Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Tourism Western Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Tourism Western Australia seeks an accomplished, dynamic deputy chief executive officer to shape the future of WA's tourism sector alongside the CEO, Chairperson and Board. You will lead Tourism WA and drive strategic priorities that support sustainable visitor economy growth, building influential partnerships across local, national and international levels.

The role demands strong commercial acumen, exceptional management and communication skills, and a vision to unlock Western Australia’s

Qualifications

• Executive leadership with a track record of influencing outcomes and building strategic partnerships.
• Strong understanding of commercial and strategic industry drivers in tourism.
• Experience supporting major tourism infrastructure and destination development initiatives.
• Exceptional management and communication skills, with the ability to empower and influence teams, foster innovation and collaboration.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic partnerships

Stakeholder engagement

Influencing outcomes

Commercial acumen

Tourism infrastructure

Destination development

Managerial skills

Communication skills

Team empowerment

Innovation & collaboration

Job description

About the department

The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) acknowledges the Aboriginal people throughout Western Australia as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, waters, and communities in which we operate. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal people and their cultures, and to Elders past and present. About the department CITS brings together creativity, culture, tourism, sport and community to help shape the future of Western Australia. As one of the State’s most diverse and influential agencies, we deliver work with broad reach and impact, from globally recognised tourism campaigns and major events to cultural initiatives, creative industries development and transformative infrastructure projects. CITS offers a fast-paced and high-impact environment where bold ideas, strategic thinking and collaboration are valued. Our people work across some of Western Australia’s most recognised brands, destinations and experiences. Our teams contribute to projects that influence how Western Australia is experienced, celebrated and connected locally, nationally and internationally. The work is meaningful, visible and supports lasting social, cultural and economic outcomes for the State.

• Work across a dynamic portfolio spanning tourism, creative industries, sport, recreation and multicultural interests.
• Collaborate with industry leaders, creatives, government stakeholders and major partners.
• Contribute to high-profile events, infrastructure projects and community initiatives with real social and economic impact.
• Be part of a team that values innovation, creativity, collaboration and fresh thinking.

We are looking for ambitious, creative and strategic people who thrive in a dynamic environment, contribute fresh ideas and want their work to make a meaningful difference.

If you are seeking an opportunity to contribute to work that is seen, felt and experienced across Western Australia and beyond,

About Tourism WA

About Tourism WA Tourism WA is responsible for promoting Western Australia as an extraordinary holiday destination, inspiring more people to visit our great State. Our focus is on marketing the destination; developing, attracting and promoting major sporting, cultural and business events; and supporting the development of significant tourism infrastructure and projects.

About the role

We are seeking an accomplished, dynamic and visionary executive leader with a proven record of impact. As Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Tourism WA, you will play a central role in shaping the future of Western Australia’s tourism sector alongside the Chief Executive Officer, Chairperson and Board of Commissioners in advancing the State’s position as a compelling global destination. Working closely with the Tourism WA, Chief Executive Officer, Chairperson and board of commissioners, government, industry and key partners, you will lead Tourism WA and drive strategic priorities that support sustainable visitor economy growth. You will bring strong commercial acumen, the capacity to build influential partnerships and a clear commitment to unlocking Western Australia’s economic potential through tourism investment and destination development. We have one full-time, fixed-term Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment available for a term of up to five years. This is an exceptional opportunity for an inspirational leader to build a culture of achievement, deliver meaningful change and promote Western Australia on the global stage. The role calls for vision, energy and purpose, reflecting the ambition and optimism captured in “ Walking on a Dream.” Step into the journey, embrace the possibilities and help shape a future in which Western Australia’s story is shared with the world.

• Proven executive leadership, with a strong record of influencing outcomes and building strategic partnerships with stakeholders at local, national and international levels.
• A strong understanding of commercial and strategic industry drivers, together with substantial experience supporting major tourism infrastructure and destination development initiatives.
• Exceptional management and communication skills, with the ability to empower and influence teams, foster innovation and collaboration, and deliver strategic and operational outcomes.

What’s in it for you?

This role offers executive leadership development in a collaborative environment that values diversity and recognises individual contribution, together with flexible working options, generous leave entitlements and access to a broad range of wellbeing benefits. For further information on these benefits visit our Careers page.

Location

This role is based in the Perth Metropolitan area.

Pre-employment conditions

To be appointed to this position or any future role as a result of this process, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, have a visa to live and work indefinitely in Australia or have a valid visa to live and work in Australia for the duration of any fixed term employment prior to appointment. Suitability to the role does not guarantee appointment where work rights do not meet legislative requirements for filling positions in the WA Public Sector.

• A National Police Clearance Certificate issued within the previous six months.
• A pre-employment Conflict of Interest form.
• Given this is a position of trust, we will ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour.

Further information

If you have any access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact Recruitment and Establishment on 08 6552 7540 or [e-mail]

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers: TTY/voice calls: 133 677 Speak & Listen: 1300 555 727 SMS relay: 0423 677 767

To avoid system congestion, please submit your application well before the closing time. Late applications will not be accepted. This selection process will initially be used to fill the advertised vacancy. Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies within CITS or the wider public sector that arise within 12 months of the recruitment process being endorsed. If the successful applicant declines the offer or subsequently vacates the position, the next most suitable applicant may be selected from this process.

Future vacancies may be fixed term or permanent, and full time or part time. An executive search may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process to support a competitive field and may continue beyond the closing date. Surplus employees may be referred and considered throughout this process.

Closing date: Monday 26 October 2026 at 4.00 pm (AWST)