Are you passionate about supporting small businesses and helping regional communities thrive?

BEC Central West (BizHQ & Upstairs Regional Incubator Hub) is seeking an experienced and well-connected Business Development & Program Manager to drive the delivery of business advisory services, lead our operations, develop our Upstairs Regional Incubator Hub and strengthen our impact across Central West & Orana NSW for a 12 month fixed term contract.

This is a unique opportunity to combine leadership, stakeholder engagement, business development and regional economic development in a highly visible community-focused role.

About the Role

You will lead the organisation's day-to-day operations and oversee the delivery of business advisory programs that support small businesses throughout the region, while developing the Upstairs Regional Incubator Hub. Working closely with the Board, subcontracted advisors, local councils, industry groups and business networks, you will help shape the future direction and growth of BizHQ/Upstairs.

Key areas of responsibility include:

Leading organisational operations and team members

Managing business advisory services and programs

Building strategic partnerships and regional networks

Growing membership and engagement within Upstairs

Identifying funding, sponsorship and grant opportunities

Representing BizHQ & Upstairs across the Central West region

Reporting to the Board Chair and supporting strategic planning

About You

You are a natural connector who enjoys building relationships across business, government and community sectors. You combine commercial thinking with a genuine commitment to regional development and can comfortably move between strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and hands‑on program delivery.

You will bring:

A tertiary degree in business or a related field, or equivalent years of experience working in a similar setting

Leadership experience within a small business, advisory, government or not-for-profit environment





Strong networks across the Central West region

Experience delivering programs and achieving measurable outcomes

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Business development capability and a growth mindset

Experience in small business ownership, business advisory services or economic development will be highly regarded.

What We Offer

Salary package: Competitive remuneration, including a fully maintained vehicle, with salary negotiated based on experience, qualifications and demonstrated capability.

12-month contract that could be extended depending on funding arrangements

Immediate commencement

Flexible full-time or part-time arrangements

Hybrid working options

Access to a fully maintained company vehicle to support regional travel and stakeholder engagement

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the regional business community

Autonomous and varied leadership role

Position Purpose

Lead the delivery of business advisory services and programs across Central West & Orana NSW while providing operational leadership and oversight for BizHQ and the Upstairs Regional Incubator Hub, Bathurst. The role is responsible for business advisory, program delivery, team leadership, member engagement, stakeholder engagement and organisational growth. The successful candidate may also deliver one‑on‑one business advisory services, depending on their experience and accreditation.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

Provide day‑to‑day operational oversight of BizHQ and Upstairs

Lead and support a small team and subcontracted business advisors.





Ensure organisational activities align with Government programs and Board direction.

Provide regular reporting and updates to the Board.

Program & Advisory Services

Manage business advisory services and government‑funded programs.

Support and guide small businesses across the region.

Monitor and report against qualitative and quantitative KPIs.

Identify opportunities to improve service reach and impact.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

Build and maintain relationships with local councils, chambers of commerce, industry groups and business networks.

Represent BizHQ and Upstairs at regional events and engagements.

Develop sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

Nurture relationships with existing Upstairs members and BizHQ stakeholders.

Expand organisational reach across Central West NSW.

Business Development & Growth

Grow membership of the Upstairs Regional Incubator Hub.

Identify and pursue funding and grant opportunities.

Develop strategic partnerships that support organisational sustainability and growth.

Drive engagement and business development initiatives.

Success in this role includes:

Strong delivery of business advisory services and funded programmes

Growth in Upstairs membership and stakeholder engagement

Achievement of program KPIs and funding outcomes

Development of new partnerships and funding opportunities

Positive impact for small businesses across the region

If you’re passionate about supporting regional businesses and want to help shape the future of entrepreneurship in Central West NSW, we’d love to hear from you. For a confidential discussion, contact the Board Chair on 0421 874 *** or *****@bizhq.com.au.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date. As such, the position may be filled before the advertised closing date, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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📌 Business Development & Program Manager (City of Orange)
🏢 BEC Central NSW
📍 City of Orange