Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Smart Talent is delighted to partner with Expanding Horizons in its search for the newly created Chief Operating Officer position.

The Company

Expanding Horizons is Australia's only dedicated business-to-business group travel wholesaler. For over 30 years, we have supported travel professionals to plan group travel itineraries for domestic and inbound customers.

Our business aligns itself with carefully chosen suppliers and industry partners who share our ideals and strive for excellence in customer service. The team at Expanding Horizons has a keen eye for detail and is passionate about Australia.

With a team of 25 employees, we are experiencing growth and seeking a Chief Operating Officer to join our Australian-owned family business to lead our operations, ensure effective team management and oversee the transition to a new IT management system.

The Role - What We Are Looking For

We seek an experienced and dynamic Chief Operating Officer to join our family-run travel business. As a growing business-to-business wholesaler, we need someone who thrives in a people-first environment and has a hands-on approach to leadership. This role is perfect for a down-to-earth individual with a collaborative, empathetic style, who is ready to work closely with our team to drive further growth and innovation.

In This Role You Will

• Oversee day-to-day operations while leading and inspiring our team.
• Implement new IT systems and guide our team through transitions.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment, ensuring our family values and team are at the core of everything we do.
• Be a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer, supporting the business's long-term success.
  

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Is highly skilled in people management, with a natural ability to motivate and lead.
• Has a strong background in IT systems, including Office 365 and system transitions.
• Works well in a collaborative, non-hierarchical environment, and values teamwork.
• Has experience in operational leadership, ideally in a small to medium-sized business.

If you're a hands-on leader who values empathy and collaboration, we'd love to hear from you!

Key Criteria

• Proven experience (5+ years) in a Chief Operating Officer or similar senior leadership role.
• Strong people and management leadership skills, with a track record of building and nurturing high-performance teams.
• Proficiency in IT systems and implementation, detailed knowledge of Office 365 products, and experience transitioning to new IT management systems.
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to oversee complex system changes and ensure seamless integration across the business.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's degree/significant experience in Business, Management, Information Technology or a related field is preferred.
• Familiarity with the tourism industry or business-to-business wholesale operations is desirable but not essential.
• Applicants must hold full and permanent Australian working rights to be eligible for this position.
• Ability to produce a current C-class driver's license and police clearance.

To Apply

Applications via SEEK should include a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role, no more than two pages addressing the Key Criteria and a current resume.

Confidential enquiries are welcome by contacting Karen Priest via email at karen@smarttalent.com.au

For a detailed Job Description go to www.smarttalent.com.au

For further information about Expanding Horizons go to www.expandinghorizons.com.au

Applications Close by COB Wednesday 27 November 2024

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• How many years of experience do you have as a chief operation officer?
• How many years of people management experience do you have?
• Do you have a current Police Check (National Police Certificate) for employment?
• Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
• How many years of experience do you have as an IT Service Management Lead?
• How many years of experience do you have as a Risk and Compliance Executive?
• How many years of experience do you have as a Project Management Office Project Manager?

FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION

Overview

Expanding Horizons is Australia's only dedicated business-to-business group travel wholesaler. For over 30 years we have been supporting travel professionals to plan group travel itineraries for domestic and inbound customers.

Our business aligns itself with carefully chosen suppliers and industry partners who have the same ideals and strive for excellence in customer service.
The team at Expanding Horizons has a real eye for detail and is passionate about Australia.

With a team of 25 employees, we are experiencing growth and seeking a dynamic and hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Australian-owned family business to lead our operations, ensure effective team management and oversee the transition to a new IT management system.

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, with a focus on effectively managing people and teams to ensure continued success and collaboration.

In addition to excellent operational leadership skills, the COO will play a key role in implementing new IT systems and transitioning to a new business management system. This position requires a hands-on leader who can foster a collaborative and positive work environment while driving efficiency and supporting the company's growth.

Key Responsibilities

The list below is not exhaustive, and responsibilities may change to meet the overall objectives of the business:

Operational Leadership

o Oversee the daily operations, ensuring smooth business processes and optimal performance across all departments.
o In conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), develop and implement operational strategies, business plans, policies and processes to achieve the short- and long-term goals of the business.
o Collaborate closely with the CEO, Business Owner and Leadership Team to drive the business forward in line with the organisation's vision.

