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1443999793192482.
- Statewide campaign to build jockey profiles in line with other sporting sectors; goal to bring young people into industry by providing role models that they can aspire to.
- Initiative to address shortage of qualified Farriers impacting operational capability through engagement with NSW RTO.
Football Operations Manager
Rockhampton Rugby League Club
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed end-to-end football operations, focusing on optimising team performance, player recruitment, and player development through tailored programs and performance monitoring.
- Developed and implemented operational policies to streamline team workflow, enhance organisational efficiency, and ensure alignment with overall club objectives and best practices.
- Coordinated comprehensive training schedules, game logistics, and travel arrangements for players and staff, ensuring seamless execution and minimising operational disruptions.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with local sports authorities, sponsors, and community organisations, leveraging these partnerships to support club initiatives and boost financial resources.
- Organised and oversaw large-scale events, tournaments, and community engagement initiatives, increasing the club's visibility and fostering a strong sense of community involvement.
- Analysed performance metrics and data to provide actionable insights and strategic recommendations to coaching staff, driving continuous improvement in player development and team performance.
Independant Sports Consultant
Various
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Provided strategic consultation for sports development projects, delivering tailored solutions across multiple contracts to meet the unique needs of diverse clients and stakeholders.
- Advised clients on best practices in marketing, event planning, and grant proposal submissions, ensuring alignment with industry standards and maximising funding opportunities.
- Conducted thorough needs assessments for clients, analysing current challenges and developing customised, actionable strategies to foster organisational growth and improve performance.
- Facilitated training workshops focused on leadership, team building, and stakeholder engagement, empowering sports teams to improve communication and collaboration across all levels.
- Drafted detailed reports on project performance and outcomes, providing clear insights to clients and funding organisations to demonstrate impact and guide future decision-making.
- Leveraged an extensive professional network to connect clients with potential sponsors, partners, and collaborators in the sports industry, facilitating new business opportunities and revenue streams.
Operations Manager
GT Building & Construction
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed day-to-day operations, driving continuous process improvement initiatives and optimising project efficiency, resulting in reduced operational costs and increased project delivery timelines.
- Supervised a diverse team, providing ongoing guidance, mentorship, and training to enhance staff performance, productivity, and adherence to quality standards across all projects.
- Oversaw project budgets and resource allocation, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety throughout each construction phase.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies that streamlined workflows, increased team productivity, and aligned project goals with broader company objectives to drive business growth.
- Coordinated closely with clients, suppliers, and contractors to ensure timely project delivery, high-quality outcomes, and exceptional client satisfaction at every stage of the construction process.
- Conducted regular performance assessments and provided actionable feedback to identify areas for improvement, fostering a culture of continuous growth and operational excellence.
Development Manager
National Rugby League
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Spearheaded community programs focused on rugby league growth across targeted regions, significantly increasing grassroots participation and cultivating local talent pipelines.
- Collaborated with local schools and rugby clubs to develop initiatives that encouraged youth participation, resulting in a measurable increase in youth engagement and team formation.
- Created comprehensive educational materials and coaching guides to support player development at the grassroots level, empowering coaches and players with the resources needed to improve their skills.
- Tracked and analysed program participation metrics to assess impact, providing detailed reports that informed future strategic planning and program refinement.
- Organised and led tournaments, clinics, and events to raise awareness of rugby league, making the sport more accessible to communities and fostering greater public interest and involvement.
Chief Executive Officer
Rugby League Norge
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Company Overview: Norway
- Oversaw all operations for the national rugby league organisation, managing budgets, staffing, and resource allocation to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and financial sustainability.
- Developed and nurtured strategic partnerships with sponsors, government bodies, and international rugby associations, securing crucial funding and support to drive the league's growth and visibility.
- Led initiatives to establish a professional league structure in Norway, implementing key strategic plans that significantly increased local participation and elevated the sport's profile across the country.
- Managed regulatory compliance across all operations, working closely with legal advisors to ensure that governance standards were met, and the organisation adhered to all necessary laws and regulations.
- Coordinated and executed marketing campaigns to promote rugby league in Norway, increasing fan engagement and expanding the sport’s presence through media, events, and outreach activities.
