Overview

Minister Horne recently announced the formation of a new entity – Ports Victoria effective 1 July 2021. Ports Victoria brings together Victorian Regional Channels Authority and the Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) to lead the strategic management of commercial ports and waterways. The formation of Ports Victoria is a key finding from the Independent Review of the Victorian Ports System. The appointment of an Interim Chair and Board has also been announced. Geelong will become Victoria’s regional centre for maritime excellence with the Victorian Government establishing a new state-wide ports body headquartered in the city from 1 July 2022. This recognises the city’s important role in Victoria’s ports system – through Geelong Port and the future relocation of the Spirit of Tasmania. ​

​Position

This exciting opportunity will appeal to executives who can not only deliver the immediate transformational aspects required to bring about the merger but who can also lay the foundation for future success. The new Chief Executive Officer will lead the integration of the Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA) and the Victorian Ports Corporation Melbourne (VPCM) to form Ports Victoria and will transition the organisation towards realising the Minister’s and Government’s vision for Ports across Victoria. This will be supported by legislation anticipated to be effective from July 2022. This is a large and complex transition, and it will be critically important to recognise the skills and expertise of VRCA and VPCM’s workforce.

About you

On behalf of Ports Victoria we are now seeking candidates with the following attributes:

•Experience leading a service organisation within a complex stakeholder environment, with exposure to infrastructure, shipping, transport, freight or relevant sectors. Ports/Maritime experience would be highly valued.

•A proven track record for delivering a significant merger and transformational change whilst developing and implementing the framework for future state.

•Extensive stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation skills in highly nuanced settings at senior levels within government, regulatory, industry, peak bodies, membership, business and community stakeholders.

•Contemporary and highly empathic people leader with a strong track record of building a positive and collaborative high-performing workplace culture particularly in a merger setting. Can build trust; inspires and motivates; is able to harness the collective capability of staff and key stakeholders to work towards a common goal.

•Significant exposure to high-level regulatory environments where results have been achieved within regulatory boundaries.

•Strategic leadership and governance experience working successfully at senior levels and with the Board. Ability to identify and develop strategies aimed at business, operational and delivery improvement.

•Gravitas, political nous and is an exemplar of trust and integrity.

Location: Geelong

For a confidential discussion please call Jen D’Arcy-Smith, Partner M: 0449 967 781 or Alison Myatt, Head of Research M: 0412 630 817. Please send your application quoting Ref No 69239 to Watermark Search International. Email: search@watermarksearch.com.au We will reply to the email address used for your application.