The Opportunity
An opportunity exists for an experienced Managing Director to lead the Australian and New Zealand operations of a highly successful, established international travel business.
This role carries full accountability for the performance, growth and leadership of a mature, commercially sophisticated operation within a consumer travel environment.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and Global Functional Heads, the Managing Director will play a pivotal role in shaping commercial strategy, strengthening supplier partnerships and driving marketing-led growth.
This is a senior executive appointment and is not suited to first‑time Managing Directors or General Managers from small or early‑stage businesses.
Key Responsibilities
* Executive leadership of Australian and New Zealand travel operations
* Full ownership of P&L, forecasting, budgeting and financial performance
* Development and execution of growth strategies across sales, marketing and distribution
* Building and strengthening key supplier partnerships and commercial agreements
* Driving market share, brand awareness and revenue outcomes
* Oversight of marketing strategy to ensure effective lead generation and conversion
* Ensuring operational excellence and strong return on investment
* Continuous optimisation of systems, processes and organisational performance
* Leading, developing and retaining a high-performing senior leadership team
* Partnering closely with global leadership and functional heads
About You
You are a commercially astute, data-driven executive with proven experience operating at Managing Director level, or as a very senior General Manager within a large, complex travel or consumer business.
You will bring:
* Demonstrated experience leading established, multi-layered operations
* Proven accountability for substantial P&L responsibility
* Strong background in supplier partnerships, commercial negotiations and strategic marketing
* Experience within travel, tourism or adjacent consumer sectors
* Exposure to high-volume, sales-led or call-centre environments
* A track record of converting strategy into sustained top- and bottom-line growth
* A leadership style that drives accountability, performance and cultural alignment
Critical Experience Requirements
To be considered, candidates must demonstrate:
* Senior executive leadership within a medium to large, established organisation
* Experience managing complex operations beyond small teams or start-up environments
* Proven success driving growth through supplier relationships and marketing strategy
* A history of operating in commercially demanding, fast-paced businesses
This role is not suitable for candidates whose leadership experience has been limited to small teams, low-revenue operations, or early-stage businesses.
Skills & Capabilities
* Strong commercial and financial acumen
* Highly developed analytical and problem-solving capability
* Ability to influence at CEO and board level
* Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
* Strategic mindset with a marketing-led growth orientation
* Resilient, decisive and adaptable leadership approach
* Executive-level strategic leadership experience
* Full P&L accountability
* Demonstrated capability in supplier partnerships and marketing strategy
* Ability to work flexibly, including extended hours as required
* Willingness to travel when required
This executive search is being conducted on a strictly confidential basis. All applications will be handled accordingly. DM me or email your CV and cover letter to alan@traveltraderecruitment.com.au
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