- Fostered strong relationships with local communities, successfully recruiting volunteers and organising support structures that were essential to the smooth execution of league activities and events.
- Norway
Regional Development Manager
Rugby League European Federation
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Developed and executed growth strategies to expand rugby league’s footprint across European regions, driving participation, talent identification, and league development in emerging markets.
- Collaborated closely with national governing bodies to ensure that regional programs aligned with international standards, promoting consistency and cohesion across European rugby league initiatives.
- Led training workshops for coaches, referees, and sports administrators, enhancing the quality of regional programs and building local capacity to support the sport’s growth.
- Established clear performance metrics to evaluate the success of regional programs, providing comprehensive reports to stakeholders and guiding future development strategies.
- Organised cross-border tournaments and training camps to facilitate talent exchange and development, fostering collaboration between European nations and promoting a competitive, united rugby league environment.
- Secured funding from key sponsors and European sports organisations, enabling program expansion and increasing the reach and sustainability of rugby league initiatives across the continent.
Youth Development Manager
New Zealand Warriors
01.2018
- Developed and implemented youth programs designed to identify and nurture young talent, establishing a strong foundation for future success in rugby league at the grassroots level.
- Collaborated with schools and community organisations to promote youth engagement in rugby, increasing participation and raising awareness of the sport in underrepresented areas.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to young players, focusing on skill development, personal growth, and career planning to help them navigate the transition from youth to professional rugby.
- Organised training camps, workshops, and youth tournaments, creating opportunities for players to showcase their abilities and accelerate their development in competitive settings.
- Worked closely with coaches to monitor and assess individual player performance, providing valuable insights and recommendations to optimise player development strategies.
- Secured funding and sponsorship to support program expansion and ensure long-term sustainability, enabling continued growth of the youth rugby development program.
- Introduced and developed sport of Rugby League in Norway; Warren Heilig trophy is awarded annually in Norway.
International Business Manager
Touch Rugby League
01.2016
- Drove international business development strategies to expand the league’s presence in new markets, increasing global participation and brand awareness across diverse regions.
- Negotiated and secured key partnerships and sponsorships with international brands, enhancing league initiatives and fuelling long-term growth and financial sustainability.
- Coordinated closely with international teams, organisations, and stakeholders to plan and execute events, ensuring seamless operations and a high level of global collaboration.
- Developed and executed targeted promotional materials and campaigns, significantly boosting brand recognition and engagement in new international markets through digital and traditional media.
- Managed the logistics of international tournaments, overseeing all operational aspects to ensure timely execution and strict compliance with regulatory and governing body requirements.
Education
Foundations of Directorship -
Australian Institute of Company Directors
05.2025
Masters of Business Administration -
Auckland University of Technology
01.2018
Master of Marketing -
University of Newcastle
Skills
- Strategic development & execution
- Marketing & brand growth
- Event planning & management
- Leadership & team development
- Cross-functional & stakeholder collaboration
- Negotiation & partnership building
- Governance & regulatory compliance
- Financial management & budget oversight
- Resource optimisation & operational efficiency
- Grant & tender proposal writing
- Risk management & decision-making
- Board reporting & communication
- Advanced Microsoft Office (Excel expertise)
References
Referees will be provided upon request
Affiliations
- Represented USA & Norway for Rugby League
Languages
Norwegian
Full Professional
Accomplishments
- I founded rugby league in Norway, Sweeden and Denmark
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager - Participation and Industry Development
TasRacing
01.2022 - Current
Football Operations Manager
Rockhampton Rugby League Club
01.2021 - 01.2022
Independant Sports Consultant
Various
01.2018 - 01.2021
Youth Development Manager
New Zealand Warriors
01.2018
Operations Manager
GT Building & Construction
01.2016 - 01.2018
International Business Manager
Touch Rugby League
01.2016
Development Manager
National Rugby League
01.2014 - 01.2015
Chief Executive Officer
Rugby League Norge
01.2011 - 01.2014
Regional Development Manager
Rugby League European Federation
01.2009 - 01.2011
Foundations of Directorship -
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Masters of Business Administration -
Auckland University of Technology
Master of Marketing -
University of Newcastle