Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) is one of Australia's most significant Aboriginal organisations, representing the Traditional Owners of Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala and surrounding country on the Gove Peninsula in East Arnhem Land.
RAC is a sophisticated organisation with a growing portfolio of commercial subsidiaries, significant regional responsibilities and an expanding range of community, cultural and economic development initiatives, supported by increasingly complex financial, corporate and governance systems.
The region is now entering a pivotal period as the Gove Peninsula transitions beyond reliance on a mining economy. RAC is playing a central leadership role in shaping the region's future, strengthening economic opportunity and ensuring long-term stability and prosperity for its members and community.
This is an opportunity for an experienced commercial leader to contribute to the long-term future of the region, strengthen RAC's commercial portfolio and help develop sustainable sources of income beyond the life of current mining royalties.
The Opportunity
This is a senior executive role responsible for leading RAC's commercial portfolio, strengthening the performance of its subsidiaries and joint ventures and developing new sources of sustainable revenue.
The Chief Commercial Officer is a key member of RAC's executive leadership team and works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the Boards of RAC's commercial subsidiaries and joint ventures.
The CCO provides executive leadership and oversight across RAC's commercial enterprises, with a clear focus on improving operational performance, strengthening profitability and
ensuring each business operates with sound plans, budgets, performance targets and accountability.
A central focus of the role is to develop and deliver RAC's commercial strategy for the future beyond mining royalties. This includes identifying and progressing new business opportunities, partnerships, contracts and joint ventures, and building a credible pipeline of commercially viable initiatives aligned with RAC's assets, capabilities and regional context.
The CCO also provides oversight of RAC's commercial partnerships and tourism assets, supports commercially sound delivery of major projects and works closely with the CFO to ensure commercial decisions are supported by robust financial analysis, modelling and risk assessment.
The role supports the CEO and Board in strengthening RAC's long-term financial independence and positioning the organisation to play a leading role in the economic future of the Gove Peninsula.
This position is based in Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory, reflecting the operational and leadership nature of the role. Relocation support may be available.
Key Responsibilities
provide executive leadership and oversight of RAC's commercial portfolio and wholly owned subsidiaries
improve the operational performance, profitability and long-term sustainability of RAC's commercial enterprises




ensure each subsidiary operates with clear business plans, approved budgets, performance targets and effective accountability
lead the development and implementation of RAC's commercial strategy, with a focus on revenue diversification beyond mining royalties
identify, assess and progress new commercial opportunities, partnerships, contracts, investments and joint ventures
develop commercially sound business cases and proposals for consideration by the CEO and Board
monitor the performance of joint ventures and commercial partnerships, ensuring RAC's interests are protected and appropriately represented
oversee RAC's tourism and related commercial assets, including their performance, positioning and contribution to revenue
work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure commercial decisions are supported by sound financial analysis, modelling, risk assessment and performance monitoring
lead subsidiary managers and commercial staff, setting transparent expectations and addressing underperformance, capability gaps and conduct issues
ensure RAC's commercial activities are delivered in a safe, compliant and well-managed manner, including appropriate HSEQ accountability
provide commercial advice and support in relation to major projects, procurement, contractor selection and community infrastructure where RAC businesses are involved
contribute to executive leadership, organisational alignment and strategic planning
About You
We are seeking an experienced and respected commercial leader who is comfortable operating at executive and board level in a complex and dynamic organisation.
You will have developed your commercial capability over time and bring the perspective that comes from leading businesses, improving performance, developing new opportunities and navigating both growth and challenge.
Importantly, you will be able to demonstrate a track record of success in strengthening commercial performance, improving profitability, developing partnerships and progressing new ventures from concept through to implementation.
You will bring sound judgement, strong relationship skills and the ability to work effectively with subsidiary managers, joint venture partners, senior executives and Boards.
You will value the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that plays a central role in regional leadership, economic development and the long-term wellbeing of its members and community.
This role will particularly suit someone motivated by purpose-driven leadership, who wants to apply their commercial expertise in a setting where business performance,



regional development and cultural responsibility intersect.
Essential Experience and Qualifications
tertiary qualifications in business, commerce, management, finance, economics or a related discipline
significant senior commercial leadership experience in a complex organisation
demonstrated experience leading or overseeing multiple businesses, subsidiaries or commercial operations
a proven track record in improving business performance, profitability and operational discipline
demonstrated experience developing and implementing commercial strategy
experience identifying, assessing and progressing new business opportunities, partnerships, contracts or joint ventures
strong commercial judgement, including the ability to assess financial viability, risk and strategic fit
demonstrated experience working with executive leadership and Boards, including preparing and presenting commercially sound proposals and business cases
experience managing senior staff, subsidiary managers or commercial teams, including addressing underperformance and capability gaps
strong stakeholder management, negotiation and relationship-building skills
excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex commercial matters clearly to both commercial and non-commercial audiences.
experience working with Aboriginal organisations, Indigenous corporations or regional economic development initiatives
experience operating in complex, regional or remote environments
experience working across multiple commercial entities, joint ventures or subsidiary structures
experience in mining-related, civil, construction, infrastructure, property, tourism or regional service industries
postgraduate qualifications in business, management or a related field, such as an MBA.
Why Join RAC
This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to the leadership of a significant Aboriginal organisation at a pivotal moment in the region's future.
Nhulunbuy offers an exceptional lifestyle, with access to some of Australia's most spectacular coastline, fishing and outdoor recreation, while being part of a dynamic and culturally rich community.
RAC offers:
a competitive executive salary package
relocation and housing support
a supportive and collaborative executive leadership team
the opportunity to lead and strengthen a substantial commercial portfolio
the chance to help shape new business opportunities and sustainable revenue streams beyond mining royalties
the opportunity to be part of a defining period for the region, as East Arnhem Land navigates the transition beyond mining and RAC plays a central leadership role in shaping what comes next.
Further Information
Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the work and direction of Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation prior to applying. Information about RAC, including recent Annual Reports, can be found on our website ()
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📌 Chief Commercial Officer (Katherine)
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📍 Katherine