Brendan Smith
Rosebud,VIC
Summary
A seasoned General Manager with proven leadership skills. Background includes managing diverse teams, strategic planning and business development in fast-paced environments. Known for improving operational efficiencies, driving revenue growth and fostering customer satisfaction. Committed to building strong team cultures that encourage innovation and openness.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
YMCA Victora
Melbourne, VIC
08.2005 - Current
- In 2024, I was appointed as General Manager, overseeing the camps portfolio, and taking on the YMCA Victoria youth department, Bridge project, and Rebuild business operations. The camps I will talk about further down, but both Bridge and Rebuild operations are related to work in the prison system at Ravenhall Prison, Victoria. Both departments worked with young people in the prison system, providing sport and recreation activities (Bridge) at Ravenhall, and providing employment opportunities when out of prison in landscaping and commercial construction work (Rebuild).
- As General Manager, my role required corporate responsibilities, reporting to the executive and board levels regularly on financial and critical operational business influences. It had clear accountabilities around performance and outcomes, and required strong team commitment to enable good decision-making to garner support and potential resourcing.
- In 2005, I started with the YMCA, managing Howman's Gap Alpine Centre at Falls Creek. This is a large 220-bed accommodation and programming, with a commercial kitchen that catered for over 16,000 visitors per annum. The facility provided all-inclusive packages for community and school groups, including food, accommodation, and activities for multiple days.
- In 2008, I was appointed Regional Manager for all YMCA Victoria camps, of which there were seven sites across Victoria. Five of these sites are government facilities on long-term contracts. Key tasks included business and operations security and accountability, innovation and development, government liaisons, contract compliance, asset management of buildings and grounds, and direct report management to seven site managers, with oversight and responsibility for over 250 staff—120 full-time.
National Director of Area Managers
The Outdoor Education Group
Eildon, VIC
01.1998 - 08.2005
- My journey with The Outdoor Education Group (OEG) started in 1989 as a trainee in outdoor education. A 12-month intensive training program to upskill me across multiple activities to levels that would enable me to guide and instruct young people in the outdoors. After two years of training and leading groups in the outdoors, I had certificates in bushwalking (BMLC), rafting, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, skiing (cross-country), and mountain biking.
- In 1989, I was appointed as head of the climbing department, where a key task was to develop a recognised climbing training program.
- In 1990, I was appointed as the Eildon Centre Manager, which was the main base for OEG that included the operations manager overseeing all programs, staff, vehicles and trailers, bus fleet, and outdoor equipment.
- In 1992, I included in my portfolio a Certificate IV in Outdoor Education from Holmesglen TAFE, and I managed four key private school outdoor education programs.
- 1995 i accepted a position of head of Safety.
- In 1998-2005, I accepted the role of National Director of Area Managers, a team of 12 managers at hardtop camps and remote journey sites across Victoria and NSW. This role included accountability for all program areas, staff, safety, compliance, and program outcomes.
Education
Associate of Arts - Outdoor Education
Footscray Institute of Technology
Victoria12-1997
High School Diploma -
Coburg High Scholl
Vic12-1985
Skills
- Advertising and marketing
- Branding
- Sales
- Effective leader
- Organizational development
- New business development
- Budget allocation
- Profit and loss
- Multi-unit operation management
- Workflow planning
- Exceptional interpersonal communication
- Staff management
Accomplishments
- A life member of the Australian Camps Association (ACA).
- Nine years on the ACA board.
- Australian Camps Ambassador for the International Camping Fellowship (ICF).
- Australian trainer for the International Camps Directors Course (ICDC).
Affiliations
- 9 years of service as a volunteer with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) Lieutenant.
- 5 years, Alexandra School Council.
- 2 years, Bogong School Camp Council.
- 3 years, Rubicon Outdoor Centre Council.
- 4 years as president of the Murrindindi Training Institute.
- 2016 - 2019 multiple trips to China to promote / develop relationships and training to support camping in China
Certification
- Heavy vehicle, bike, and boat.
- Outdoor education activities.
leadership training
- On my journey in leadership, I have participated in many leadership and personal development training programs, both as a team member and as an individual. I have had numerous corporate professional training and profiling to create self and team awareness and understanding that improves operational effectiveness.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager
YMCA Victora
08.2005 - Current
National Director of Area Managers
The Outdoor Education Group
01.1998 - 08.2005
Associate of Arts - Outdoor Education
Footscray Institute of Technology
High School Diploma -
Coburg High Scholl
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