Executive Director

ABOUT AFRAFor over three decades, the Australian Furniture Removers Association has been the peak body for excellence, professionalism and consumer confidence in the removals and storage industry. AFRA's approximately 220 accredited members represent more than half of the industry's national revenue, and the Association's reach extends internationally through the Australian International Movers Association (AIMA/IIMA), the peak body for cross-border moves.AFRA is entering a pivotal chapter, transitioning from an incorporated association to a modern company structure ahead of anticipated regulatory change. This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with genuine industry influence, financial substance, and a clear mandate for the next phase of its evolution.
THE OPPORTUNITYReporting to the AFRA Council, the Executive Director is the professional face and operational leader of AFRA and its related entities, including AIMA, FIDI Australia, and the AFRA Foundation. The role carries a suite of statutory appointments (Public Officer, Company Secretary, Board Member) across these entities, making this a governance-rich role as much as an executive one.You'll be stepping into an organisation with a strong foundation: a proud member-first culture, a well-run international division with deep institutional knowledge, and a Council that knows exactly what it needs from its next leader. This is not a role for someone looking to set unilateral strategy from day one; it's a role for a trusted operator who can execute Council direction with judgement, credibility and care.
WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE DISTINCTIVEA seat at the table on multiple boards: Company Secretary and Director responsibilities across AFRA, AFRA Foundation and AIMA provide real governance authority, not just an operational mandate.A meaningful social purpose: leadership of the AFRA Foundation and Support Fund, established to support families affected by tragedy within the industry. Empathy and genuine care are part of the job here, not just the culture deck.A hands-on, member-facing culture: this is a role for someone who stays close to the detail and enjoys direct engagement with members, rather than someone who has moved too far from the coalface.
WHAT YOU'LL OWNEXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCELead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of AFRA and its related entities. Act as principal governance adviser to Council and Boards. Ensure compliance across multiple legal structures, including reporting to ASIC, NSW Fair Trading and the ACNC.FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIPOwn the budget, monitor performance, oversee investments and reserves, and ensure the financial sustainability of every entity under the AFRA umbrella, including signatory responsibility over significant international rebate disbursements.MEMBERSHIP & INDUSTRY ADVOCACYLead membership strategy, growth and accreditation. Represent AFRA to government, regulators and media. Build and protect relationships with peak bodies and key commercial partners.TEAM & OFFICE LEADERSHIPManage a small, close-knit administration team, own the annual conference and Council meetings, and keep the organisation running efficiently day to day.COMPLIANCE, TRANSLATEDTurn complex and shifting regulation, from consumer law to the incoming Heavy Vehicle National Law changes, into clear, practical guidance members can actually act on.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORWe're not looking for a technical compliance specialist or an international logistics expert; AFRA's experienced committees and long-tenured staff provide that depth. What Council needs is a leader who brings:Proven executive or senior leadership experience, ideally within an association, membership body, or not-for-profit environmentStrong financial acumen and demonstrated budget and governance experienceThe ability to translate regulation and policy into practical guidance for a diverse membership baseGenuine relationship-building skill, comfortable one-on-one, in small groups, and occasionally on stageStrategic agility balanced with a willingness to execute Council-set direction rather than set it independentlyResilience and interpersonal savviness to navigate a competitive Council made up of industry operatorsTransport, logistics or removals industry exposure is a plus, but not a prerequisite; AFRA's history shows this role has been led successfully by talented outsiders
THE DETAILSLOCATION Office-based (Castle Hill)REPORTING LINE AFRA National CouncilDIRECT REPORTS Small administration team (up to four staff)
AFRA is committed to finding the right leader for its next chapter, not simply the next available candidate. If you're an experienced association or membership executive looking for a role with real scope, genuine governance responsibility, and a meaningful sense of purpose, we'd like to hear from you.
This search is being conducted exclusively by Partale Talent on behalf of AFRA. Enquiries and applications are handled in strict confidence.