Head of Sales and Operations

Our client, an award-winning luxury cruise retailer, is expanding into Australia and seeking a senior travel industry leader to establish and grow their presence in the Australian market. This is a rare opportunity to launch a greenfield operation for a company recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and TTG Luxury Travel Workplace of the Year. Reporting to the Global Leadership Team, you will serve as the senior representative of the brand in Australia, responsible for the full operational setup, local compliance, defining workflows, and hiring foundational sales and customer experience staff. Key Responsibilities Lead the establishment of Australian operations from the ground up, including operational setup, compliance, and workflows Develop and execute the Australian sales strategy in alignment with global objectives Coach and mentor the Sales Management team to exceed KPIs and performance targets Uphold world-class service standards and monitor customer experience metrics Serve as a cultural ambassador, embedding the company's core values and mission throughout the Australian team Manage the end-to-end Australian customer journey, including pre- and post-booking operations Drive revenue growth through Book on Board and referral initiatives Recruit and develop team members across sales and operations, with long-term scope to expand into broader APAC regions Essential Proven track record in senior sales strategy and execution Leadership experience in the luxury travel sector Strong sales leadership and negotiation skills Exceptional attention to detail and customer-obsessed mindset Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strong data analysis skills and proven people leadership capability Values-led approach with the ability to lead with minimal oversight Calm, flexible, and effective under pressure Preferred Experience with luxury or ultra-luxury cruise (strongly preferred) Experience launching new regions or building teams from the ground up Competitive salary of up to $155,000 AUD (depending on experience) Generous bonus scheme for first year's growth plus long-term incentive over 4–5 years 31 days annual leave Healthcare contribution Travel contribution Australian superannuation contribution FAM trips (familiarisation travel opportunities) Holiday concession Flexible working environment Charity / volunteering allowance Career Growth This role offers significant long-term potential. As the business scales in Australia, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to evolve into a senior AU/APAC leadership position, shaping the company's expansion across the broader region. Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to equal employment opportunity. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family or carer's responsibilities, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gender identity, intersex status, religion, political opinion, national extraction, social origin, or any other attribute protected under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and applicable federal and state anti-discrimination legislation. Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. Reasonable Adjustments: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for individuals with disability in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth). We will work with candidates and employees to identify and implement appropriate adjustments to enable participation in the recruitment process and employment. Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post where provided. If not included, it will be shared during the interview process. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, qualifications, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), the National Employment Standards (NES), applicable Modern Awards, and all relevant federal, state, and territory laws governing employment and non-discrimination in Australia. This includes compliance with the Age Discrimination Act 2004, Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and Racial Discrimination Act 1975. Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment, bullying, or sexual harassment. We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace in accordance with work health and safety legislation and the Fair Work Act's protections against sexual harassment. Privacy Notice: The personal information of job applicants is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. Information collected during the recruitment process, including CVs, references, and background check results, will only be used for purposes directly related to assessing your suitability for employment. You have the right to access and request correction of your personal information. For more information, please contact us or visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at oaic.gov.au. Superannuation: Successful candidates employed in Australia will receive superannuation contributions in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. The current contribution rate is 11.5% of ordinary time earnings, increasing to 12% from 1 July 2025. Visa and Work Rights: Applicants must have valid work rights in Australia or be eligible for employer-sponsored visa arrangements where applicable. We comply with all requirements under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). How to Raise Concerns: If you believe you have experienced discrimination during the recruitment process, you may contact the Fair Work Commission, the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Australian Human Rights Commission, or your relevant state or territory anti-discrimination agency. Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. #J-18808-Ljbffr