Overview:

Strategic Growth Advisor

• Exciting opportunity to lead the commercialisation and market validation of a cutting-edge urban analytics SaaS platform.
• Engage with industry leaders and local partners to drive platform adoption and expand current customer base.
• Flexible executive level consulting / contract engagement.

About the Role

RMIT is seeking an experienced commercial leader to take on the role of Strategic Business & Market Development Specialist, responsible for driving the commercialisation strategy and market expansion of the Australian Urban Observatory (AUO) – a pioneering urban data and analytics platform that empowers governments, urban planners, and businesses with evidence-based insights to address complex urban liveability challenges.

This contract-based leadership role offers the opportunity to validate the business model, grow the paying customer base, and drive the AUO’s transition from a university-based initiative to an independent, investible spin-out entity. With a foundation of existing public and private sector customers and a stream of recurring revenue, the AUO is well-positioned for commercial scale. The next stage requires expanding this customer base, refining the go-to-market approach, and demonstrating sustained market demand.

You will lead the market validation process, define product-market fit, and engage strategically with key stakeholders across government, industry, and investment sectors. Working alongside the current AUO team, and in close collaboration with RMIT’s commercialisation team, you’ll help shape the AUO’s path to independence and impact.

This role is suited for a strategic and commercially focused business leader with a strong understanding of urban systems, urban planning, and property development. It requires a demonstrated ability to commercialise and scale data or technology-driven ventures and build meaningful industry relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Model Validation: Refine and validate the commercial strategy, ensuring alignment with market needs and further investment opportunities.
• Industry Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including local and regional councils, urban planners, developers, and commercial property players, to test and drive market demand.
• Go-to-Market Execution: Lead the development of new markets and their entry strategies, including securing early adopters and commercial pilots.
• Strategy & Growth: Lead the development of AUO’s next phase of growth by defining the business model and evaluating pathways to scale – including organic growth, external investment, acquisition, or strategic partnerships.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Proven leadership experience within a high-growth SaaS environment.
• Experience with data analytics, geospatial, property development, urban design, and/or urban planning sectors.
• Proven track record in business development, market development and financial modelling.
• Highly developed analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills including the ability to develop innovative strategies and models that lead higher growth and profitability.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, geospatial sciences, urban planning, computer science, engineering or a related field; a postgraduate qualification is desirable.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.

For further information about this role, please contact Ben Cass at [email protected]

Applications close at 11:59 PM on the 9th of February.

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.  

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Applications Close:

9 Feb 2026 11.59 pm