Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer

About us

Ports Victoria (PV) is the State's port safety regulator and provides key maritime advice to government. We oversee vessel traffic for nearly 10,000 commercial ship movements annually, set standards for safe navigation through Victoria's commercial port waters, manage shipping channels that connect the state to the world, and operate Victoria’s cruise ship terminal.

The commercial port eco-system underpins Victoria's economy. More than 98 per cent of the state's international trade moves by sea, supporting over 88,000 jobs and $111 billion in annual trade value. Victoria’s freight trade task is projected to more than double in future decades. We provide government with the expertise and advice needed to plan for that future.

Ports Victoria is an equal opportunities employer and embraces the benefits that diversity in our workplace brings.  

How you will make an impact

The Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer (CSCO) is responsible for shaping the long-term strategic direction, with a focus on port planning, future trade growth, shipping characteristic changes, and the direction of PV's services to support Victoria's evolving port and maritime needs. The role is central to ensuring PV meets its commercial obligations, compliance and future development. The portfolio includes managing the necessary cruise shipping arrangements, including Station Pier as Victoria's cruise ship terminal. It will lead the strategic corporate affairs and engagement approach, together with developing policy advice for a range of stakeholders. Our digital future and information systems require an innovative yet secure environment, which also form a critical part of this portfolio. Working closely with the CEO and Executive Team, the CSCO leads enterprise strategy, digital capability and business transformation to ensure PV is positioned to enable future trade growth, respond to industry change, and realise sustainable commercial outcomes through expanded services and better use of information, data and analysis.

This job will require travel between our Head Office in North Geelong and our Port Melbourne based office.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Port Planning and Commercial Stewardship

You will shape Ports Victoria’s long-term strategic and commercial direction, anticipating changes in trade, shipping and the port system, while developing sustainable commercial models and providing evidence-based advice to support government decision-making, future services and infrastructure.

Enterprise Strategy and Transformation

You will lead the development and delivery of corporate strategy, translating priorities into practical initiatives and measurable outcomes. You will also drive enterprise-wide transformation using digital capability, data, analytics, automation and responsible AI to improve planning, decision-making and service delivery.

Trade Growth and Service Development

You will identify and evaluate opportunities arising from future trade growth and changing customer and industry needs. You will lead market and trade analysis, develop strategic partnerships, and oversee business cases for new services, capabilities and investments that deliver sustainable growth and public value.

Customer, Market and Stakeholder Engagement

You will champion customer-focused thinking, use market and customer insights to inform strategy, and strengthen Ports Victoria’s positioning, corporate affairs and engagement with government, industry, port operators, customers and other key stakeholders.

Executive, Board and Government Advice

You will provide trusted strategic, commercial and policy advice to the CEO, Board and government, supported by robust analysis, modelling and business cases. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will contribute to enterprise decision-making and monitor the delivery of strategic priorities.

Digital, Data and Information Systems Leadership

You will set the strategic direction for secure digital and information systems, strengthening data governance, information capture, analytics and cyber resilience to support organisational performance, innovation and informed decision-making.

Leadership and Culture

You will lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams across strategy, commercial, digital, port planning and development functions, fostering accountability, collaboration, innovation and customer focus while building leadership capability and supporting a strong organisational culture.

What you can bring to the role

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Management, Engineering, Planning, Technology, or related discipline, or significant relevant experience.

• Significant executive leadership experience in strategy development, port or infrastructure planning, commerce and trade, business and business processes transformation, consulting or related roles.

• Proven record of shaping long-term strategy, planning for growth, and delivering strategic business outcomes in complex stakeholder environments.

• Strong recognition of policy development processes and standards.

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.

• Experience using digital, data analytics or AI-enabled solutions to support business or operational transformation, market insight and improved service delivery.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen.

• Ability to obtain and maintain relevant security clearances.

• Occasional travel to regional ports and operational sites. There may be a need to travel interstate or overseas on occasion.

How to Apply:

If this sounds like the ideal role for you and you have the skills and experience we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you. For a copy of the position description, please contact *************@ports.vic.gov.au

Applications close Sunday, 27 September 2026. We may commence applicant screening prior to closure date.

Employment with Ports Victoria is subject to satisfactory background checks, including professional references and a character check. Employment may be offered conditional to successful achievement of checks.

Ports Victoria welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and focuses on the essential requirements of the job, ensuring consistent and fair treatment of all applicants.