Commercial Manager – Melbourne Zoo

Have you ever imagined leading the commercial strategy behind one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, Melbourne Zoo? Are you passionate about shaping hospitality experiences that delight guests and strengthen community connections? Do you thrive on turning strategic ideas into operational excellence, building partnerships that inspire, and driving financial performance across multimillion-dollar projects? If you're ready to make a meaningful impact in a role that blends purpose, innovation, and leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

Be part of a purpose-led team transforming everyday moments into extraordinary experiences.

About the role

You will be at the forefront of our commercial strategy, overseeing multimillion-dollar projects and ensuring the successful execution of high-value contracts. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders across public and private sectors, bringing strategic insight and financial rigor to every initiative. This role is based at the Melbourne Zoo site, with the flexibility to work under a hybrid model (3 days onsite, 2 days remote).

Main responsibilities

• Lead accurate and timely month-end closing processes
• Partner with internal stakeholders to enhance financial performance
• Prepare detailed budgets and forecasts
• Manage contract compliance, including price escalations and variations
• Conduct performance reviews against contractual benchmarks
• Own end-to-end commercial responsibility for key projects
• Support bid modelling and project retention strategies
• Identify and implement streamlined commercial processes
• Deliver end-of-month P&L reporting and client invoicing

About you

We're looking for someone who brings both commercial acumen and strategic thinking, with a passion for hospitality and innovation.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Accounting degree and CA/CPA Australia membership
• 5–7 years’ experience in a commercial accounting environment
• Strong technical and analytical skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency
• Proven ability to influence senior operational leaders through data-driven insights

Desirable Attributes

• Experience leading and developing high-performing, multi-site teams
• Ability to build and maintain complex client relationships at a senior level
• A forward-thinking mindset with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Exposure to diverse food and beverage environments – from casual cafés to premium restaurants

We're committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and empowers all team members to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and we actively encourage women to apply for leadership roles.

This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a role that combines purpose, innovation, and commercial leadership — all within the inspiring setting of Melbourne Zoo.

Ready to design the future with us?
Apply now and bring your creativity to life in spaces that matter.

The Benefits

Working with a large global company means you can be assured that we have an attractive benefits program! This includes comprehensive learning & development offerings, a variety of recognition programs and company discounts, an excellent salary benchmarking matrix and at this management level also includes an incentive bonus scheme! You can read all about these here: Why work at Compass

If you're ready to take the next step in your designer career and contribute to something bigger, we want to hear from you! For any questions, doubts, or for a confidential chat, please reach out to us at talisson@compass-group.com.au or yovitalavenia@compass-group.com.au 

We are committed to ensuring a recruitment process that is fair, inclusive, and accessible to all. If you require any adjustments or alternative methods of communication during the process, please let us know—our team will support you in the way that works best for you.