Overview
The Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre (VEC) Manager provides comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight for the VEC and its surrounding precinct, from its pre-opening development phase through to ongoing operational excellence and sustainable growth. The role is based in Torquay with pre-opening responsibilities, then transitioning to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre as the primary location.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead VEC pre-opening activities ensuring day-one operational readiness.
- Represent GORCAPA within project governance groups.
- Develop operational policies and procedures as required.
- Oversee team recruitment, training and system implementation.
- Coordinate and provide input to final fit-out, merchandising and launch strategy.
- Secure all required licenses, permits and regulatory approvals.
- Assume full profit and loss responsibility for the precinct.
- Drive revenue generation, budgeting, KPI monitoring and forecasting.
- Contribute to strategic planning and identify future investment opportunities.
- Deliver day-to-day operations and a world-class visitor experience.
- Manage site contracts, partnerships and vendor relationships.
- Serve as Duty Manager during peak periods and critical incidents.
- Liaison for capital works and maintenance programs.
- Develop new products and services to enhance visitor experience.
- Implement visitor dispersal strategies using events, promotions, and dynamic pricing.
- Build relationships with government, tourism partners and community stakeholders.
- Represent GORCAPA at industry events and contribute to regional tourism planning.
- Identify, report and mitigate operational and strategic risks; ensure OHS compliance and emergency preparedness.
Knowledge And Skills
- Understanding of current tourism industry trends, regional destination planning, and market dynamics within the Victorian context and the Great Ocean Road region.
- Knowledge of best practices in visitor attraction operations, including ticketing, retail, F&B;, services & facilities management.
- Strong financial management skills: budgeting, forecasting, revenue generation and commercial drivers.
- Ability to develop and articulate a clear strategic vision and translate it into actionable plans.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
- Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, evolving environment.
Qualifications And Experience
- Tertiary qualification in Business, Tourism, Hospitality or Project Management (or related field).
- 7+ years of senior leadership experience in visitor attractions, tourism destinations, or complex public venues.
- Pre-opening, commissioning, or major project delivery experience.
- Demonstrated success in managing significant budgets, driving revenue growth, and achieving financial targets in a commercial environment.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams in a dynamic operating environment with a safety focus.
- Experience managing commercial contracts and strategic partnerships.
- Experience cultivating and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders including government, tourism, community and executives.
- Experience overseeing crisis management and emergency response plans in a public-facing setting.
Applications Require
- A current resume
- Cover Letter
Terms and Conditions of Employment
- Provide a National Police Check Certificate.
- Obtain a Working with Children Certificate.
- Provide evidence of Australian Work Rights.
- Hold a current Australian Driver’s License.
Everyone is welcome at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, valuing and embracing the experiences and perspectives of all people.
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