Chief Executive Officer - Australian Hairdressing Council

- Sydney
- Full Time

Join the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: Remote
Type: Full-time, not-for-profit
Reports to: The AHC Board

About Us:
The Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) is the national association connecting hairdressing and barber professionals, educators, and suppliers. As a not-for-profit company, we represent and collaborate with all industry stakeholders to ensure a sustainable, positive future for our vibrant industry and community.

The Australian Hairdressing Council is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply for this leadership role. Join us in shaping the future of the Australian hairdressing industry!

Position Overview:
We are on the lookout for a dynamic and visionary CEO to lead the charge in advancing the Australian hairdressing industry. In this hands-on role, you will be instrumental in setting and executing AHC's strategic direction, with a strong commitment to innovation, education, and industry advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the organisation's strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Provide visionary leadership, setting strategic direction and long-term goals for AHC's continued growth and impact.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry stakeholders, including member salons, educators, government bodies, and industry partners.
• Represent AHC at industry events, conferences, and meetings to advocate for the interests of the hairdressing profession.

Advocacy and Public Relations

• Function as a visible and influential spokesperson for AHC, promoting the organisation's initiatives and advocating for the industry's interests at a national level.
• Collaborate with government agencies and regulatory bodies to influence policy and standards impacting the hairdressing sector.

Financial Management

• Oversee the organisation's budget and financial performance, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, grants, and sponsorships to support AHC's programs and initiatives.

Membership and Education

• Enhance the value proposition for AHC members, ensuring they receive the resources, education, and support they need.
• Drive initiatives to promote education and training within the industry and maintain AHC as a leading source of industry knowledge.

Team Leadership

• Lead the team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture.
• Set clear expectations, provide guidance, and ensure staff's professional development and growth.

Competencies and Skills:

• Proven senior leadership.
• Strength in strategic planning and execution skills, with a history of successful organisational growth.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities with diverse stakeholders.
• Financial acumen and budget management skills.
• Experience in advocating key initiatives across a broad set of stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication and public speaking capabilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience in a not-for-profit organisation or association, is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the hairdressing industry or experience in a related sector is highly desirable.
• Understanding of SMEs is desirable.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates to submit a cover letter, resume and references.

The application deadline is 18 March 2024.

Other Articles

Published September 23, 2026

What Insurance Do We Need to Reduce Risk for Associations & NFPs?

Risk management is one of those areas that every association and not-for-profit Board knows is important - but it can sometimes become little more than a risk register reviewed once or twice a year.

Insurance can be treated in much the same way.

The organisation receives its annual insurance renewal, the premium is approved, the policy is renewed and everyone assumes the organisation is covered.

Read more

Published September 23, 2026

Who Really Decides Where Your Next Conference Is Being Held?

A practical look at volunteer governance, operational decision-making and what the events industry needs to understand about associations.

Read more

Published September 20, 2026

A $900 Membership Fee — And a Red Flag for Associations

Nick Koerbin has spent many years working with professional and industry associations, and he has developed a simple habit: whenever he meets a professional, he often asks whether they belong to their association — and whether they believe the membership is worth it.

A recent conversation with a young allied health professional raised some important questions about membership value, relevance and the expectations of the next generation.

In this article, Nick shares that conversation and challenges association leaders to consider a simple but confronting question:

Would the next generation of professionals in your sector believe your association is worth joining?

Read more