Industry Development Manager – Destination Riverina Murray

30-38 hrs pw (negotiable with flexible spread of days)

Location: NSW Riverina Murray region (flexible base)

Salary: $95,000 - $105,000 pa + super + vehicle

About Us:

Destination Riverina Murray (DRM) is seeking an experienced and passionate Industry Development Manager/BDM to support the growth and development of the region’s visitor economy. This role offers the opportunity to work with a broad range of stakeholders, manage multiple initiatives, and contribute to the success of tourism across 22 local government areas in the Riverina Murray tourism region.

About the Role:

The Industry Development Manager will lead engagement with tourism operators, local government, and industry partners to drive business and product development, education, and training programs. You will be responsible for delivering industry support initiatives, providing market intelligence, and representing DRM at local and regional events. This position requires a significant amount of regional travel - from the Snowy Valleys to the South Australian border, with overnight stays required, to meet with stakeholders and support the sector’s growth.

You’ll be a connector, collaborator, and advocate who believes in the potential of the Riverina Murray region and is driven to strengthen and showcase everything it has to offer. You’ll bring a strategic mindset, combined with a nurturing, hands-on approach to industry development. Your ability to build trust and foster meaningful relationships will be key to helping local tourism operators grow, evolve, and thrive. You’ll be just as comfortable working alongside a family-run agritourism winery operator as you are presenting to government stakeholders or contributing to state-level strategy.

We Are Looking For:

A genuine passion for regional tourism and a commitment to strengthening the Riverina Murray visitor economy.

Relevant experience in business or industry development, ideally within the tourism sector, with a strong focus on regional development, understanding its challenges and opportunities, and partnership management.

A nurturing, collaborative mindset—you enjoy helping others succeed, providing mentorship, and sharing knowledge to uplift operators across the region.

Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build credibility and rapport across diverse stakeholders – from local businesses to state bodies.

Project management expertise and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Adaptability and problem-solving skills to respond to changing industry needs and complex challenges.

Current driver’s license and willingness to undertake regular regional travel to stay connected with operators and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Business and Product Development: Support tourism businesses—including wineries, distilleries, farm stays, accommodation, and experience operators—through mentoring and development initiatives.

Industry Engagement and Relationship Management: Build and maintain productive relationships with tourism operators, local government, Destination NSW, and other industry stakeholders, and regularly communicate insights and opportunities that lead to visitor economy growth.

Project Leadership: Manage and coordinate multiple projects, ensuring alignment with regional and state tourism strategies.

Education and Training: Deliver workshops, programs and resources to help tourism operators enhance their capabilities and respond to industry trends.

Market Intelligence: Collect and share feedback to inform regional planning, marketing and communication with DRM's founding/funding partner - Destination NSW.

Representation: Act as a representative for Destination Riverina Murray at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

What We Provide:

Fully maintained 4WD vehicle, phone, laptop and mobile internet.

Flexible working arrangements, including options to work from home, regional offices, and on-site with operators throughout the Riverina Murray region.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Opportunities for professional development and participation in industry events and conferences.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in contributing to the growth of the Riverina Murray visitor economy and meet the above requirements, we encourage you to apply. Join a dedicated team committed to supporting tourism development and regional success.

Applicants should provide their resume and a covering letter addressing each of the following selection criteria:

Visitor Economy Experience: Example/s of a clear awareness of, or direct experience within, the tourism industry.

Strategic Business and Product Development: Evidence of developing and implementing business cases and/or development strategies that deliver measurable outcomes in a regional context.

Project and Program Management: Proven track record in managing multiple projects and programs, delivering results within tight timeframes and adapting to rapidly changing priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Example/s of experience in building and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government, industry, and community partners, to achieve shared goals.

Communication and Influence: Example/s of strong presentation, facilitation, and negotiation skills, with experience influencing and aligning diverse stakeholders, including those with conflicting interests.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Evidence of ability to analyse complex issues, identify key opportunities and challenges, and develop creative, outcome-focused solutions.

Autonomy and Adaptability: Evidence of capacity to work autonomously, manage a high workload, and adapt to frequent regional travel and changing industry environments.

The successful candidate will be required to consent to a National Police Check before role commencement.

Applications close midnight 27th June 2025.

Contact [email protected] for a copy of the full position description and for any questions.