Galvin-Rowley Executive Search – Epping VIC
Melbourne Market Authority (Epping, VIC)
Fixed-term Executive Contract | Remuneration Range PSES-3
Melbourne Market Authority (MMA) is seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead one of Victoria's most significant commercial and agricultural precincts. As custodian of Australia's largest wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market, MMA sits at the heart of a $2 billion annual fresh produce ecosystem and enables efficient, safe and sustainable distribution across the State and beyond.
This appointment will follow the conclusion of the current CEO's tenure and reflects the Board's commitment to strong governance and an open, merit‑based selection process. The incoming CEO will be positioned to commence strongly and lead immediately, shaping the next era of market modernisation and precinct growth.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Board, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership of MMA, balancing commercial performance and public‑sector accountability as a statutory authority under the Melbourne Market Act 1977. The role leads a highly active organisation overseeing a $579M+ asset and property portfolio, a vibrant market community, and a complex network of government and industry stakeholders.
Key priorities for the next CEO include:
* Structural Reform – taking carriage part way through a consultation and development process to drive sustainable operational change over the ensuing 2‑3 year period.
* Advancing major master plan and site utilisation initiatives to optimise land use, expand warehousing, upgrade digital infrastructure and lift sustainability performance.
* Driving revenue growth and stronger tenancy outcomes, beyond historic rent review approaches.
* Leading digital innovation to support data‑driven operations, safety and enforcement (with expert advice where needed).
* Strengthening relationships across a diverse stakeholder landscape, particularly with government (DEECA, DTF and Ministerial offices), growers, wholesalers, retailers and their representatives.
Key responsibilities
The CEO's remit spans six integrated result areas:
* Strategic & Operational Leadership – Shape and deliver long‑term strategy with the Board; champion innovation, sustainability, safety‑first culture; monitor market performance and lead corrective action when needed.
* Property & Asset Stewardship – Provide executive oversight of MMA's property and asset portfolio; drive development and redevelopment to maximise precinct utilisation and long‑term value.
* Financial Leadership – Lead financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting; maintain profitability alongside public obligations; ensure strong governance and compliance.
* Governance, Compliance & Risk – Ensure full legislative compliance; embed a safety‑first, integrity‑driven culture; maintain robust risk controls.
* Stakeholder Management & Government Relations – Build enduring partnerships across government, industry, and community; negotiate competing interests with diplomacy and clarity.
* Performance, Culture & People Leadership – Inspire a high‑performance, inclusive culture aligned with MMA values; oversee executive performance, capability, and workforce strategy.
About you
The Board is seeking a CEO who brings:
* Strong commercial capability, with a track record of sustaining profitability in complex environments.
* Deep stakeholder leadership experience, ideally across government, industry bodies, and multi‑party commercial communities.
* Victorian / state‑based ties and a clear understanding of the Victorian public sector context and accountability.
* Ideally a connection to rural or regional Victoria, reflecting the market's agricultural supply chain roots.
* Backgrounds that may align well include property/precinct management, industrial precincts, food manufacturing, large‑scale retail or supply‑chain environments .
Qualifications & experience
* Tertiary qualifications in a business‑related discipline; postgraduate qualifications in business/operations/logistics advantageous.
* Executive leadership experience within medium‑sized, operationally intensive organisations.
* Proven success in financial and asset leadership, development programs, and large‑scale operational improvement.
* Knowledge of agricultural, wholesale and/or fresh produce supply chains highly regarded.
* Familiarity overseeing outsourced facilities/asset management contracts advantageous.
Why MMA?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a high‑value Victorian asset with national relevance, influence one of the most important supply‑chain ecosystems in Australia, and deliver lasting modernisation across a unique commercial precinct.
Diversity, equity & inclusion
MMA and Galvin‑Rowley Executive welcome applications from leaders of all backgrounds. We are committed to inclusive shortlists and to supporting an equitable, merit‑based process.
Candidate Information Pack
To obtain a copy of the Candidate Information Pack, please email Laura Gaugain *****@galvinrowley.com.au.
How to apply
Please provide:
* A one–two page cover letter outlining your motivation and suitability.
* Your current resume .
Applications close: Friday 9 January 2026.
Jennifer Galvin‑Rowley
Founder & Director, Galvin‑Rowley Executive
Laura Gaugain
Senior Account Manager 0404 766 *** *****@galvinrowley.com.au
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