General Manager

About The Business Centre

For more than 35 years, The Business Centre has been helping businesses across Newcastle and the Hunter start, grow, and thrive. As an independent not-for-profit organisation, the Centre delivers programs, advice, training, and mentoring that strengthen small-to-medium enterprises and contribute to regional economic development.

The Business Centre partners with government, industry, and the community to deliver impactful services, always with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable business success.

As part of a refreshed structure designed to position the organisation for future growth, The Business Centre has partnered with Verve Partners to recruit a dynamic General Manager who will drive operational performance and commercial growth.

The Role

This is a pivotal opportunity to take ownership of daily operations and strategic business development at The Business Centre.

The General Manager will ensure operational efficiency across programs, finance, and governance, while actively building revenue streams through business development, partnerships, and funding opportunities. The role requires a balance of hands-on leadership and strategic foresight to deliver financial sustainability while maintaining service excellence.

Reporting to the Board, the General Manager will play a central role in shaping strategy, driving growth, and ensuring the organisation delivers measurable outcomes for its community and stakeholders.

Operational Leadership & Growth Scope

- Drive business development as a core focus—building strategic partnerships, securing funding contracts, pursuing grants, and identifying new commercial opportunities that generate sustainable revenue.
- Lead all aspects of day-to-day operations, including financial management, governance, staffing, and contract compliance.
- Ensure systems, reporting, and workflows enable efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
- Oversee budgets, reporting, audits, and financial controls to ensure robust fiscal management.
- Maintain a strong community profile, engaging with stakeholders, government, and industry to elevate the Centre’s reputation and attract new opportunities.
- Lead innovation and service development, ensuring The Business Centre remains relevant, competitive, and impactful.

About You

- Proven leadership experience in business, professional services, or not-for-profit environments.
- Strong track record in business development and securing revenue streams (commercial, partnerships, or government contracts).
- Demonstrated financial acumen—budgeting, reporting, audits, and commercial decision-making.
- Hands-on operator with a strategic mindset, able to balance execution with long-term growth.
- Skilled communicator and relationship-builder across government, industry, and community.
- Experienced in governance, compliance, and reporting within complex organisational frameworks.

What Success Looks Like

- New and diversified revenue streams secured for The Business Centre.
- Strong financial oversight delivering stability and growth.
- Operational systems running smoothly with high accountability.
- Increased profile and influence within the Hunter business community.
- Tangible outcomes for small and medium enterprises across the region.

Why Join The Business Centre

- Step into a leadership role in a highly regarded, values-driven organisation.
- Play a hands-on role in shaping regional economic growth and business success.
- Drive both operational excellence and commercial growth opportunities.
- Join a passionate, committed team making a real impact on entrepreneurs and businesses.

Next Steps

The Business Centre has exclusively partnered with Verve Partners to manage this recruitment process, with confidential enquiries welcomed by Simon Rutten on 0447 718 446 or Clare Ferguson on 0499 033 130.

Applications close Friday 31st October.

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