General Manager

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
We're looking for a commercially minded operations leader with a deep understanding of agency dynamics. As our GM, you'll be the central force behind our operational machine, accountable for our financial health, legal stability, and team performance as we scale. You'll work hand-in-hand with our CEO and board to execute growth strategies, resolve bottlenecks, and make mission-critical decisions.
This is a senior leadership role for a seasoned GM with a demonstrable operations background, who's been in the trenches of agency land and has successfully driven structured growth while maintaining healthy profit margins.
Core Responsibilities Own and manage all aspects of financial operations, including forecasting, budgeting, cash flow, P&L and balance sheet oversight.
Maintain Xero with expert-level accuracy and timeliness, ensuring all reports are audit-ready.
Lead tax preparation and compliance in collaboration with external accountants.
Identify revenue opportunities and cost-saving efficiencies to improve margins.
Analyse profitability by client, service line, and department to guide strategic decisions.
Operational Leadership Oversee day-to-day business operations with a focus on systems, structure and scale.
Build, maintain, and optimise SOPs for each department to create efficiencies and reduce key-person risk.
Manage and report on agency performance metrics weekly, monthly, and quarterly to the board.
Develop and implement growth strategies in collaboration with leadership.
People & Culture Oversee payroll, HR compliance, onboarding and performance review processes.
Be the escalation point for all internal team matters and client-related issues.
Lead and manage the agency\'s leadership team (Heads of Growth, Creative Strategy, Performance, Email/SMS, Creative Director).
Administer and review all client and contractor agreements.
Lead resolution of disputes, late payments, legal escalations.
Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and risk mitigation frameworks.
Liaise with external legal counsel and accountants where appropriate.
Non-Negotiables Minimum 5+ years experience in a senior finance/ops role at a digital marketing agency or creative agency.
Recent experience as a GM or equivalent in a digital marketing or creative agency.
Advanced financial acumen with deep Xero expertise.
Degree-qualified in Accounting, Finance or Business; CPA/CA qualified is a bonus.
Sydney-based with the ability to attend regular in-person meetings at our creative warehouse.
Support Structure You'll be supported by a full-time Admin Manager to handle manual execution tasks.
You'll have access to our trusted third-party legal and accounting partners for complex matters.
You'll work directly with the board and agency founder, with full autonomy over the departments who report into you.
What We Can Offer You Strong base salary + performance bonus tied to agency profitability and operational KPI\'s.
Defiant is a high-growth, no-bullshit performance agency working with brands to name a few.
This is a powerful #2 role where you'll have autonomy, authority, and real impact.
You'll work directly with the founder and director, shaping the direction of the business.
Strong culture, elite team, and ambitious growth roadmap.
If you\'re an experienced operator looking for a senior leadership role where you can make a measurable impact, we'd love to hear from you. Only candidates who closely meet our criteria will be contacted.
Team Defiant
#J-18808-Ljbffr

---