Two of Australia's leading tourism facilities
Jamala Wildlife Lodge is regarded as amongst the top animal lodges in the world and has won numerous local, national and international awards, including Best Luxury Accommodation in Australia, Most Unique Accommodation in Australia, along with being voted by 11 out of 14 countries as the Best Experiential Accommodation in Australia.
The National Zoo and Aquarium is regarded as not only one of the leading zoos in Australia but has also been voted by the Australian Tourism Authority as one of the top two Major Tourist Attractions in Australia in their annual Tourism Awards.
The National Zoo and Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife Lodge are looking for a CEO to oversee the operations of both businesses. The current owners wish to significantly reduce their involvement in and to appoint a person to consult with them on major policy matters and to work with the Directors of the zoo and Jamala to run the companies. The CEO will work closely with the Directors, with the objective to refine and expand current operations.
The zoo and Jamala are world class facilities that are in the final stages of adding additional function and conference facilities, along with new rooms that will rate amongst the best hotel and lodge rooms in the world.
They currently employ some 230 staff with a full-time equivalent staff of approximately 140. Of these 230 staff, approximately 190 will report directly or indirectly to the CEO.
The role will involve:
National Zoo and Aquarium
The CEO will work with the Directors in overseeing operational matters of the zoo, outside of animal management. The Directors of the zoo will control this facet and will work with the CEO to assist with ensuring that there is synergy between the different sections. The CEO's areas of control will include:
· Accounts, cash flow and reporting, including financial reporting. This will represent an integral part of the CEO's role, working with the Chief Financial Officer and General Operations Manager to present an analysis of reports, along with recommendations, to the Directors,.
· General administration, including HR, WH&S and IT.
· Marketing, promotion and public relations. Working with our inhouse Marketing Manager and external consultants to ensure that our significant marketing budget achieves maximum results.
· Education services, activities and community engagement. Working with a Director and Education Managers to optimise our contribution to education and conservation.
· Guest Services and Commercial Outlets: Working with our Guest Services, F&B and Gift Shop managers to oversee the operations and refinement of the zoos gift shops, food outlets and entries, along with the development of our new Conference and Functions Room and facilities.
· Maintenance and Development: Approximately 25 fulltime staff work to the Facilities Manager and to the Directors, who oversee maintenance, cleaning, development and upgrade of the zoo, along with the upkeep of over 100 vehicles, buggies and ride-on machinery. The CEO will be expected to have input into the presentation of the zoo and Jamala.
The zoo is regarded as 'The Centre of Adventure' and continually adds to the experiences available for visitors to the zoo, including a highly acknowledged playground, a children's Discovery Trail, a dinosaur and megafauna display, quality food outlets, along with a program of festivals and conservation promotions every weekend. Further expansion into new activities is planned and the CEO will be expected to work with the Directors with ideas and their implementation.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
The CEO will work with the Directors and take an active role overseeing operations of Jamala, including those listed above, along with:
· F&B
· Housekeeping
· Front Office and bookings
· Maintenance of all buildings, grounds and assets
· Working with guides and zoo staff to ensure all hotel tours and encounters are handled effectively
Requirements
The successful applicant will need to demonstrate an impressive background as a successful manager of:
· A 5 star hotel or preferably a luxury lodge or
· A zoo or tourist facility and/or
· A private business that will demonstrate the ability to successfully adapt to these industries.
The CEO will need to be extremely business savvy with a strong background in financial and business knowledge and decision making. Although these companies are driven by a passion for animals and conservation rather than just profit, the successful applicant will need to capable of assessing and making business decisions, as most senior staff and directors have progressed through the animal side of the business.
They will be expected to be able to liaise with all staff and to prepare, analyse and act on financial reports. They will need to be pro-active and hands-on managers and will not be desk bound but will be expected to spend considerable time working in and with all sections to ensure that they are operating at maximum capacity and efficiency.
The position will suit a dynamic and motivated individual who takes great pride in their achievements and who will take ownership of the performance of the zoo and Jamala and not be limited to a 38-hour, 5-day week.
Salary will be commensurate with experience, and no set amount has been determined. Send applications along with available starting date and expected salary range direct to the owner:
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