The western rock lobster fishery is Australia’s most valuable single-species wild capture fishery and the first in the world to receive sustainability accreditation from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The Western Rock Lobster Council (WRL) is the industry peak body, governed by a Board of ten Directors, eight of which are elected by Managed Fishery Licence (MFL) holders.

WRL represents this leading primary industry by engaging with MFL holders and advocating on their behalf, co-managing the western rock lobster fishery with government, strategically planning the industry’s future, mitigating risks facing industry, managing industry’s research and development program, managing education and safety, engaging with stakeholders, promoting the industry and highlighting western rock lobster as premium seafood globally.

To maintain the highest standard of industry representation in an increasingly complex operating environment, WRL is seeking a highly qualified Executive Officer who will add value to the professionalism and capability of an excellent executive team and enjoyable workplace.

Job tasks and responsibilities

The Executive Officer is a senior position within WRL’s nine-person Executive team and reports directly to the CEO. The position requires full-time employment with an initial three-month probation period. The role is based in Fremantle with occasional travel to fishing ports as far as Kalbarri and domestically for critical conferences and meetings.

The tasks of this role include, but are not limited to:

Organisational Leadership

Support the CEO in developing and executing strategic initiatives and business plans.

Assume the role of Acting CEO with full leadership responsibility and decision-making authority whenever the CEO is unavailable.

Deputise the CEO at Board meetings, government and industry meetings as required, ensuring continuity of high-level organisational representation.

Provide day to day management functions to support the Executive team, fostering a cohesive, high performing and accountable workplace culture.

Operational Scope

Engage with and represent the interests of Managed Fishery Licence (MFL) holders across the full scope of co-management arrangements with government.

Be responsible for managing fishing and processing operational matters and their resolution.

Contribute to matters affecting the long-term sustainability,



economic value, and international reputation of the western rock lobster industry, including maintenance of its MSC sustainability accreditation.

Conduct research on industry trends, emerging challenges, and opportunities to inform organisational strategies.

Collaborate with stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps and recommend innovative solutions.

Prepare submissions and position papers to communicate the organisation’s stance on industry management issues.

Collaborate with Members and key agencies to maintain, administer and develop WRL’s online industry OHS&E; program SeaSafe.

Project Coordination

Act as the liaison between WRL and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) to manage the WRL Industry Partnership Agreement (IPA) RD&E; portfolio.

Coordinate IPA Principal Investigators (including third-party research providers, such as DPIRD and universities) for successful delivery of programs and projects.

Where necessary, assist in planning and producing IPA program and project proposals, and associated reporting.

Monitor project milestones and budgets, ensuring quality outputs while adhering to timelines and financial requirements.

Evaluate program and project outcomes and provide detailed reports and recommendations for future initiatives.

Assist with successful adoption of R&D; outcomes by members/fishers and communication of outcomes to external stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

Engage with and represent WRL and industry across a broad network of industry and government bodies including DPIRD, FRDC, WAFIC, AMSA, MSC and Members of Parliament.

Liaise with external stakeholders, industry representatives, and government agencies on a wide range of issues on behalf of the CEO and industry.

Establish and maintain strong working relationships with members, stakeholders and industry partners.

Represent the organisation at industry forums, conferences, and meetings to ensure engagement and advocacy.





Develop and implement engagement strategies with industry people and organisations to manage regulatory and operational matters.

Skills and experience

The role requires a motivated individual with extensive experience as an Executive Officer or similar. This is an exceptional opportunity for a high quality, astute, professional and talented individual who is a driven, productive and positive performer.

Our preferred Executive Officer will have:

Demonstrated leadership capability within an organisation and in representing an organisation

Sound independent judgement and the confidence to make timely and well-reasoned decisions.

Proven ability to lead, motivate and support a small executive team, fostering accountability and a positive workplace culture.

Highly developed written and verbal communications skills with the ability to effectively communicate with a high attention to detail and accuracy.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate productive relationships

Proven strategic and operational management skills with the ability to apply judgement.

Proven skills and experience in planning and managing projects of various scale.

Ability to deal with a wide variety of stakeholders including Members of Parliament, senior executives, government department officers, consultants and industry representatives.

Excellent flexibility and capability to successfully achieve tasks within a small team setting, through teamwork and working independently.

Although viewed favourably, it is not essential that our preferred Executive Officer has:

Experience in a similar role, organisation or the fishing industry.

An understanding of seafood trade and market access

Working knowledge and understanding of industry representative body activities and governance requirements.

Remuneration and perks

WRL understands that our greatest resource is our people. We offer competitive salaries and create encouraging environments to attract and retain the best. WRL is committed to providing career opportunities that recognise the importance of workplace flexibility and a healthy work-life balance. We provide a supportive work culture and are committed to the professional development of our people by investing in ongoing training to improve performance and providing career development opportunities.

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📌 Executive Officer (Fremantle)
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