People and Team Management

o In conjunction with the CEO, lead and inspire a diverse team of 25 employees, creating a positive work environment that fosters collaboration and continuous improvement.
o Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to department heads and staff, ensuring all team members are aligned with the company goals.
o Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability and professionalism across the business.
o In conjunction with the CEO and Department Heads, handle personnel matters, including performance management, recruitment, and staff development initiatives.

IT Systems & Office 365 Implementation

o Lead the transition from the current IT management system to a new platform ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.
o Oversee further implementation of Office 365 and other relevant IT tools, providing training and support to ensure all staff members are comfortable with new technologies.
o Ensure that all IT systems are secure, scalable, and efficient to support business growth.

Strategic Planning & Growth

o Support the development and execution of strategic plans to drive business growth and profitability.
o Collaborate with the team to identify new opportunities and streamline processes.
o Monitor key business metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), providing regular reports to the CEO and Business Owner.
o Manage budgets and financial planning for operational activities.

Compliance & Risk Management

o Ensure the business complies with all regulatory requirements and industry standards.
o Manage and mitigate operational risks through effective systems and process management.
o Ensure all departments operate within established budgetary guidelines.
o Ensures compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment, mitigating operational risks.

General Duties

o Review, design and implement role-specific systems and procedures.
o Preparation of clear, professional reports for presentation and discussion at meetings, when requested.
o Administration duties as required.
o Other associated duties as required by the CEO/Business Owner.

Requirements as an Expanding Horizons Team Member

o Maintain professionalism when liaising with team members, clients and suppliers (phone, person and email).
o Handle external and internal communication professionally and in accordance with organisation policies and procedures.
o Always be well-presented and well-spoken.
o Demonstrate confident people skills with the ability to engage warmly.
o Have a positive approach to change.
o Be able to work under pressure.
o Demonstrate strong organisational and time management skills and have excellent attention to detail.
o Attend/Chair meetings when requested or as scheduled.
o Maintain a clean and enjoyable working environment.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Key Criteria


o Proven experience (5+ years) in a Chief Operating Officer (COO) or similar senior leadership role.
o Strong people and management leadership skills, with a track record of building and nurturing high-performing teams.
o Proficiency in IT systems and implementation; detailed knowledge of Office 365 products, and experience transitioning to new IT management systems.
o Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to oversee complex system changes and ensure seamless integration across the business.
o Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
o Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
o Bachelor's degree/Significant experience in Business, Management,
Information Technology or a related field is preferred.
o Familiarity with the tourism industry or business-to-business wholesale operations is desirable but not essential.
o Applicants must hold full and permanent Australian working rights to be eligible for this position.
o Ability to produce a current C class driver's license and police clearance.

Skills & Competencies

o Lead and Empower Others: Demonstrated leadership and strategic management skills, including initiative and the ability to negotiate with, train, motivate and influence people.

o Management of IT Systems and Transitions: Demonstrated experience in overseeing IT Systems management, with the ability to lead the transitions between systems while minimising disruptions to operations. Strong understanding of Office 365 and other business management platforms, with experience in system integration, process improvement and ensuring team readiness through training and support. Proven capability in managing supplier relationships, troubleshooting issues and ensuring the scalability and security of IT infrastructure to meet business needs.

o Think Strategically: Well-developed research and analytical skills with the ability to think creatively and laterally to provide high-quality, future-focused results.

o Communication: The ability to communicate clearly and concisely. Drafts, reviews, edits and disseminates a range of complex written material, ensuring messages are clear, and aligned with the audience. Able to follow instructions and ask questions when uncertain of information or process.

o Project Management: Superior project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and budgets.

o Analytical Thinking/Resolution Skills: Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills, including a demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to meet organisational objectives.

o Build Effective Relationships: Ability to liaise and consult with a range of stakeholders on various levels, internal and external to the organisation.

o Service Focused: Dedicated to delivering exceptional service across all channels written, phone, and face to face both internally and externally, to ensure client satisfaction and further success of the business.

o Time Management/Organisation: Accomplish objectives effectively within the time frame given and carry out administrative duties in an efficient and timely manner. Able to set own work priorities and use initiative.