General Manager - Commercial & Marketing

Swimming Western Australia (SWA) is the peak body for competitive swimming in Western Australia, with its head office based in Mt Claremont. Its key stakeholders are Western Australian swimming associations and Clubs, Swimming Australia, coaches, officials, the Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (SCTA), other State Swimming Associations and, importantly, funding partners including government and private sector sponsors.

SWA currently has over 80 clubs and over 10,500 club members. Its members include swimmers, officials, administrators, volunteers and parents of athletes. SWA is responsible for the management and development of the sport from State Championships and performance pathways to “grass roots” community level participation.

Swimming WA is committed to protecting Children/Young People from harm. We require all applicants that will work with Children/Young people to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

Position Overview The GM – Commercial & Marketing is a senior leadership role responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth, enhancing the commercial performance of Swimming WA, and overseeing the organisation’s major operational areas including competitions/events, marketing and communications, commercial partnerships, and alumni engagement.

This executive leadership role provides organisational leadership, ensures operational excellence across departments, and contributes to strategic decision‑making. The position plays a crucial role in shaping the organisation’s long‑term success and ensuring the development and growth of swimming across Western Australia.

Core Responsibilities Commercial Strategy & Business Management

Lead the development and execution of SWA’s commercial strategy to deliver sustainable long‑term revenue.

Identify, negotiate, and secure new commercial partnerships, ensuring value‑aligned collaborations.

Manage and grow existing partnerships, delivering and reporting on contracted obligations.

Lead innovation to expand commercial programs, events, and participation streams.

Oversee procurement, contract management, and commercial governance across all functions.

Executive Manager – Organisational Leadership

Providing leadership across the organisation and representing the CEO when required.

Contribute to organisational strategic planning and decision‑making as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Provide cross‑functional oversight, problem‑solving and executive judgement on organisational priorities.

Lead the development of a high‑performance, collaborative organisational culture.

Mentor and coach direct reports and emerging leaders to build organisational capability.

Events, Competitions & Participation

Oversee the planning, development, and delivery of all SWA competitions and events, from grassroots to state level.

Drive innovation in competition formats and participation opportunities.

Ensure events are delivered safely, professionally, and in line with strategic and commercial objectives.

Oversee volunteer engagement strategies and operational workforce planning for events.

Ensure all event operations adhere to risk management, compliance, and safeguarding frameworks.

Marketing, Brand & Communications

Provide leadership and strategic direction to all marketing and communication activities.

Oversee brand governance to ensure alignment with organisational values and strategic objectives.

Lead the design and execution of promotional campaigns for events, programs, and partnerships.

Ensure integrated communications across digital, media, and stakeholder channels.

Act as a senior spokesperson for SWA where required.

Relationship Management & Alumni Engagement

Lead relationship strategies for key corporate partners, government funding agencies, and high‑value stakeholders.

Implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy to strengthen SWA's community network.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with clubs, affiliates, and key industry stakeholders.

Explore opportunities for philanthropic, donor, and community fundraising (where appropriate).

Risk, Compliance & Governance

Oversee risk management processes across events, competitions, procurement, and marketing.

Ensure compliance with SWA policies, including safeguarding, WHS, and legislative requirements.

Support the CEO with governance reporting and Board papers when required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) KPIs will be established in consultation with the CEO and may include:

Commercial revenue growth and sponsorship retention.

Event participation, profitability and operational delivery standards.

Marketing and communication engagement metrics.

Organisational culture and staff performance indicators.

Contribution to strategic plan objectives.

Candidates applying for this role must have the following Minimum 5 years’ experience in senior leadership experience in commercial, operations, business development, or related executive roles. Completion of an undergraduate tertiary qualification in Marketing, Business Management, or related discipline. Proven experience leading teams and managing cross‑functional departments. Strong financial literacy with experience overseeing budgets, financial reporting, and forecasting. High‑level communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills. Strong project management and strategic planning capabilities. Demonstrated ability to operate under pressure and deliver organisational outcomes. Advanced computer literacy (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Ability to work outside standard business hours when required. Self‑motivated, able to achieve results autonomously or via teamwork. Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with Children/Young People. Current Working with Children Check, National Police Clearance and driver’s licence.

Candidates applying for this role may have the following Experience in the sporting, community, or not‑for‑profit sectors. Knowledge of membership‑based organisations. Experience in stakeholder management involving government agencies and corporate partners.

Hours 38 hours per week. Normal business hours are 8.30am to 5.00pm. This position will involve hours outside normal business hours including weekends, early mornings and evenings on occasion. Employees will be offered time in lieu in line with Swimming WA policies. Attendance at pre‑determined Swimming WA events and activities is expected. Flexible working arrangements apply.

Applications If this position sounds like you, please submit your application via Seek, including a CV (Resume) AND a Cover Letter outlining your experience.

Applications close 27 December; however, we will be reviewing applications as they are received, therefore, this role may close sooner if we find the right candidate.

For further information email Emily Randall, CEO at *************@wa.swimming.org.au

Swimming WA is committed to providing a safe environment for all swimming participants, including children and young people. It is essential everyone involved with delivering swimming in Australia understands their responsibility in relation to child‑safety.

We're committed to reflecting the communities we work and swim in. We strongly encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disability, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

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