Australia's largest public museum organisation is seeking a Head, Commercial Development and Operations at Museums Victoria.
Australia's largest public museum organisation is seeking a Head, Commercial Development and Operations at Museums Victoria.
ABOUT MUSEUMS VICTORIA:
Ever dreamed of working in a place where dinosaurs roam, stars explode, and the world's most intriguing stories come to life? Welcome to Museums Victoria (MV)—where every day is a new opportunity to create unforgettable experiences. As one of the southern hemisphere's largest and most iconic museum organisations, we're not just about exhibits; we're about engaging, immersive moments that spark curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Home to the awe-inspiring Melbourne Museum, the culturally rich Immigration Museum, the mind-expanding Scienceworks, and the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, MV is a place where events transform spaces and stories into something truly unmissable. Join a passionate team that brings ideas to life and makes discovery part of everyday experience.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Head of Commercial Development and Operations is responsible for maximising the revenue and net contribution of Museums Victoria's commercial enterprises, including IMAX Melbourne, Car Park, Retail Services, and Venues and Events. This senior leadership role will drive revenue growth, deliver strong commercial returns, and ensure an outstanding visitor experience. As a key member of the Museums Victoria leadership team, the incumbent will lead high-performing teams that contribute to the organisation's mission, vision, and strategic objectives. The role is also accountable for developing a highly capable and engaged Commercial Operations team and fostering a collaborative, accountable, and values-driven culture across the organisation.
Some of the key duties include:
Leadership and Strategy
- Work with the CEO, Director, Development and Commercial Operations, and Executive Team to shape Museums Victoria's overall strategy and identify how Commercial Operations can best contribute to its success.
- Develop and monitor the annual Business Plan and Budget for Commercial Operations, and prepare business cases, reports, and other documentation for the Museums Victoria Board and sub-committees.
- Lead the implementation and review of the Commercial Operations Strategy, ensuring commercial targets and business development goals are achieved and risks effectively managed.
- Build and lead a high-performing Commercial Operations team that fosters a culture of entrepreneurism, continuous improvement, and accountability.
Commercial Operations
- Oversee financial and budget management across all commercial enterprises, including forecasting, reporting, cost control, and performance analysis.
- Drive business planning processes, including complex commercial modelling and documentation for new and existing initiatives.
- Manage business controls and ensure seamless integration between commercial systems and Museums Victoria's financial systems.
- Oversee major commercial projects from tender through to delivery, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Research and recommend new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve business processes and performance.
Marketing and Visitor Engagement
- Lead marketing and brand positioning across commercial business units to foster commercial growth and build brand equity.
- Ensure all commercial operations deliver an exceptional visitor experience and high-quality customer service.
Business Development and Partnerships
- Develop and execute an ambitious and comprehensive commercial partnerships program to drive new revenue opportunities.
- Support retail operations to expand
revenue through licensing, wholesale partnerships, and collaborations.
- Negotiate major commercial contracts with third-party suppliers, promoters, and equipment providers.
- Build and maintain strong, effective relationships with current and prospective commercial partners and key stakeholders.
The successful applicant will have:
- Proven experience leading, managing, and growing commercial business operations in an environment where delivering an excellent visitor experience is fundamental to success.
- Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively at all levels and build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated leadership and people management experience, with strong teamwork and problem-solving skills and a commitment to delivering customer-focused services.
- An enterprising and commercial mindset, with a strong awareness of income generation opportunities, the ability to conduct research and use networks effectively, and a focus on activities that deliver the best business outcomes.
- Strong conceptual, analytical, and decision-making skills, including the capacity to develop complex business models, manage ambiguity and change, and achieve results under pressure.
- Proven ability to manage large and complex projects within agreed budgets and timeframes, and to lead complex commercial negotiations.
- High levels of integrity, maturity, and sound judgement, with strong personal and professional ethics and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
- Demonstrated experience managing risk, corporate compliance, contractual, and governance matters within a public sector environment.
- The ability to build strong cross-functional and external stakeholder relationships to achieve organisational objectives.
- An understanding of the contemporary use of technology in museums, including marketing, brand positioning, education, community programs, exhibition development, and visitor engagement.
OTHER INFORMATION
This role is full time, ongoing position. The salary on offer is VPS6.2 base of grade - $162,077 per annum + 12% Superannuation.
The successful applicant is required to undergo, and for new employees meet the cost of, a Working with Children and National Police Records Check, and be assessed as suitable.
HOW TO APPLY?
To view the position description, visit Careers - Museums Victoria. From our Current Vacancies page, select “All Jobs” and click on the link for this job's listing.
To apply, please click “Apply for this Job” at the bottom of the job listing page.
For more information about this position, please contact Romina Calabro (Director, Development and Commercial Operations) at [email protected].
Please submit the three following three documents with your application:
- Your Cover Letter
- Your Resume
- A written response addressing the Key Selection Criteria as outlined in our Role Statement (Please refer to attached document)
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 27 November 2025 (11:59pm)