The Role

The role of the Small Business Commissioner is to enhance a competitive and fair operating environment for small and medium businesses in Victoria, by promoting informed decision-making, mediating commercial disputes with other businesses and investigating complaints about unfair market practices. The Commissioner is also responsible for the conduct and management of the functions and activities of the office of the Victorian Small Business Commissioner.

The Small Business Commissioner plays a lead role by:

• Facilitating and encouraging the fair treatment of small businesses in their commercial dealings with other businesses in the marketplace.
• Promoting informed decision making by small business to minimise disputes with other businesses.
• Receiving and investigating complaints by small businesses regarding unfair market practices and providing alternative dispute resolution between the parties involved in the complaint; making representation to an appropriate person or body on behalf of the complainants.
• Monitoring and reporting to the Minister on any emerging trends in the marketplace that have an adverse effect on small businesses.
• Encouraging the development and implementation of small business service charters within government to ensure small businesses receive high quality service. Monitoring the operation and effectiveness of small business service charters.
• Where directed by the Minister, assisting other branches and agencies of government to develop legislation, government procedures and administration that provide alternative ways in which small businesses can comply with the requirements of the legislation, procedures and administration.
• Promoting the benefits of the office of the Commissioner through public relations campaigns, attending public speaking opportunities and professional networks.
• Investigating compliance with industry codes.

 About You

To be considered for this role you will bring:

• A sound knowledge of structures and processes of government and high-level understanding of relevant legislation and regulations;
• Extensive experience and an outstanding record of achievement in leadership and management. The ability to: communicate a vision that generates enthusiasm and commitment; recognise and rewards behaviours that aligns with the vision; identify potential issues and setbacks and guides team to optimise outcomes; to models the behaviour expected of others;
• Demonstrated commercial acumen, together with extensive knowledge and understanding of the Victorian small business environment;
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with a demonstrated capacity to consult, communicate, influence and negotiate with stakeholders at the most senior levels within the public and private sectors;
• The ability to effectively represent the government with highly developed representative, advocacy and influencing capabilities; and

• Proven experience in providing high level authoritative advice on complex and sensitive issues to Ministers.

Requirements and relevant information

• A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable.
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
• The successful candidate will be required to enter into a Contract of Employment for a period of up to five (5) years.

• The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening.

Your application must include

• Your CV; and
• A cover letter, no more than two pages, outlining why you are the most suitable candidate for this role. 

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 17 May 2026

For a confidential discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Kathryn Harper on 0413 735 442 or Aliana Cordeiro-Braganza on 0408 111 884 at Amrop Carmichael Fisher. To apply, please forward your CV and cover letter to melb@amropcarmichaelfisher.com quoting reference number A021832.  Please note applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 17 May 2026.