Manager - Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre

About the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority:

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority 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.

Position Purpose:

The
Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre (VEC) Manager
provides comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight for all aspects of the VEC and its surrounding precinct, from its critical pre-opening development phase through to ongoing operational excellence and sustainable growth.

This role ensures the successful establishment and day-to-day management of a world-class visitor experience at an iconic Australian landmark, aligning operational objectives with the strategic vision of GORCAPA and broader regional tourism goals.

Primary Responsibilities:

The
Manager
will be responsible for a broad range of functions, encompassing strategic leadership, operational oversight, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.

Given the VEC is under construction, this role will initially have a significant focus on project leadership and pre-opening activities, including:

Pre-opening & Project Delivery-

• Lead VEC pre-opening activities ensuring day-one operational readiness.
• Represent GORCAPA within project governance groups.
• Develop operational policies and procedures, as required
• Oversee team recruitment, training and system implementation.
• Coordinate and provide input to final fit-out, merchandising and launch strategy.
• Secure all required licenses, permits and regulatory approvals.

Financial & Strategic Management-

• Assume full profit and loss responsibility for the precinct.
• Drive revenue generation, budgeting, KPI monitoring and forecasting.
• Contribute to strategic planning and identify future investment opportunities.
• Operations Management
• Deliver world-class visitor experience through day-to-day oversight.
• Manage all site contracts, partnerships and vendor relationships.
• Serve as Duty Manager during peak periods and critical incidents.
• Liaison for capital works and maintenance programs.

Visitor Experience & Product Development-

• Develop new products and services to enhance visitor experience.
• Implement visitor dispersal strategies using events, promotions, and dynamic pricing.

Stakeholder Relationships & Representation-

• Build relationships with government, tourism partners and community stakeholders.
• Represent GORCAPA at industry events and contribute to regional tourism planning.

Risk Management-

• Identify, report and mitigate operational and strategic risks.
• Ensure OHS compliance and emergency preparedness.

Note - The position will be initially located at GORCAPA's Torquay Office with pre-opening responsibilities, then transitioning to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre as primary location.

Qualifications and experience:

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Tourism, Hospitality or Project Management (or related field).
• 7+ years senior leadership in visitor attractions, tourism destinations, or complex public venues.
• Pre-opening, commissioning, or major project delivery experience
• Demonstrated success in managing significant budgets, driving revenue growth, and achieving financial targets in a commercial environment.
• Demonstrated success in leading, motivating, and developing diverse teams within a dynamic operational environment, fostering a high-performance and safety-conscious culture.
• Proven experience in managing commercial contracts and strategic partnerships.
• Extensive experience in cultivating and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government, tourism, community, and executive.
• Overseeing crisis management and emergency response plans in a public-facing setting.

Knowledge and skills:

• Understanding of current tourism industry trends, regional destination planning, visitor dispersal strategies, and market dynamics, particularly within the Victorian context and the Great Ocean Road region.
• Comprehensive knowledge of best practices in visitor attraction operations, including ticketing systems, retail management, food & beverage operations, visitor services & facilities management.
• Strong understanding of financial management principles, budgeting, forecasting, revenue generation, and commercial drivers.
• Understanding of relevant OHS legislation, environmental regulations, emergency management frameworks, and licensing requirements applicable to public venues in Victoria.
• Knowledge of sustainable tourism practices and environmental management principles relevant to operating within a sensitive natural heritage site.
• Capacity to develop and articulate a clear strategic vision, translate it into actionable plans, and anticipate future challenges and opportunities.
• Highly proficient in financial analysis, budget management, forecasting, and using data to drive informed decision-making and achieve commercial objectives.
• Superior ability to identify complex issues, conduct thorough analysis, develop creative and practical solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including developing high-quality reports and presentations.
• High degree of adaptability to a dynamic and evolving environment, demonstrating resilience and composure when faced with challenges.

Applications require:

• A current resume
• Cover Letter

Terms and conditions of employment:

Appointment to this position is subject to the successful applicant being able to:

• Provide a National Police Check Certificate.
• Obtain a Working with Children Certificate.
• Provide evidence of Australian Work Rights.
• Hold a current Australian Driver's License.

To learn more about the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, please visit:

Twelve Apostles - Development Victoria

Everyone is welcome at the Authority:

Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority we are committed to creating a workforce that is diverse and is inclusive of all. We value and embrace the various experiences and perspectives people may have, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.