Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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JACKIE MCCALLUM

JACKIE MCCALLUM

Buderim

Summary

Dynamic and solutions-driven professional with over 20 years of experience across global corporations and international not-for-profits. Currently serving as Director of Logistics at Thirst Foundation, where I lead complex, multi-country campaign operations, drive strategic planning, and ensure the safety and efficiency of high-profile global advocacy efforts.

Proven ability to lead diverse teams, manage large-scale logistics, and deliver under pressure in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Formerly a senior team member at Qantas Airways, where I built a reputation for exceptional customer service, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence at the highest levels.

Recognised for combining operational precision with human-centric leadership to deliver seamless experiences, whether managing logistics in remote villages or hosting VIP clients in elite travel lounges. Passionate about purpose-led work, continuous improvement, and building trusted relationships across sectors.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Logistics

Thirst Foundation
01.2022 - Current
  • Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team at Thirst Foundation, collaborating closely with the CEO and Board
  • Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of complex, multi-country global campaigns
  • Oversee all logistics, including budgeting, travel, team coordination, safety, and ground support for media activations
  • Ensure smooth, secure, and efficient operations in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
  • Played a strategic leadership role in global advocacy, including planning activations at the UN, COP events, and other high-profile forums.
  • Coordinated directly with campaign activations, media, and press event logistics including final-mile planning.
  • Provided sponsor and stakeholder reporting on logistics activities, timelines, and budget tracking.
  • Led recruitment and management of logistics team members and contractors, including local fixers and safety personnel.
  • Developed crisis management and contingency plans to maintain safety and success during dynamic global campaigns.
  • Directed visa, permit, and vehicle procurement, working with international fixers and partners.
  • Oversaw all travel, accommodation, resupply, gear, and communications systems for Mina and support crew.
  • Managed full campaign logistics, including budgeting, planning, and on-the-ground execution across multiple countries and continents.
  • Responsible for planning and executing the end-to-end logistics of a global water advocacy campaigns, ensuring team safety, precision delivery, and campaign success across remote and high-pressure environments.
  • Responsible for hiring and onboarding of field teams in various roles.
  • Personal assistant to CEO

First Host

Qantas Airways
08.2007 - 09.2020
  • Responsible for delivering premium experience to VIP, First Class and Qantas Top Tier members including Chairman’s Lounge, Platinum One and Platinum Members and creating memorable moments.
  • Provide exceptional Customer Service, airline knowledge and standards of safety to create a streamlined and harmonious experience for our customers, both internal and external. This role requires a high level of autonomy and ability to communicate effectively across many different levels of management and diverse sectors of the public as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. This role requires the ability to respond positively and proactively to rapid change in stressful situations.
  • Delay handling, keeping customers informed of any changes
  • Develop a relationship with Qantas Premium customers and interface directly with them to manage the requirements throughout their Qantas experience
  • Coordinate all premium customer service operational procedures to achieve contracted on time performance targets
  • Lead, communicate and facilitate customer service recovery techniques and skills to resolve difficult situations.
  • Sound knowledge of Airport operations and Emergency procedures
  • Building positive relationships with Stakeholders
  • Responsible for EOM billing and ensuring Lounge Staff are following access policies
  • Consulted with outside parties to resolve discrepancies and create effective solutions.
  • Offered advice and assistance to customers, paying attention to special needs or wants.
  • Compiled customer feedback and recommended service delivery improvements to management.
  • Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
  • Liaised with customers, management and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
  • Ensuring KPI’s are meet and within budget
  • Attending corporate events to support marketing and sponsorship team including AFL Games, Grand Prix Lounge, Travel Expos etc

Lounge Operations Manager (Relieving)

Qantas Airways
01.2011 - 03.2020
  • Create an environment and interact with customers to ensure we are making memories. Provide exceptional service that goes beyond their meal, make them feel like their the only one in the lounge from time of entry to leaving. Genuine interactions with passengers and their guests, anticipating needs, whilst ensuring a safe and friendly atmosphere.
  • Developed and submitted strategy and initiative reports to highlight current actions and proposed changes to Stakeholders.
  • Implemented policies and standard operating procedures for continuous improvement.
  • Evaluated upcoming schedules to forecast expected resource needs.
  • Developed and implemented daily operations plans such as delivery routes, employee assignments and promotional strategies.
  • Evaluated suppliers to assess quality, timeliness and compliance of deliveries, maintain tight cost controls and maximize business operational efficiency.
  • Directed day-to-day operations focused on attainment of key business metrics, continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Liaising with Senior Stakeholders to ensure Lounge is operating at the high standards required.
  • Conducted Performance reviews to ensure staff are meeting KPI’s.

Promotional Team

Qantas Airways
01.2005 - 01.2008
  • Worked on exciting and array of projects, from worldwide advertising campaigns to the induction of Qantas First A380. Fantastic communication skills. Working closely with the marketing and sponsorship teams and demonstrate superior service at all times.
  • Face of Qantas
  • Set up major sponsorship functions
  • Follow strict Grooming Standards
  • Meet and greet new starters
  • Functions Attended:
  • Qantas Roadshows with CEO
  • CEO Business forums
  • Commonwealth Games
  • Grand Prix
  • Qantas Media Awards and Many more

Qantas Holidays

Qantas Airways
01.2000 - 01.2007
  • Provided follow through on all calls with confirmations and dissemination of requested information.
  • Managed online booking inquiries and assisted guests and travel partners with questions throughout entire booking cycle.
  • Provided high level of customer service to each person by engaging customer and using active listening and effective interpersonal skills.
  • Managed and closed reservation calls to increase bookings by maintaining strong knowledge of resort products, services and facilities.
  • Answered incoming phone calls and developed friendly rapport with callers while answering questions, making recommendations and leading conversations to bookings.
  • Contributed to team success by completing jobs quickly and accurately.
  • Kept abreast of industry trends, merchandise knowledge and competitive pricing to create effective pricing strategy.
  • Coordinated with social media, public relations and other teams to execute product introductions.
  • Informed clients of essential travel information, such as travel times, transportation connections, medical and visa requirements to facilitate quality service.
  • Followed all policies, regulations, dress codes and schedules.

Education

VCE -

Brentwood Secondary College
Glen Waverley, VIC
1997

Diploma - International Travel Sales (IATA/UFTAA)

Jetset Training College
St Kilda, VIC
2000

Bachelor - Tourism And Enterprise Management

Swinburne University
Lilydale, VIC

Skills

  • Leadership and Strategy
  • Strategic Campaign Planning
  • Budget Oversight and Forecasting
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Remote Team Operations
  • Travel and accommodation planning
  • Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
  • Event and Experience Coordination
  • Complaint resolution
  • Training and mentoring

Timeline

Director of Logistics

Thirst Foundation
01.2022 - Current

Lounge Operations Manager (Relieving)

Qantas Airways
01.2011 - 03.2020

First Host

Qantas Airways
08.2007 - 09.2020

Promotional Team

Qantas Airways
01.2005 - 01.2008

Qantas Holidays

Qantas Airways
01.2000 - 01.2007

VCE -

Brentwood Secondary College

Diploma - International Travel Sales (IATA/UFTAA)

Jetset Training College

Bachelor - Tourism And Enterprise Management

Swinburne University

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JACKIE MCCALLUM