General Manager - Aquarium of Guam

Lead Guam’s Premier Tourism & Leisure Attraction — Backed by Global Aquarium ExpertiseAdvanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) – a world leader in the design, construction and operation of iconic public aquariums – is seeking an experienced, commercially minded General Manager to lead the Aquarium of Guam, one of the island’s most significant tourism and community assets.Located in the heart of Tumon, near Hagåtña, on the U.S. Territory island of Guam, the Aquarium of Guam is currently undergoing a major, multi-million-dollar transformation — the largest investment in its history — with reopening planned for the second half of 2026. The renewed Aquarium is highly anticipated as the jewel in the crown of Guam’s tourism infrastructure and will celebrate the island’s unique and interconnected aquatic habitats, from freshwater streams and mangroves to seagrass meadows and coral reefs.AAT's worldwide HQ is in Queensland, Australia, our USA HQ is in Houston, Texas, and this job is based on Island in Guam.This permanent, on-site leadership role is based in Guam — a unique U.S. Pacific territory known as “Where America’s Day Begins,” offering a vibrant island lifestyle and operating on the same time zone as North Eastern Australia, creating a natural bridge between the United States and the Asia-Pacific region.The Aquarium is owned by its Principal and operated under a long-term Management Services Agreement with AAT. Under this arrangement, the General Manager is employed by AAT and based full-time at the Aquarium, acting as AAT’s senior on-site representative, the most senior leader of the operation and a strategic point of liaison with the Principal.This is a hands-on, accountable leadership role with end-to-end responsibility for day-to-day operations, visitor attraction, financial performance, people leadership, safety, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.A leadership role — backed by depthThe General Manager does not operate in isolation.You will be supported on-site by a team that includes embedded AAT curatorial and aquarist team members, working alongside the Aquarium of Guam’s operational staff. This embedded AAT team, including the General Manager, has at its fingertips the backing and support of one of the most comprehensive portfolios of aquarium special-works expertise and resources anywhere in the world.This includes access to AAT’s global capability across:Aquarium operations and life-support systemsAnimal care, husbandry, and collection managementSpecialist maintenance and critical system supportDesign, construction, refurbishment, and capital works expertiseThis depth enables the General Manager to lead confidently at site level, knowing that specialist advice, surge support, and global best practice are immediately accessible when required.The roleAs General Manager, you will:Lead the overall operation and performance of the Aquarium of GuamAct as the senior on-site decision-maker within delegated authorityLead an on-site team of approximately 20 FTE, including the Aquarium Curator and AAT-embedded specialistsDeliver all services under the Management Services Agreement in line with approved plans and budgetsBalance hands-on operational leadership with strategic input and long-term improvement initiativesServe as the critical link between ownership objectives, AAT’s global capability, and on-the-ground executionKey responsibilitiesOperational & Strategic LeadershipProvide visible, effective leadership across all aspects of the Aquarium’s operationEnsure safe, ethical, and efficient operations at all timesContribute operational insight and recommendations aligned with ownership and AAT objectivesFinancial & Commercial PerformanceFull accountability for revenue performance and operating resultsOversee budgeting, forecasting, cost control, pricing, and revenue optimisationEnsure timely, accurate financial reporting and performance monitoringPeople LeadershipLead, develop, and hold accountable the Aquarium’s management and operational teamBuild capability, clarity of roles, and a strong performance cultureMaintain appropriate accountability between management, specialist, and operational functionsAnimal Welfare & ComplianceProvide governance oversight of animal welfare, biosecurity, and life-support systemsWork closely with the Curator to ensure compliance with all permits, licences, and professional standardsSafety, Risk & Emergency ManagementEnsure compliance with all legal, regulatory, safety, and reporting obligationsAct as the on-site lead for incidents and emergencies, including outside normal business hoursFacilities & Asset ManagementOversee facilities, maintenance, and asset managementManage non-routine and emergency works within delegated authoritySupport capital planning, refurbishment, and asset replacement initiativesStakeholder, Community & Tourism EngagementAct as the primary on-site liaison with regulators, contractors, suppliers, and partnersRepresent the Aquarium professionally within Guam’s tourism ecosystemBuild constructive relationships that support the Aquarium’s role in Guam’s visitor economyGuest Experience & MarketingEnsure high standards of guest experience across all operational areasSupport marketing and promotional activity in collaboration with AAT’s group marketing teamAbout youYou are a seasoned operational leader who is comfortable being accountable, visible, and decisive in a complex, public-facing environment.You bring:Proven senior management experience in a public aquarium, zoo, tourism attraction, museum, or comparable operationStrong commercial and financial acumen, with direct accountability for revenue and operating performanceThe ability to balance day-to-day operational leadership with strategic thinkingStrong people leadership and performance management capabilitySound understanding of compliance, WHS, risk management, and emergency responseHigh professional standards, integrity, and personal accountabilityConfidence engaging with regulators, owners, and senior stakeholdersQualifications & eligibilityRequiredMinimum 5 years’ senior management experience in a comparable environmentLegal right to work in the United States or ability to obtain authorisation to work in GuamDesirableTertiary qualification in business, management, marine science, zoology, or a related fieldExperience in animal-care regulatory environmentsFinancial management, WHS, or emergency management trainingWorking arrangementsFull-time, on-site leadership role based at the Aquarium of GuamFlexibility required for weekends, public holidays, evenings, and emergency responseRegular collaboration with AAT teams across multiple time zonesOccasional travel for meetings, training, or project-related activitiesWhy join AAT?AAT is a global specialist in the design, delivery, operation, and management of world-class aquarium and aquatic facilities.This role offers:A senior general management position with real authority and accountabilityStrong on-site professional support from AAT curatorial and aquarist specialistsBacking from a globally respected aquarium design, delivery, and operations firmExposure to complex governance, ownership, and stakeholder environmentsPotential progression into regional, portfolio, or group-level leadership roles within AATIf you are an experienced aquarium sector leader ready to take full responsibility for a complex, high-profile attraction — and lead it with confidence, professionalism, and commercial discipline — we’d like to hear from you.Candidates are invited to apply via LinkedIn. We prefer and encourage applicants to include a cover letter outlining why you believe this role aligns with your skills, experience, and career goals, and what you would bring to the position. (If applying via LinkedIn, please combine your cover letter and resume into one document for upload.)