Operations Manager

Applications closing on 19 June 2026, 09:00 AM

• Job TypeFull Time
• Package$136,969 - $171,745 + super
• Position Description PD-Operations-Manager-May-26.pdf(PDF, 255KB)

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.

We are seeking a highly capable and hands-on Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day performance of the Twelve Apostles Precinct, including the newly developed Visitor Experience Centre.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior operational leadership role within one of Australia’s most iconic tourism destinations. You will be responsible for ensuring the precinct operates safely, efficiently and to a world-class standard, managing high visitor volumes while protecting the natural, cultural and environmental values of the landscape.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will work closely with the General Manager and act as second-in-charge when required, translating strategic priorities into seamless operational delivery across a complex and high-profile precinct.

What You’ll Do

In This Role, You Will

• Lead daily precinct operations to maintain a safe, compliant and consistently visitor-ready environment, providing strong on-site leadership during peak periods and major events
• Act as the key escalation point for incidents and disruptions, using sound judgement to resolve issues quickly while driving continuous operational and visitor experience improvements
• Oversee the maintenance, presentation and functionality of all assets and infrastructure, including planned, preventative and reactive works, while coordinating upgrades and capital projects in a live environment
• Ensure high standards across public amenities, pathways, parking areas and landscaped spaces
• Manage and oversee contractors and service providers across cleaning, waste, maintenance, security and traffic, monitoring performance and building effective working relationships
• Lead traffic, parking and crowd management strategies to support high visitation and events, coordinating teams and adapting in real time to maintain safe, efficient visitor flow
• Plan for operational readiness during peak seasons and events, support emergency management activities and ensure compliance with relevant legislation
• Identify, assess and mitigate operational risks across the site
• Collaborate with internal teams and provide regular reporting on performance, risks and improvement opportunities, while supporting budget management through effective resource and contractor oversight

What We’re Looking For

You are an experienced operations leader who thrives in complex, high-volume environments. You bring a practical, solutions-focused mindset and enjoy leading from the front.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in an operations management or senior operational role within tourism, parks, facilities or a similar public-facing environment
• Strong understanding of operational risk, OHS and emergency management
• Experience managing contractors, service providers and operational teams
• Demonstrated ability to manage peak periods, events and high visitor volumes
• Excellent problem-solving, organisational and decision-making skills
• Relevant qualifications in operations, facilities management, tourism or a related field

Why Work With Us

At GORCAPA, you’ll play a key role in protecting and managing one of Australia’s most significant and visited natural destinations.

We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead operations at an iconic, world-renowned site
• The chance to contribute to sustainable tourism and environmental protection
• A collaborative and purpose-driven organisational culture
• A role with real impact across community, environment and visitor experience
• Stunning coastal work environment along the Great Ocean Road

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.