Come lead The Mandarin: We're on a tear, and we're just getting started.
2025 was a huge year for us. Our audience grew 20% year-on-year — the exact opposite of what most other media companies are experiencing. More and more senior and up-and-coming public servants are starting their day with our public interest journalism. Likewise, our events portfolio has never been stronger. This year, we welcomed an extraordinary line‑up of speakers, including a former prime minister, a multitude of department secretaries and government ministers, agency bosses, and speakers from across the globe.
Now we’re looking for an entrepreneurial and commercially savvy Managing Director to lead The Mandarin’s next phase of growth. You’ll balance big‑picture strategy with strong commercial performance, driving key sponsor partnerships while building new revenue streams across audience growth, data, reader revenue and events.
This is a hard, but hugely exciting role for the right person. Ten years in, we’ve built a lot, but the next stage promises to be the most exciting period. Comparisons are always flawed, but think of something akin to Australian Financial Review, but for the public service — and aligned with the values of the service it supports.
Read more here: https://www.themandarin.com.au/304778-come-lead-the-mandarin-were-on-a-tear-and-were-just-getting-started/
What you’ll bring
* Leading the long‑term strategic vision for The Mandarin, working closely with the Editor‑in‑Chief and Private Media’s executive team.
* Translating strategy into clear annual commercial goals, product priorities, and brand investments.
* Acting as the commercial lead for major partnerships, co‑designing high‑value solutions for Tier 1 clients and ensuring strong delivery and repeat business.
* Leading long‑term business development, including subscriptions, event ticket sales and other means to support revenue diversification.
* Keeping ahead of media trends, from video and events to new content formats and shaping how The Mandarin evolves to meet the needs of public‑sector audiences and the private‑sector ecosystem around them.
* Managing The Mandarin’s P&L, overseeing budgets, forecasting, commercial reporting and operational performance across partnerships, events, marketing and delivery.
What you’ll be doing
* Deep understanding of the Australian public sector with experience working in or with government essential.
* A strategic, entrepreneurial mindset with a demonstrated track record in shaping and executing long‑term growth plans.
* Strong commercial acumen, especially in designing and delivering high‑value partnership programs.
* A creative problem‑solving approach and the ability to translate strategic ideas into clear commercial outcomes.
* Confidence working across cross‑functional teams, including editorial, marketing, product, tech and events.
* A commitment to brand integrity, audience trust, and building sustainable, scalable revenue streams.
* Experience in P&L ownership and successfully leading a team to deliver commercial outcomes.
About us
Private Media is Australia’s leading independent digital media company with seven distinctive brands (The Mandarin, Crikey, SmartCompany, Startup Daily, Flying Solo, Business Builders and Your Money Your Life), a series of events and audio brands, and a content marketing agency.
We’ve spent more than 20 years investing in Australia’s best journalism. With the recent addition of Pinstripe Media, we’ve expanded our reach into the startup and small business community. We employ over 50 people across offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, and have a network of over 100 contributors across the globe.
Our Values
1. Growth focused. We believe in the positive impact of each brand. We are determined in our plan and actions to achieve each of our missions. We act individually and as a team to overcome obstacles.
2. High standards. We have high expectations of ourselves because our readers and customers deserve the best. We care about each piece of work we do. We welcome feedback as we know it helps us meet the standards we set.
3. Thinking deeply. We do not rush to superficial conclusions. We welcome the chance to go deep on hard topics. We respect our colleagues enough to constructively criticise their ideas.
Six good reasons to work at Private Media
* Flexible working is who we are: Digital‑first for over 20 years, flexibility is built into how we work. A third of our team is part‑time or remote, and our hybrid model keeps our employees connected while supporting work‑life balance.
* Purpose‑driven journalism: We’re proudly independently committed to holding power to account and producing journalism that matters. Our people know their work has a real impact.
* Growth that’s personal: Every team member has a growth map, regular pit stops and a $400 annual L&D budget to keep learning and progressing.
* A passionate, supportive team: Smart, curious and collaborative. Our people challenge ideas, not each other.
* Diversity and inclusion that’s intentional: We champion new voices and perspectives, and embed I&D in how we hire, develop and lead.
* A mentally healthy workplace: Clear roles, transparent leadership and open feedback create a positive culture backed by trained Mental Health First Aid‑ers and free EAP support for staff and families.
This is a full‑time hybrid role which could be remote (preference for a Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne location). There will be regular domestic travel requirements.
Inclusion Statement
While the role is advertised as full‑time, we wish to be flexible for the right candidate and believe that part‑timers should always be given a go. We strongly encourage diverse candidates to apply, including people from multicultural backgrounds, LGBTQI+, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, and over 45 years of age. We’re looking for the best possible talent to join us at Private Media, regardless of age, gender, religion, race, sexuality, education or physicality.
Ready to apply?
Please email hr@privatemedia.com.au with your cover letter and resume by Monday 5 January 2026.
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