About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to lead the tourism operations of the Twelve Apostles precinct, which will include the brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre (VEC), a flagship tourist destination along Australia's iconic Great Ocean Road. This pivotal role holds full accountability for the visitor experience across the precinct, including the VEC’s operational excellence, financial performance, and strategic growth, all whilst ensuring an exceptional and sustainable visitor experience at one of Victoria's most significant natural landmarks and tourist attractions which welcomes over 2 million visitors annually.

The General Manager will provide comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight for all aspects of the precinct and VEC visitor experience, from its critical pre-opening development phase through to ongoing operational excellence and sustainable growth.

As a key member of the organisation's leadership team, you will shape the future of this world-renowned site, contributing to regional tourism and driving innovative initiatives to enhance visitor engagement and precinct dispersal. Given the VEC is under construction, this role will initially have a significant focus on project leadership and pre-opening activities, with the role initially based at our Torquay office until the VEC office is open.

The General Manager will ensure the successful establishment and day-to-day management of this world-class landmark, aligning operational objectives with the strategic vision of Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority (GORCAPA) and broader regional tourism goals.

In essence, the General Manager is accountable for:

• Successful Project Delivery & Commissioning: Leading GORCAPA’s role in the project and coordinating pre-opening activities to ensure the VEC is built, fitted out, and ready for day one opening.
• Operational Excellence: Overseeing all day-to-day commercial operations to deliver an outstanding and world-class visitor experience.
• Financial Performance: Achieving full P&L responsibility, driving revenue, and ensuring fiscal sustainability.
• Strategic Growth: Developing and implementing initiatives to enhance precinct capacity, product offerings, and visitor engagement.
• Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with sub-tenants, government bodies, licensed tour operators, tourism partners, and the community.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Ensuring a safe, compliant, and well-managed environment for all.

About You:

You will be an experienced Senior Leader with strong commercial acumen gained from operating large-scale visitor attractions, tourism destinations, sporting facilities, mixed-use hospitality, major events, or complex public venues.

You’ll have significant experience managing budgets, driving revenue and profitability in a commercial environment, whilst enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Experience in pre-opening an attraction or event will be highly regarded.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of opening and operating an Australian icon that will celebrate the region’s beauty and honour our responsibility to care for Country.

If you ever wanted to be part of something special, now is your moment!

To review additional information and full job description, please visit: www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Employment/Work-with-us

About the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority:

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is the dedicated Victorian Government entity entrusted with the care, protection and sustainable management of one of Australia’s most breathtaking and culturally significant coastal regions. Established under the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020, the Authority was created to address the complex and fragmented management of the coastline and ensure the long-term conservation of this iconic landscape.

By November 2025, GORCAPA will be responsible for managing more than 170,000 hectares of coastal reserves, National Parks, Marine Sanctuaries and foreshores stretching along 355 kilometres of stunning coastline. This includes high-profile sites such as the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre and Cape Otway Lightstation, as well as local ports, community reserves and critical marine environments.

At the heart of its work is a commitment to protect the unique environmental, cultural, heritage and community values of the region. GORCAPA partners deeply with Traditional Owners, local communities and stakeholders to integrate cultural knowledge, ensure environmental stewardship, support sustainable visitation and build lasting benefits for regional economies and generations to come.

Applications require:

• A current resume
• Cover Letter

- - - Applications for this position close at 9am, Wednesday 5 November - - -

To learn more about the Twelve Apostles Visitor Precinct, please visit: Development Victoria - Twelve Apostles Precinct