GM Operations - Roads Australia

GM Operations - Roads Australia

About Transport Australia

Transport Australia (TA) is the nation’s peak industry body for the integrated transport system. We connect government and industry to promote sustainable economic growth and liveability. We are focused on safety, system outcomes and the end-user, now and into the future.

As TA enters its next phase of growth, we are strengthening our operational capability to support an expanding membership base, a high‑profile policy agenda, and a national events and engagement program.

About the role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the General Manager Operations is a pivotal new appointment responsible for driving commercial performance, operational excellence and organisational effectiveness across Transport Australia.

This is a commercially focused leadership role with strong accountability for revenue, cost control, financial discipline and governance, suited to a small, member‑based organisation.                       

The General Manager Operations is responsible for Transport Australia’s membership, commercial and financial performance, including revenue from membership, sponsorships and events, and the effective delivery of member programs.

The role has a strong focus on commercial discipline, financial management and governance, working closely with the CEO and Financial Controller to ensure Transport Australia is financially sustainable, well governed and operationally effective.

Key Responsibilities

Membership, Sales and Growth

• Lead Transport Australia's membership strategy, including acquisition, retention and engagement, aligned to the strategic plan.
  
• Own membership revenue targets and ensure a structured, disciplined sales approach.
  
• Develop and manage a membership sales pipeline, with clear targets, forecasting and regular reporting.
  
• Segment the membership base to tailor value propositions and support growth across priority sectors.
  
• Build strong, trusted relationships with members and maintain regular engagement and feedback loops.
  

Commercial, Marketing and Events

• Lead the commercial planning and delivery of Transport Australia's events, sponsorships and programs.
  
• Ensure events and programs are well designed, well marketed, well attended and financially viable.
  
• Oversee marketing activity that supports membership growth, sponsorship, events and brand visibility.
  
• Ensure clear pricing, cost control and margin management across events and programs.
  
• Identify opportunities to strengthen revenue and improve commercial performance within TA's scale.
  

Financial management

• Work closely with the Financial Controller to manage Transport Australia's financial performance.
  
• Contribute to annual budgeting, forecasting and medium term financial planning.
  
• Monitor revenue, costs and cashflow, ensuring timely corrective action where required.
  
• Establish and track clear financial and operational metrics, including sales, events and membership performance.
  
• Support accurate and transparent financial reporting to the Executive Team and Board.
  

Governance and Board support

• Play a key role in supporting effective organisational governance.
  
• Prepare and contribute to Board papers and reporting, particularly relating to membership, commercial performance, financial sustainability and risk.
  
• Support the maintenance of a practical organisational risk register and risk mitigation actions.
  
• Ensure decisions and operations are aligned with Board expectations, policies and delegated authorities.
  

Leadership

• Lead and support a small, high-performing team.
  
• Foster a collaborative, professional and inclusive culture.
  
• Work constructively with executive peers across the organisation to deliver shared outcomes.
  
• Drive continuous improvement in systems, processes and delivery.
  

Corporate and operational oversight

• Provide practical oversight of people practices to ensure compliance with employment and WHS obligations.
  
• Manage key external service providers (including HR and IT) to support efficient operations.
  
• Oversee premises, equipment and systems to ensure staff have fit-for-purpose tools and working environments.
  

About You

You will bring a blend of commercial acumen, operational leadership and strategic capability, ideally gained within membership‑based organisations, peak bodies, associations, government, or complex service environments.

You will also demonstrate:

• Strong commercial and financial management capability, including budgeting, forecasting and revenue accountability.
  
• Proven experience leading sales, membership growth or business development with clear pipeline discipline.
  
• Experience overseeing marketing, events or sponsorships as revenue and cost centres.
  
• Experience working with Boards and contributing to governance and reporting.
  
• Strong stakeholder management skills across diverse industry groups.
  
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and networks, working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
  
• Experience leading small teams and managing performance.
  
• Understanding of the transport sector or related industries (desirable).
  

Why Join Transport Australia?

• Play a central role in shaping the future of Australia’s transport sector.
  
• Work with a passionate, high‑performing team committed to national impact.
  
• Lead meaningful organisational change and operational uplift.
  
• Enjoy a flexible, supportive and purpose‑driven working environment.
  
• Be part of a growing organisation with strong industry influence and visibility
  

Whether you’re actively seeking your next challenge or exploring opportunities that align with your leadership strengths, we welcome your interest. We are open to applicants based in Melbourne or Sydney.

Please submit a one‑page Expression of Interest and CV, or reach out for a confidential discussion.

For further information, please contact Hayley or leave a message via SMS on 0420 941 682 and we will get back to you.

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