Assistant Director, Aquarium Commercial Operations
Location: Townsville. Full‐time, EL1. Closing date: Sunday 10 May 2026, 11:59 pm AEST.
The Reef Authority is a Commonwealth statutory agency established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 and reports to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Its objective is the long‐term protection, ecologically sustainable use, and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef through the care and development of the Marine Park.
We are redeveloping the National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium to create a world‐class living tropical reef aquarium. The redevelopment will bring benefits to Townsville by becoming an iconic landmark and offering immersive, interactive exhibitions that educate and inspire conservation.
The Position
You will establish and lead commercial services supporting the Aquarium's redevelopment and transition to full operations. The role includes building the Aquarium's commercial function from the ground up, managing delivery through construction, pre‐opening, and operational phases, and designing and implementing café, gift shop, ticketing, and admissions operations. You will oversee selection and implementation of an integrated Business Enabling System, develop operational procedures and service standards, establish staffing structures, recruit and train teams, and ensure exceptional visitor experiences.
You will work collaboratively with project teams, curatorial staff, and senior leadership to align commercial operations with the Aquarium's mission and strategic objectives, establish sustainable revenue streams, enhance visitor satisfaction, and position the facility for long‐term success.
About You
* Proven experience in commercial operations, ideally within tourism, cultural institutions, or government agencies.
* Experienced people leader with a track record of managing teams, building capability, and fostering collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
* Strong communicator who can influence, negotiate, and craft engagement strategies that achieve business outcomes and meet visitor needs.
* Able to prioritise and align operational activities with organisational objectives, delivering tasks on time and to a high standard in dynamic, project‐driven environments.
* Highly skilled in stakeholder engagement (internal and external) with a natural problem‐solving approach and a solutions‐focused mindset.
* Thrives under pressure, has excellent attention to detail, and remains composed when managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
Duties
* Lead development and implementation of commercial business operations including café, gift shop, and ticketing/admissions services.
* Collaborate with the Director and General Manager to ensure operations align with the Aquarium's mission, enhance visitor experience, and support financial sustainability.
* Oversee selection, implementation, and ongoing management of an integrated Business Enabling System covering POS, ticketing, inventory, customer relationship, and membership management.
* Lead and manage a multi‐disciplinary team across café, gift shop, and ticketing/admissions operations, fostering a customer‐focused culture and meeting revenue targets.
* Identify risks and opportunities associated with commercial operations, incorporate them into planning and decision‐making, and ensure adherence to relevant procurement policies.
Essential Requirements
* Tertiary qualification in Business Administration, Commerce, MBA, or related field with a minimum of five years' experience in commercial business operations.
* Australian citizenship at the time of application.
* Baseline security clearance required; successful candidates must obtain and maintain a clearance at the specified level.
* Willingness to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre‐employment check through a Document Verification Service.
* Must hold or be able to obtain a Working With Children Check (QLD Blue Card); failure to obtain or maintain will result in termination.
* Must comply with the Reef Authority's Child Safety and Well‐Being Policy; non‐compliance will result in termination.
Desirable qualifications or equivalent experience
* Experience developing and implementing a business/operating model from the ground up.
* Experience with Australian Government procurement and contract management processes.
* Understanding of the visitor economy, particularly for an attraction or tourism‐based facility.
RecruitAbility
The Reef Authority participates in the RecruitAbility scheme. Applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum requirements will be invited to participate in further assessment activities.
Eligibility
* Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
* Australian Government Security Vetting Agency clearance at the required level.
* Evidence of citizenship status and qualifications.
* Completed national police‐check with no risks identified.
* Final approval by the CEO or Delegate for Notice of Engagement.
* Adherence to the Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book information.
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