General Manager / Chief Executive Officer

Toowoomba Chamber Of Commerce; Toowoomba Regional; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce invites an experienced General Manager / CEO to lead one of Australia's largest regional chambers. You will drive community engagement, advocate for business interests, and shape the direction of the organisation and local economy.

You will balance strategic leadership with hands-on operations, manage budgets, coordinate programs and events, and build strong partnerships while guiding a small, capable team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a senior role within a Chamber, association, or similar.
• Strong governance, financial oversight, and reporting skills.
• Ability to engage with government, media, and local business community.
• Experience with budgeting, strategic planning, and program delivery.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for local business with government and stakeholders.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and key initiatives.
• Grow membership and partnerships.
• Lead events, programs, and communications.
• Uphold governance and compliance, prepare board reports.
• Manage budgets, cashflow, and sustainability.
• Lead a small team and collaborate with staff.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Governance

Change management

Tools

Xero

Job description

GENERAL MANAGER / CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce - Toowoomba QLD

Are you an experienced leader who enjoys variety, thrives in a fast-paced environment and isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves?

Are you ready for a role that will strengthen your engagement with community, build connection, and give you genuine opportunity to influence the direction of the both the organisation and also the success of the Toowoomba business community

The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce is seeking a leader to drive one of Australia's largest regional Chambers of Commerce and continue our proud tradition of advocating for, connecting and supporting the local business community. The Chamber has a proud 127-year history and remains an independent and respected voice for business across the Toowoomba region.

About the Role

This is not a traditional corporate role.

On any given day you may find yourself meeting with government representatives, speaking to the media, preparing Board reports, responding to member enquiries, reconciling Xero, scheduling social media, helping coordinate an event, managing budgets or drafting communications.

While supported by a small and highly effective team, this position plays an active role in almost all areas of Chamber operations. Success in this position requires a practical, organised and adaptable leader who enjoys being involved in both strategic leadership and operational delivery.

This role may suit an experienced or emerging CEO, General Manager, Operations Manager or senior business leader looking for an opportunity to make a genuine impact on the local business community.

Key Responsibilities

• Advocacy & Representation - Be the voice of local business and represent members with government, industry and key stakeholders.
• Operations - Lead the day-to-day operations of the Chamber and key initiatives including the Business Excellence Awards, Toowoomba Young Chamber, Food & Agri Network and advocacy activities.
• Membership & Partnerships - Grow and retain members, manage key partnerships and ensure strong member engagement.
• Events & Programs - Oversee and support the delivery of the Chamber's annual events calendar, networking programs and major events.
• Marketing & Communications - Manage member communications, media engagement, marketing activities and Chamber advocacy campaigns.
• Governance & Administration - Prepare Board reports, support governance processes and ensure compliance obligations are met.
• Financial Management - Manage budgets, cashflow, reporting and organisational sustainability.
• Team Leadership - Lead a small team while working alongside staff to deliver outcomes for members.

About You

You will be:

A strong relationship builder and communicator.

Highly organised and comfortable managing multiple priorities.

Equally comfortable in the boardroom, at a networking event or behind a desk completing administrative work.

Confident managing budgets, projects and organisational operations.

Comfortable working in a small team environment where everyone contributes to delivery.

Passionate about supporting local business and driving positive outcomes for the region.

For a confidential discussion, please contact President Barton Castley on 0437 175 ***.