General Manager Operations – MCEC

• Drive growth, innovation and operational excellence in a complex environment
• Shape the future of an iconic venue leading a large team and driving commercial outcomes
• Lead large scale venue operations across all facets of event delivery

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is one of Australia’s most recognised and awarded venues, central to Melbourne’s position as a global leader in business events. With an economic contribution exceeding $700 million annually, MCEC delivers world-class exhibitions, conferences and major events that connect industries, communities and ideas. Operated by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET), the organisation is guided by a strong commitment to sustainability, accessibility and meaningful community impact. As the business continues to evolve into a multi-site enterprise spanning Melbourne and Geelong, this is a rare opportunity to join at a critical point and play a defining role in shaping its future direction and operational excellence.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the General Manager Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of event delivery at the Melbourne site. This role has end-to-end accountability for all event operations including event delivery, food and beverage operations, kitchen operations, audiovisual services and the continual enhancement of the customer experience. Leading a workforce of approximately 500+ and managing a substantial operating budget, the role requires both big picture thinking and strong execution capability. You will be responsible for driving operational efficiency, improving productivity, and identifying opportunities for revenue growth, while ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, large-scale events. A key focus will be bringing greater alignment across teams, addressing siloed ways of working, and strengthening collaboration between operations, sales and planning functions to deliver improved outcomes for clients and the business.

We are seeking a highly capable and commercially astute leader with a strong track record in complex, large-scale operational environments. You will bring experience leading significant teams and functions, ideally within major venues, exhibitions, events or similarly complex service-driven organisations, with meaningful exposure to food and beverage operations. You have demonstrated success in improving operational performance, driving innovation and delivering measurable business outcomes. Just as important is your ability to lead and influence an experienced and established team, building trust while introducing new ideas and ways of working. You are collaborative, pragmatic and forward-thinking, comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level, and motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a high-profile organisation.

To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/ycxu3da4

To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Natasha Diamond on 0412 822 348 or Kate Chase on 0412 254 802.

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