Head of Commercial Development

Head of Commercial Development

Join us at the Australian Museum (AM) and help us achieve our vision to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change

• Shape the AM's commercial future
• Unlock new revenue streams across diverse operations
• Build commercial excellence in a world-class cultural institution

About the Role

We are looking for a strategic and commercially astute leader to drive sustainable revenue growth across our Events & Venues, Retail, and Catering operations. As Head of Commercial Development, you will maximise commercial contributions while developing new revenue opportunities that align with the AM's values and enhance visitor experience. This is a unique opportunity to serve as the organisation's commercial thought leader, building commercial capability across all AM divisions.

Employment Status:

• Clerk Grade 11/12
• Ongoing
• Full time 35 hours per week

Click on the following links to begin the journey to find your new career at the AM

• Role Description
• AM Candidate Pack

You will be paid a competitive annual salary of $149,739 - $173,174, plus employer's contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.

About you

We are seeking a strategic commercial leader who balances ambitious revenue growth with the AM's mission and values. You bring expertise in developing and executing commercial strategies across multiple business streams, with strong financial acumen including P&L responsibility and proven success in driving profitability in complex organisations. Your deep understanding of commercial operations, whether in events and venues, retail, catering, hospitality, or the cultural and tourism sectors, enables you to identify and maximise revenue opportunities.

Working closely with the Director Museum Experience & Engagement and senior leadership across the organisation, you will develop and implement commercial strategies that balance revenue optimisation with mission alignment. You will serve as the AM's commercial thought leader, providing strategic guidance and expertise to divisions across the institution to identify, evaluate, and capitalise on commercial opportunities that enhance both revenue and mission delivery.

As a collaborative senior manager, you excel at negotiating complex commercial contracts and partnerships, building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, and providing expert commercial guidance to colleagues while respecting their disciplinary expertise. You combine results-oriented leadership with the ability to inspire high-performing teams, fostering a performance culture focused on customer excellence and innovation. You will lead commercial teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences that drive repeat business, positive reputation, and sustainable revenue growth, while building commercial capability and mindset throughout the organisation. Your commercial mindset is matched by your understanding that success in the cultural sector requires sensitivity to mission-driven objectives and public sector governance.

Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in commercial strategy development and revenue optimisation across multiple business streams.
• Strong financial management capability including P&L responsibility, budgeting, forecasting, and working capital management.
• Proven experience in developing and executing successful commercial growth strategies in complex organisations.
• Deep understanding of commercial operations in at least two of: events and venues, retail, catering/hospitality, or cultural/tourism sectors.
• Substantial senior management experience with demonstrated success in driving commercial revenue growth and profitability as well as negotiating complex commercial contracts, partnerships, and service agreements.

Essential requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, commerce, hospitality management, or related discipline (or equivalent demonstrated experience).
• Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends to support major events and commercial activities.

About The Australian Museum

The Australian Museum is truly a great place to work. Our Mission is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. Our Vision is to ignite wonder, inspire debate, and drive change. We commit to transform the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; be a strong advocate for First Nations' culture; and continue to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs.

Recent staff survey results confirm that our staff feel valued, accepted and supported and that they believe the AM is an inclusive workplace. AM staff also report a high level of job satisfaction.

The Australian Museum acknowledges that we operate on the lands, waters and skies of many First Nations Peoples. As Australia's first museum, we share the responsibility of advocating for Country and honouring First Nations Peoples and knowledges.

Find out more about our current exhibitions and events here.

Benefits

Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development and dedicated Wellbeing programs.

How to apply

You must apply via WOW Recruitment - CLICK HERE

Applicants must submit (if submitted as attachment, please upload as PDF):

• A one to two page covering letter which addresses the role description's essential requirements, key knowledge and experience.

• Resume

For more details, Frequently Asked Questions and how to apply for the role go to I Work for NSW.

The successful applicant will be subject to national criminal records check. As recommended by Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the Australian Museum encourages all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so.

Contact person:Brad Johnson, Team Lead, Business Services -

Inclusive and welcoming

The Australian Museum is an NSW Public Service organisation and aims to attract and retain the right people for the right jobs. The AM is a diverse and inclusive workplace where genuine participation and contribution is enabled, and everyone, regardless of their background, identity or circumstances is valued, accepted and supported to thrive at work.

This means that we are embedding diversity and inclusion in everything we do on a daily basis, whether it be our recruitment processes, workplace culture, career development programs, customer service or policies and procedures. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment process to better enable you to shine, please reach out to the contact person or note this in your application.