General Manager / Chief Executive Officer

Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-operative, known affectionately as 'The Freezer', has been landing and processing the local catch for over 75 years. It is the only place on the Great Ocean Road still bringing in fish caught fresh from the ocean - the home of the Southern Rock Lobster and Abalone.The Co-op is now entering one of the most significant chapters in its 75+ year history - with a landmark harbour redevelopment ahead, the Co-op is currently operating through a period of transition and rebuild with significant investment as part of the $676M Geelong City Deal.The current environment involves temporary sites, practical constraints and plenty still to be rebuilt, reshaped or strengthened while the Co-op returns to the harbour. The Co-op seeks a commercially minded, grounded and energetic General Manager / CEO who is able to roll up their sleeves, bring order and momentum, and lead the next era of ‘Bass Strait to Plate’. In the meantime, the Co-op keeps serving its famous fish & chips and sales of fresh seafood from two pop-up sites in town.
About the roleReporting to the Board of Directors, you will lead day-to-day operations while shaping and delivering the strategic direction of the organisation. This is a practical, visible leadership role for someone who can work comfortably in changing conditions, bring ideas and initiative, make sensible commercial decisions, steady the operation, build the team and lead change with pace, confidence and common sense.
Lead the Co-op through redevelopment, operational transition and future growth.Shape practical strategy and business plans that turn ideas into achievable action.Drive commercial performance across seafood retail, food service, members’ services and visitor-facing activity.Deliver on budgets, reporting, pricing, stock control, margins, profitability and business planning.Build a positive, accountable and high-performing team culture in a busy seven-day operation.Work closely with the Board, members, suppliers, staff, government, tourism partners and the wider community.
About youYou are an experienced, commercially astute leader who brings energy, confidence and outcomes - without needing perfect systems, a polished office or everything neatly in place before you get started. You can see the bigger picture, generate practical ideas and turn them into clear priorities. You are comfortable making decisions, improving performance, leading people and staying close to the detail. You will be an effective operator with the Board, on the floor with the team, engaging with members and stakeholders, managing financial outcomes and representing the Co-op in the community and beyond.
You will bring:Senior leadership experience in seafood, hospitality, retail, tourism, food service or another complex customer-facing operation.Strong financial acumen, including confidence with budgets, P&L, reporting, cost control, margins and commercial decision-making.The ability to think strategically, identify opportunities and translate ideas into practical plans. A proactive, resilient and energetic leadership style, with the ability to lead change and get things done.A practical approach - willing to work from temporary facilities, solve problems on the ground and build momentum from where the business is now.Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to listen, communicate clearly, build trust and bring people with youProven ability to inspire, develop and hold teams accountable while maintaining a hands-on presenceStrong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to effectively work with a Board in a member-based organisation.Sound judgement across risk, compliance, safety and governance.A genuine commitment to community, ethics and the long-term success of the Co-op.
Why join Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-operative?This is more than a leadership role. It is a chance to bring stability, commercial focus and energy to a much-loved local institution at a defining point in its future. The starting point will be practical and imperfect - including temporary facilities during the rebuild - but the opportunity is significant. The Board is collaborative and aligned and is looking forward to the next chapter.Based in Apollo Bay, where the Otways meet the ocean, the role combines hands-on commercial leadership with community connection, lifestyle and a once-in-a-generation redevelopment.RemunerationA competitive remuneration package of up to $160,000 plus superannuation is available, with a performance bonus scheme to be developed.How to applyIf you are an accomplished, commercially minded leader who is ready to bring energy, discipline and ambition to a respected coastal organisation, we would welcome your application.
For a confidential discussion or a copy of the Candidate Information Pack, please contact Lisa Davidson on 0417 407 170 or lisa@davidsonhrconsulting.com
Applications close COB 31 August 2026.