General Manager in Canberra

NatRoad (National Road Transport Association) is looking for a General Manager who knows how to lead people effectively and deliver business critical functions. The role is hands-on, highly visible and sits at the operational heart of Australia’s peak road transport body. You will report directly to the CEO and have accountability for four direct reports across the full range of corporate services including human resources, operational planning, membership, marketing, procurement, information technology, and sponsorship.

You will ensure NatRoad’s commitments are met, its people are supported, its partners are retained, and its internal operations are consistently aligned with its external reputation. This is a role for someone who is organised without being rigid, strategic without losing sight of the day-to-day, and commercially sharp without being transactional about relationships.

About NatRoad: NatRoad has been in the corner of Australian road transport operators since 1948. We are the country’s largest road freight transport association, entirely independent, funded through membership fees and business partnerships rather than government grants or political affiliations. Our board is made up of people who run transport businesses. Our members range from owner-drivers running a single truck to major fleet operators managing hundreds of vehicles.

Our Values:

• Integrity in everything they do, particularly when it is difficult or inconvenient.
• Dedication to the work and to the people they are responsible for.
• Reliability in following through on commitments, large and small.
• Empathy in dealing with colleagues, members, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Innovation in thinking about problems and being willing to try things differently.
• Results focus because good intentions are not enough.

What You Will Be Responsible For:

• People and Culture: The General Manager owns the HR function, leading recruitment and onboarding, managing performance, maintaining employment contracts, policies, and documentation, overseeing workforce planning, and ensuring compliance with workplace legislation.
• Operations and Delivery: You will lead the development and execution of NatRoad’s operational plans, oversee projects, manage multiple workstreams, and ensure the organisation has fit-for-purpose systems and tools.
• Procurement and Risk Management: You will oversee procurement from end to end, carry accountability for NatRoad’s risk management and business continuity frameworks.
• Partnerships, Sponsorship, and External Engagement: You will manage commercial relationships with partners and sponsors, represent NatRoad at external meetings, and build productive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Membership Operations and Marketing: You will oversee membership operations and marketing, ensuring alignment between how NatRoad presents itself and what it delivers.

What We Are Looking For:

• At least ten years of senior leadership experience.
• A track record of leading and developing people in a direct, hands-on way.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement and contract management.
• Solid grounding in employment law and HR best practice.
• Project management or strategic planning experience.
• Strong capability in stakeholder engagement and external relationship management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound planning and organisational skills.
• High standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
• A mature approach to confidentiality and discretion.
• Proficiency in IT and digital environments.
• A university degree in business, law, or a related field.

The Kind of Person You Are:

You are comfortable with accountability, have a natural bias for action, and are a strong communicator. You build trust with people and have a genuine interest in the road transport industry. You are resilient and calm under pressure.

Why NatRoad:

This role directly affects the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Australian transport operators. You will work directly with a CEO who is engaged in both the strategic and operational dimensions of the organisation. We offer a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority and scope of the position.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter that speaks directly to your experience against the key responsibilities and attributes described above. Applications must be submitted by 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.