About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on and commercially savvy Visitor Experience Manager to lead day-to-day operations across the Twelve Apostles Precinct. This pivotal role is accountable for delivering safe, engaging and memorable visitor experiences while driving operational excellence and supporting sustainable tourism at one of Australia’s most iconic natural destinations.
This is more than a leadership role — it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help open, shape and operate a brand-new visitor experience at one of Australia’s most recognised natural icons. As part of the foundation team for the opening of the new Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, you’ll help set the standard for how millions of visitors experience this extraordinary place for decades to come. From opening day moments to the systems, culture and experiences, your work will help build a lasting legacy.
Key Accountabilities
Reporting to the Twelve Apostles Precinct General Manager, the Visitor Experience Manager will play a key leadership role in activating the precinct, enhancing visitor engagement, supporting visitor dispersal initiatives and driving continuous improvement across operations.
In essence, the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Manager is accountable for:
Visitor Experience & Operations: Lead visitor operations across the precinct, ensuring safe, high-quality experiences.
Leadership & Capability: Build and lead high-performing teams through effective planning and development.
Commercial Performance: Drive sustainable revenue, product performance and continuous improvement through data-led decision-making.
Precinct Activation & Dispersal: Deliver activations, events and dispersal initiatives that enhance visitation and dwell time.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with tourism, government, industry and community partners.
Quality, Safety & Governance: Ensure exceptional presentation, compliance, safety and emergency preparedness across the precinct.
About You
You are an experienced people leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-volume environments, balancing commercial performance with world-class visitor experiences, exceptional service and care for place.
You will bring:
Tertiary qualifications in tourism, hospitality, business, events, operations or equivalent experience
Significant experience (minimum 5–7 years) in developing and implementing visitor experience, tourism operations, hospitality or attraction/event management within a complex, high-volume environment.
Experience managing teams, along with strong experience managing budgets, KPIs and operational performance
A visitor-focused approach with strong communication and collaboration skills
A proactive, adaptable, solutions-focused mindset that thrives under pressure
Proven experience leading, training and developing teams, with a strong track record of building a high-performance culture and delivering exceptional customer service.
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, GORCAPA was created to address the complex and fragmented management of the coastline and ensure the long-term conservation of this iconic landscape.
GORCAPA is 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 Precinct and Cape Otway Lightstation, as well as local ports, community reserves and critical marine environments.
At the heart of its work is a commitment to protect the unique environmental, cultural, heritage and community values of the region. GORCAPA partners deeply with Traditional Owners, local communities and stakeholders to integrate cultural knowledge, ensure environmental stewardship, support sustainable visitation and build lasting benefits for regional economies and generations to come.
Applications
Applications require:
To review additional information and the full position description, please visit: https://www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Employment/Work-with-us
If you’re driven by purpose, passionate about visitor experience and ready to lead at destination scale, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape the future of one of Australia’s most extraordinary places.
- - - Applications close at 9am, Friday 20 February - - -