Passionate about making a difference in your local community?

Want a role you can truly make your own?

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Highett Community Financial Services Limited owns and operates Community Bank Highett, a local franchise of the Bendigo Bank. Our objective is simple – we provide banking services and reinvest our profits back into the local community. Since we opened our doors in 2001, we have invested over $3.55 million through sponsorships, grants and dividends into local organisations supporting sports, education, arts, music, and strengthening community resilience.

ABOUT THE ROLE

An opportunity exists for a Commercial Manager to join our team for a 2-year fixed-term (full-time) contract. This brand new position requires an experienced and self-driven business development professional who will work closely with the Board and Branch team to build a strong referral pipeline of new customers. You will be responsible for the generation of consistent, quality referrals for conversion by our Branch team.

You will be adept at building and negotiating new commercial channels to establish an ongoing, healthy referral programs for the Branch. Although you will leverage our existing Grants and Sponsorship partners, you will supplement this with your network of local community and business contacts.

Key Responsibilities include:

Develop and implement referral strategies that drive new customer acquisition pipelines for the Branch

Identify and cultivate new referral sources through strategic commercial and community partnerships

Negotiate partnership agreements that align community values with the Branch’s business objectives

Evaluate and prioritise sponsorships and grants based on their potential to deliver measurable growth in customers and revenue

Monitor, analyse, and report on business development activities and outcomes to the Board

Lead partner engagement initiatives—including events, campaigns, and incentive programs—with a clear focus on commercial performance

Represent the Branch at local events, forums, and business networks to raise brand awareness and strengthen community connections

What we're looking for:

Proven experience as a Commercial Manager or Business Development Manager; experience in community-facing roles would be highly regarded

Strong track record in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and driving customer acquisition and growth

Results-driven and data-informed, with a focus on measurable outcomes

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build trust across diverse audiences

Strategic thinker who can effectively translate plans into operational success

Excellent time management, with strong prioritisation and project coordination abilities

Highly self-motivated and independent, able to take initiative and perform with minimal supervision

Your success in this role will play a vital part in generating sustainable income that is reinvested into the local community. So if you're motivated to work alongside a dedicated Branch team and a committed Board of volunteer Directors in a purpose-driven, community-focused organisation, then we’d love to hear from you!

This is a full-time, 2-year fixed-term contract role.

Location: Hybrid with 2-3 days working on-site from our Branch at 322-324 Highett Road, Highett

Travel & attendance at community events requirements: Attendance at regular Sponsorship Partner events after hours and on weekends is a critical part of this role, so flexibility to accommodate these events is essential.

We love it when our team members are also part of the local community we serve, so we encourage applicants from the local Bayside area and surrounds to apply.

Please note: The successful applicant will be required to complete a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check.

APPLY NOW

Email your cover letter, CV, addressing the key responsibilities and accountabilities of the role to: [email protected]

The position is available immediately. Please apply as soon as possible; applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Applications close Friday, 11th July 2025.

We believe a diverse workforce supported by an inclusive culture is central to our success, and we’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background. To ensure that you feel supported and are set up for success, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you require any adjustments to the application or interview processes.

For more information about us, visit: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/branch/vic/community-bank-highett/