Managing Director – Australia

Overview

Lead the ANZ region for a global SaaS leader, delivering transformation, market expansion and strategic outcomes from a Brisbane headquarters with regional accountability and global reach.

Hudson Executive is partnering with a global SaaS organisation to appoint a Managing Director to lead its Australia and New Zealand operations. This is a pivotal executive mandate with full accountability for strategic delivery, cultural leadership, and commercial performance across the region. Headquartered in Brisbane, the business is undergoing a significant phase of growth and transformation. The Managing Director will translate global vision into high-impact regional execution, driving innovation, digital enablement, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. Leading a high-performing Executive Leadership Team, the Managing Director will shape strategy, expand market presence, and embed a culture of performance, adaptability, and customer value. The role carries full P&L ownership and plays a critical part in aligning the ANZ business with global transformation initiatives and sustainability goals.

Organisation Overview

Our client is a global leader in SaaS solutions, delivering transformational digital products and services to industries undergoing rapid evolution. With revenue exceeding $500 million and a growing presence across the Asia Pacific, the organisation is recognised for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term client partnerships. Following significant investment in its APAC operating model, the ANZ business is poised for its next stage of growth with an immediate opportunity for an accomplished executive to drive regional strategy, lead a high-performing Executive Team, and deliver exceptional commercial and cultural outcomes.

Role Overview

As Managing Director Australia and New Zealand, you will translate global strategy into regionally relevant execution plans that accelerate growth, drive operational excellence, and embed a high-performance culture. The role spans leadership of the Executive Team, full financial accountability, customer and stakeholder engagement, digital transformation, risk governance, and talent development. With a Brisbane-based headquarters, this is a rare opportunity to lead one of the organisation’s most strategically significant regions with direct access to global decision-makers and the mandate to shape future growth.

Key Responsibilities

- Define and execute a regional strategy aligned to global objectives with a focus on growth, innovation, and performance
- Lead and inspire the ANZ Executive Team across all functional areas, fostering an accountable and inclusive leadership culture
- Oversee full P&L ownership, delivering sustainable revenue growth, profitability, and operational efficiency
- Drive cross-functional collaboration, digital enablement, and enterprise transformation programs
- Expand market share and client impact through AI-enabled solutions, platform innovation, and strategic partnerships
- Represent the organisation with credibility in external forums, regulatory matters, and global leadership forums
- Ensure strong governance, ESG alignment, and risk management across the ANZ operation
- Foster a culture of learning, empowerment, and employee engagement aligned to global ILEAD leadership values
- Act as a visible change leader through market shifts, transformation milestones, and emerging commercial opportunities

Required Experience and Capabilities

- Minimum 10 years in senior executive roles, ideally as a Managing Director, Country Manager, or Regional GM in a global or matrix organisation
- Demonstrated success delivering strategic growth and commercial outcomes in complex B2B, SaaS, or technology-driven environments
- Proven P&L leadership with accountability for budgets, forecasting, margin optimisation, and long-term value creation
- Experience leading digital transformation, organisational change, and innovation programs at scale
- Strong commercial acumen in solution selling, channel partnership models, and client lifecycle management
- Exposure to M&A, business integration, or scaling operations across multi-jurisdictional markets
- Track record of building and leading diverse, high-performing teams and shaping culture from the top
- Deep understanding of governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks across Australia and New Zealand
- Highly developed stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence Boards, executive committees, and industry bodies

Preferred Qualifications

- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Technology, or a related field are essential
- Postgraduate qualifications such as an MBA or equivalent are highly regarded

How to Apply

If you are a visionary Managing Director with a proven track record in SaaS or B2B technology and are ready to lead one of ANZ’s most critical growth businesses through its next phase of transformation, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a short cover letter highlighting your leadership impact and strategic achievements. All applications and enquiries will be treated in strict confidence. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For a confidential discussion or more information, please contact: Leeann Soden via leeann.soden@hudson.com

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Hudson

Hudson is committed to helping you find a workplace where you feel respected, supported, and free to thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences—because when different voices come together, amazing things happen.

Casual Loading - Please note for all Australian based contract and temporary roles only, the pay rate is inclusive of mandatory 25% casual loading. This excludes permanent and fixed term roles.

#J-18808-Ljbffr