Business Manager

Run a 30-year-old Australian industrial business through its next chapter.Air Energy is a respected wholesale supplier of compliance-critical compressed air and industrial pipework systems, serving manufacturing, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, mining and infrastructure clients across Australia since 1996. A new ownership group has taken the reins. A three-year Strategic Plan is in place. Now we need the right person to execute it.
Why This Role Is DifferentMost businesses this size don't have a clear three-year plan, an active Board, and a fresh capital structure. This one does. You're not walking into a turnaround or a holding pattern — you're walking into a business with a defined plan, a committed ownership group, and a remuneration package designed to reward the financial outcome.

• Real autonomy. Report directly to the Board. Make decisions, lead the team, own the outcome.
• Meaningful upside. Performance bonus of 10–20% of base tied to revenue and EBITDA targets you help set.
• A defined plan. Not strategy for its own sake — a revenue bridge, named growth sources, and KPIs to execute against.
• A respected brand. 30 years of relationships in compliance-critical industrial markets. The hard work of establishing credibility is done.

The RoleYou will be fully accountable to the Board for the financial, operational and strategic performance of Air Energy — top line, bottom line, balance sheet, people, customers, and culture. You lead a senior team of four direct reports: Head of Sales & Marketing, Finance/Admin, Operations Manager and Procurement.Strategic Execution

• Deliver the year-one targets, the three-year plan, and build the platform that supports the next phase of growth.

Operations & People

• Lead the senior team. Recruit, develop and retain A-players. Install the systems, processes and disciplines a growing business needs — including a cloud ERP migration in your first six months.

Board & Commercial

• Prepare and present monthly Board reporting. Surface issues early. Make decisions inside delegation; bring decisions outside delegation to the Board with a recommendation.

About YouEssential experience

• 10+ years in operating leadership, including at least one role with full P&L accountability for a business in the $5–15m revenue range
• Track record of delivering revenue and EBITDA growth against a plan
• Background spanning finance, operations and commercial — genuinely competent across all three rather than a deep specialist in one
• Experience leading a senior team and being accountable to a Board
• Hands-on style — comfortable on the warehouse floor in the morning and presenting to the Board in the afternoon
• Strong financial literacy: read and own the P&L, balance sheet and cashflow without needing translation

Highly desirable

• Industrial wholesale, distribution, building products or a similar B2B specification-driven sector
• ERP implementation or major systems-change experience
• Experience running or supporting a business through a major transition (recapitalisation, leadership change, restructure)
• Tertiary qualification in business, commerce or engineering; CA/CPA or strong finance grounding

How you operateThe right candidate recognises themselves in most of these:

• You finish what you start. If it's on your desk, it's yours until it's done.
• You move fast without being reckless. You run a tight cadence and don't let things sit.
• You raise issues early. You don't bury problems hoping they'll resolve themselves.
• You're commercially sharp but technically curious. You ask why margin moved, then you go and find out.
• You play the long game. You don't over-promise to win the role; you don't over-promise to win the deal.
• You lead from the front. The team works hard because you do.

What we offer

• Salary will be negotiated with the right candidate based on experience, plus superannuation
• Performance bonus tied to achievement of annual revenue and EBITDA targets agreed with the Board
• An active Board, real autonomy, and meaningful upside tied to the financial outcome of the business
• A respected 30-year industry brand and a clearly-defined plan to execute against
• Tools of trade and standard NES leave entitlements
• Visa sponsorship is available for suitable candidates who do not have Australian work rights.

ConditionsLocation: 33 Rushdale Street, Knoxfield VIC — full-time, on-site (no hybrid)Travel: Limited; occasional key-account visits and supplier meetingsStart date: 1 August 2026 (firm)
How to ApplyClick Apply and send us two things:

• Your current CV
• A short cover letter (no more than two pages) telling us about a business you've run, what you achieved, what you'd do differently, and why this role interests you.

We will respond to all applicants. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial interview with the Board, followed by a deeper conversation with the Chair and a leadership-style assessment.Applications close 30/6/2026. We may begin interviewing strong candidates before the advertised close date.Air Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.