Chief Executive Officer

Covance; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A major sports retail brand is seeking a CEO to lead its growth strategy in Australia. The role involves inspiring franchisees, building brand presence, and driving commercial outcomes through P&L ownership. Strong leadership and commercial acumen are essential for success in this dynamic role.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience at CEO or senior executive level within multi-site retail, franchise, or member-based organizations.
• Strong commercial acumen with direct P&L responsibility.
• Ability to influence and unite diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspiring leadership to franchisees and the Board.
• Deliver the organisation’s 5-year growth strategy.
• Drive commercial outcomes through P&L ownership.

Skills

Leadership experience

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Job description

The Role and Business
INTERSPORT is the world’s largest sports retail brand, with more than 4,500 stores across 43 countries. In Australia, INTERSPORT operates as a franchise network of 86 stores, predominantly in suburban and regional locations, and is now ranked 14th globally within the INTERSPORT network. The Board is seeking a CEO to lead INTERSPORT Australia into its next phase of growth, with a clear strategy to expand the retail and franchise network. This role offers the opportunity to unite an entrepreneurial franchise community, build national brand presence, strengthen operational efficiency, and cement INTERSPORT’s competitive position in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspiring leadership to franchisees, the Board, head office team and global brand partners.
• Deliver the organisation’s 5-year growth strategy, with local entrepreneurial freedom.
• Strengthen franchisee relationships, ensuring alignment and compliance while protecting store-level independence.
• Drive commercial outcomes through full P&L ownership, execution of strategic growth initiatives, and surplus generation for reinvestment.
• Build head office capability, ensuring the right structure, systems, and people are in place to scale the business.

Skills & Experience
The successful candidate will have proven leadership experience at CEO or senior executive level within multi-site retail, franchise, or member-based organisations. They will bring strong commercial acumen, including direct P&L responsibility and a track record of delivering growth. A deep understanding of franchise or federated models is essential, along with the ability to influence and unite diverse stakeholders.

This leader will be a strategic thinker with experience driving organisational change and franchisee alignment. They will demonstrate exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills, coupled with the presence and credibility to inspire confidence among franchisees, suppliers, international partners, and the Board. A background in retail, franchise, or other network-based businesses is essential, while sporting goods experience is not required.

For a confidential career conversation please reach out to Sarah Cox on 0424 140 474 or [e-mail]

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