General Manager Townsville and Cairns

What's the role?

As the General Manager of Townsville and Cairns, you will act as a pivotal senior leader within our State and Communities Commercial Team. You will serve as the business leader for News Australia for these markets. You are the ambassador for our iconic local mastheads and team of journalists, an advocate for the community, and the commercial champion across North and Far North Queensland.

In this high-profile leadership role, you will be deeply embedded in the market, cultivating trusted relationships across local business, industry, and government to drive commercial growth, advocacy and partnerships.

This role is ideally based in Townsville with regular travel to the Cairns office

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the market P&L, direct cost base, and product portfolio to achieve revenue, contribution, and targets across digital and print.
• Unify cross-functional teams around a shared vision, fostering an inclusive office environment, driving engagement, and leading local culture
• Work collaboratively with the local Editor to champion professional journalism, reinforce community advocacy, and expand reader and subscriber engagement.
• Build and maintain senior-level client networks, hosting boardroom lunches and executive forums to position the brand as a premier market leader.
• Negotiate whole-of-business commercial solutions, advertising sponsorships, corporate subscriptions, and strategic partnerships that deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Partner closely with Client Partnerships, Product, and Commercial Content teams to shape high-impact sales strategies and uncover growth opportunities.
• Articulate our audience value proposition across local and national brands, keeping ahead of market trends and competitor activity.
• Oversee local office operations, business continuity, and workplace health, safety, and security, while managing weekly reporting and forecasting.

Who are you?

• A senior professional leader with a successful track record of building thriving commercial operations and supporting a positive and aligned team, focused on delivering to the company goals.
• Demonstrated success initiating, cultivating, and leveraging relationships at the executive, business owner, and senior government levels.
• Proven commercial background in media, publishing, or an adjacent sector, backed by extensive existing networks across North and Far North Queensland.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret market data, spot trends, and translate insights into revenue.
• High level of commercial acumen and accountability, renowned for rigorous execution, follow-through, and disciplined pipeline management.
• Exceptional cross-functional leadership skills, skilled at aligning sales, editorial, and product teams toward common milestones.
• An understanding of the role of professional journalism and community advocacy in driving meaningful civic and commercial impact.
• Thrives in fast-paced, complex environments and embraces change with an open, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, able to represent the brand with authority, credibility, and polish.

Why News Corp Australia

Join a culture where innovation is our operating rhythm. You'll work on a diverse portfolio of Australia's most loved brands and play a pivotal role in leading the technological shift in how we create commercial content. Our vibrant, hybrid work environment and dynamic, values-driven culture empowers you to push boundaries, collaborate as one unified team, and make a positive, measurable impact for all Australians.

News Extras Benefits is a commitment to our people for their valued contribution to News, our audiences, clients and communities.

Our benefits include

• Exclusively ours - Access to publications and products from across the News Corp family
• Perks & discounts - Exclusive offers across a range of products and services that deliver genuine cost savings and benefits
• Health & wellbeing - Advice, support and facilities for healthy minds and bodies (including an onsite gym at our Adelaide, Brisbane & Sydney offices)
• Time off - News offers a range of leave options to support your personal needs and moments that matter in life: Parental leave, Birthday leave, Volunteer leave, Career break and Compassionate leave.
• Financial wellbeing - Support on making the most of your money

In addition to our perks and benefits, employees have access to a number of initiatives and programs that support their wellbeing and professional growth, such as:

• Helping you grow - Access tailored development opportunities, including leadership programs, to cultivate your skills and support your career
• Giving back - Make a difference to our communities through volunteer opportunities and company-organised charity drives
• Workplace Inclusion and facilities - Engage with your passions through various employee-resource groups and accessibility to multi-faith quiet rooms & parents' rooms

Who are we?

We are proud to be Australia's most impactful media group, we're even prouder of what we stand for: Together, we inform, advocate and inspire all Australians, for a better Australia.

With over 150 brands across news, sport and lifestyle, backed by a team of more than 5,000 dedicated people across the country, News Corp Australia is trusted by over 17 million Australians a month to provide the information and inspiration they seek across multiple digital, video, audio and print platforms.

Renowned for world-class journalism and marketing services nationally and internationally, we are passionate, creative and dynamic. We offer a fast-paced environment that encourages individuals to take control of their future and challenge themselves in ever-changing fields.

• News Corp Australia is evolving in response to the expectations and challenges of the digital world in which we now live.
• We have an amazing opportunity to reinvent our industry and redefine the future of media in Australia.
• We are passionate about what we do and are proud of our heritage of world-class journalism and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Our environment is supportive and friendly, we encourage innovation, collaboration and creative thinking.
• If you thrive on being challenged and enjoy working in a fast-paced stimulating environment, come and join us on this incredible journey.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity strengthens our national teams and newsroom as we seek to tell stories that represent the communities of Australia. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply!

• We are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process.
• If you require any adjustments or accommodations at any stage, please do not hesitate to let us know here.
• In order for us to assist you, please ensure you include the role title you are applying for in the subject line.

Category: State & Community Mastheads