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We're seeking an energetic and influential CEO to drive strategy and elevate our industry voice.
About the Role
With over 10,000 members, Master Builders is the peak employer association for the building and construction industry, representing some of Australia’s largest and most successful builders and trade contractors.
As CEO, you’ll drive our strategic agenda, represent the industry, and ensure our organisation remains sustainable, respected and member focused. You’ll work closely with the Board, lead a capable team, and shape the culture, performance and influence of the organisation.
What it looks like
With over 130 staff spanning nine offices across southeast and regional Queensland, we’re seeking an energetic and influential CEO to drive strategy, elevate our industry voice and lead a high performing team.
Reporting directly to the Board you will use your collaborative leadership style to work with the leadership team on executing our strategic plan, ensuring we continue to operate both a financially viable and sustainable business model that satisfies the interests and needs of our members.
You will ensure we are leveraging our networks across industry and government to influence and advocate for positive change, allowing us to respond to and navigate the complex pressures our industry will continue to face.
The skills you’ll bring
The ability to engage with industry, government and media are critical to your success in this role. You will have a natural and collaborative leadership style with a flair for high-level strategic thinking and commercial acumen. You will be able to demonstrate:
While not essential, an appreciation of a not-for-profit business model and awareness of the nuances of a member-based association will be highly regarded.
Ready to lead the team? Please forward a detailed resume with a covering letter outlining why your appointment will help Master Builders build upon its existing success.
Applications Close: 9th March 2026
Please note: At this time we are not engaging recruitment agencies for this role. Applications are invited directly from candidates.
The association sector is in the middle of a leadership handover.
Across Australia and New Zealand, CEOs and Executive Directors are moving on. Some are retiring. Some have gone to larger organisations.
Some have left because the relationship with their Board ran out of puff. The reasons vary, but the movement is noticeable, and Boards are
appointing replacements.
The encouraging part is the calibre of the people coming in. Many are genuinely well suited to the job — capable executives with strong
records behind them. A good number are stepping into an association CEO role for the first time.
Most associations can provide a long list of membership benefits. They may include professional development, advocacy, networking, industry information, events, resources, accreditation, discounts and access to specialist advice. However, a list of benefits does not necessarily explain why someone makes the decision to join.
While every Board is different, the same governance issues appear time and again. One of the most common is allowing one person’s behaviour
to dominate the Board table.
Almost every Board has experienced it at some point. One director who seems to consume more time and energy than everyone else combined.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
