- Lead one of Australia's most iconic nature based tourism destinations
- Drive commercial growth, innovation and exceptional visitor experiences
- Shape the future of tourism while supporting meaningful conservation outcomes
Nestled on the captivating Phillip Island (Milawul) in Victoria, on the traditional lands of the Bunurong people, Phillip Island Nature Parks is one of Australia's most significant nature-based tourism destinations. Welcoming more than one million visitors annually, the organisation manages some of Victoria's most iconic attractions, including the world-renowned Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island and St Kilda Penguins. Conservation is at the heart of the organisation, with its unique visitor experiences generating vital revenue to support wildlife protection, research and conservation initiatives. Guided by its vision to create an island haven where nature and people thrive together, Phillip Island Nature Parks continues to evolve as a leading tourism and conservation organisation.
An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and commercially astute leader to join Phillip Island Nature Parks as General Manager – Tourism & Commercial. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and forming part of the Executive Leadership Team, this pivotal role will lead the strategic and operational performance of the organisation's tourism portfolio, with responsibility for approximately 150 staff across multiple attractions and commercial operations. With a focus on strengthening financial sustainability, enhancing visitor experiences and driving innovation, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of the tourism business. This includes identifying opportunities to diversify revenue, develop higher yielding visitor experiences, optimise commercial performance and strengthen the organisation's position as a leading visitor destination.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and leading a passionate and purpose driven team, you will foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, empowering leaders to challenge traditional approaches and embrace new opportunities. A key priority will be driving commercial transformation while maintaining the organisation's strong conservation values and commitment to exceptional visitor experiences. You will oversee the performance of attractions, retail and catering operations, identify opportunities for new products and experiences, and establish strategic commercial partnerships that deliver sustainable returns. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and key stakeholders, including tourism agencies, commercial operators and industry partners, you will strengthen operational performance, champion safety and ensure the continued delivery of world-class visitor experiences.
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, you will bring significant senior leadership experience within tourism, hospitality, hotels, major attractions, events or similarly complex visitor focused environments. You will demonstrate a strong track record in leading multi-site operations, delivering commercial growth, managing financial performance and building high-performing teams. Importantly, you will be an engaging and adaptable leader who can successfully navigate change, influence stakeholders and bring people on a journey of transformation. Your ability to balance commercial outcomes with exceptional customer experiences, develop innovative revenue opportunities and build strong strategic partnerships will be essential. Experience leading complex venue operations, negotiating commercial agreements and driving cultural and operational improvement will position you well for success.
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to one of Victoria's most recognised tourism and conservation organisations. Joining a passionate and dedicated team, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of Phillip Island Nature Parks' tourism operations, deliver sustainable commercial growth and create memorable visitor experiences that directly support the protection of our natural environment for generations to come.
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/yt9bk54u
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter outlining your experience in line with the selection criteria.
For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Alannah O’Carroll at 0426 691 205 or Paul Lefebvre at 0408 036 046.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Applications close on 2nd of December 2026.
