The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is responsible for protecting and managing one of Australia’s most iconic coastal landscapes. We care for parks, reserves and marine environments along the Great Ocean Road, including internationally recognised visitor sites. Working closely with Traditional Owners, communities and stakeholders, we protect environmental, cultural and heritage values while supporting sustainable visitation and long‑term conservation.
Description
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic General Manager Operations to lead the integration, optimisation and performance of operational delivery across the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA).
Reporting to the Director Land and Marine Management, this senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing a coordinated, high-performing operating model across coastal and park management functions. A key priority will be leading the transition and integration of National Park management functions into GORCAPA’s operating framework, ensuring seamless alignment of systems, workforce, processes and service delivery.
This role is critical to driving a “one system” approach—bringing together environment, emergency management, infrastructure, visitor services and asset management to deliver safe, sustainable and high-quality outcomes across one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.
This is a fixed-term role for 1 year.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the integration of coastal and park operations into a cohesive, end-to-end operating model
- Oversee the transition of National Park management functions into GORCAPA’s operating environment
- Translate strategic priorities into consistent, coordinated and effective operational delivery
- Provide leadership and performance oversight across multiple operational managers
- Drive continuous improvement, standardisation and optimisation of service delivery models
- Ensure alignment across environmental management, emergency response, infrastructure and visitor services
- Manage operational risk, resource allocation and budget performance across diverse service areas
- Strengthen organisational capability, accountability and a culture of high performance
- Partner with stakeholders including Traditional Owners, government agencies and community groups
- Support emergency management readiness and coordinated operational responses
Skills And Experiences
What We’re Looking For
Qualifications & Experience
- Tertiary qualification in environmental management, planning, engineering or a related field
- Extensive senior leadership experience (10+ years) in complex operational environments
- Proven experience in government or statutory authority settings
- Strong track record delivering large-scale, cross-functional programs and organisational change
Capabilities & Skills
- Ability to translate strategic direction into operational systems and delivery models
- Experience leading operational integration, transformation or continuous improvement initiatives
- Strong leadership capability with experience managing multidisciplinary teams
- Sound understanding of coastal, environmental or public land management contexts
- Highly developed stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- Strong financial, resource and project management capability
- Excellent problem-solving, decision-making and risk management skills
- Ability to prepare high-quality reports and provide evidence-based advice to executives
Why Join Us?
- Play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the future of one of Australia’s most significant coastal regions
- Contribute to the protection and sustainable management of over 150,000 hectares of coastal and marine environments
- Work in partnership with Traditional Owners, communities and key stakeholders
- Lead meaningful organisational change and large-scale operational integration
- Be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to environmental stewardship, cultural recognition and sustainable tourism
- Enjoy a unique opportunity to deliver lasting impact for current and future generations
Everyone is welcome at the Authority.
Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority we are committed to creating a workforce that is diverse and is inclusive of all. We value and embrace the various experiences and perspectives people may have, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live and all First Nations peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Applications close 9am, Wednesday, 24th June 2026.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager Operations in Torquay
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