Job Description

Retail Operations Specialist

Our travel and tourism retail offering is expanding and we are on the lookout for an experienced Retail Operations Specialist to play a key role in shaping the future of our retail operations.

This dynamic and hands‑on role will work closely with the General Manager-Customer Service, to develop, support and elevate retail across four diverse retail outlets, including: two on-board shops, the Travel and Tourism retail partnership with Rip Curl at Queenscliff, the Wanderer Adventures General Store, as well as a small retail space at our Sorrento terminal.

If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional service, have creative flair coupled with commercial acumen, and know how to create vibrant retail experiences, this role is for you.

About Us

At Searoad Ferries, we’re more than just a ferry service — we’re a vital link connecting people and places across Victoria’s beautiful Port Phillip Bay. With over 200 passionate team members, we move around one million customers each year on the iconic Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry route.

Celebrating 38 years of safe, reliable, and innovative ferry crossings, we’re proud of our reputation for exceptional customer experiences and our strong ties to the community.

We’re investing in the future - modernising our fleet and constructing a state-of-the art ferry terminal in Sorrento that will blow your mind! It's the perfect time to hop aboard. If you’re looking to work for an award-winning, forward-thinking travel and tourism business, a job with Searoad Ferries could be just the ticket!

About the Role

You'll be the go-to expert for all things retail, ensuring our stores are well stocked, look great, trade well and deliver a strong customer experience. This role blends strategy with on-the-ground execution.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of end‑to‑end retail operations across four locations. You’ll drive customer experience, oversee buying and merchandising, manage suppliers, hit financial targets, and lead display/merchandising with the Customer Service and Hospitality Teams.

What You’ll Do

• Develop a retail strategy and execute an annual calendar of retail promotional events to drive branding and sales
• Be the first point of contact for new suppliers
• End-to-end management of retail supply chains - supplier selection, relationship development, commercial negotiations and logistics
• Identify growth opportunities, category improvements and new concepts - sourcing quality, fit-for-purpose, on-trend and on-brand products
• Make smart, sustainable purchasing decisions aligned with company values
• Manage retail budgets, pricing and financial performance
• Oversee sales and retail systems effectiveness
• Develop and implement visual merchandising guidelines, supporting customer-facing teams with ranging, space optimisation and presentation
• Provide coaching to the Customer Service and Hospitality team to optimise retail operations.

About You

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:

• Proven retail experience (multi‑site or store management ideal)
• A commercial mindset with passion for presentation and results
• A people‑focused leadership style
• Up‑to‑date retail knowledge and understanding of compliance requirements
• Confidence working across multiple sites and stakeholder groups
• Strong organisational skills, are proactive and able to work autonomously
• Digital literacy and comfort with retail POS systems
• A current Employee Working with Children Check and National Police Check, or willingness to obtain.

Before applying, visit searoad.com.au/careers for a copy of the position description to ensure this is the right role for you.

Why join Searoad Ferries?

• Be part of a growing aspect of our business within a successful Australian group of companies
• Influence how our retail offer looks and performs
• Supportive, down-to-earth culture
• Fantastic staff discounts: retail (of course), dining, hospitality, and free ferry travel

If you're passionate about retail, have practical business smarts, love making stores look good and trade better, and want to be part of something evolving - we'd love to hear from you. Please submit a cover letter and current resume that shows us why you are the perfect fit for this role. 

Applications close midnight Sunday, 15 February 2026.

Please be aware that applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and interviews and offers may occur prior to the closing date. 

View PD