AU$300,000 Executive Jobs in Australia with 482/186 Visa Sponsorship (Full Benefits)

Australia has become one of the world’s most attractive destinations for foreign executives seeking high salaries, long-term career growth, and fast-track visa sponsorship. With an expanding economy, major national infrastructure programs, and a shortage of senior-level talent across multiple industries, the country is actively hiring international leaders under the 482 Temporary Skills Shortage Visa and the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, both of which provide exceptional benefits.

For global candidates—including those from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe—Australia offers a unique opportunity: AU$300,000+ executive positions, generous relocation packages, permanent residency pathways, and full-family sponsorship options.

This guide explains everything you need to know about high-paying leadership careers in Australia, the companies hiring foreigners, and how to secure visa sponsorship with maximum success.

Why Australia Is Desperate for International Executive Talent

Australian employers face a significant shortage of qualified executives, especially in fields such as engineering, healthcare administration, construction, technology, finance, and project management.

Key reasons for the talent shortage:

1. Rapid economic expansion

Australia’s multi-billion-dollar investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, digital transformation, and healthcare require more leadership talent than the local market can provide.

2. An aging workforce

Many senior managers are retiring, leaving thousands of leadership roles unfilled.

3. Global skill competition

Tech, engineering, and financial sectors are competing for global executives, pushing Australian employers to actively sponsor visas.

4. Government-supported immigration

The Australian government has redesigned visas like the 482 and 186 to attract high-level foreign professionals.

Top AU$300,000+ Executive Jobs in Australia for Foreigners

These are the highest-paying leadership roles currently in demand, each offering visa sponsorship and long-term benefits.

1. Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – AU$260,000 to AU$420,000

Australia’s tech sector is expanding aggressively, especially in:

• SaaS

• AI

• Fintech

• Cybersecurity

• Cloud infrastructure

Responsibilities include:

• Leading large engineering teams

• Overseeing product architecture

• Managing technology roadmaps

• Ensuring security compliance

Why they sponsor:

Local tech leadership talent is limited, so companies recruit internationally.

2. Engineering Director / VP of Engineering – AU$250,000 to AU$380,000

Engineering leadership is in high demand due to Australia’s massive infrastructure and construction projects.

Industry demand:

• Rail and metro projects

• Highways and bridges

• Mining technology

• Renewable energy plants

• Commercial construction

Multinational engineering firms constantly hire foreign executives.

3. Senior Project Director – AU$220,000 to AU$350,000

Project directors oversee major infrastructure projects worth billions of dollars.

Required expertise:

• Project governance

• Risk management

• Budget allocation

• Team leadership

These roles almost always include relocation packages.

4. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – AU$280,000 to AU$420,000

Australia’s financial and corporate sectors actively hire foreign executives due to increasing global business operations.

Industries hiring CFOs:

• Banking

• Insurance

• Investment funds

• Construction companies

• Healthcare groups

CFOs also receive bonuses, stock options, and business-class travel benefits.

5. Chief Operations Officer (COO) – AU$250,000 to AU$380,000

COOs lead multi-department operations and ensure smooth business functioning.

Responsibilities:

• Operations expansion

• Leadership strategy

• Workforce development

• Efficiency optimization

COOs from international markets are extremely valued.

6. Hospital & Healthcare Directors – AU$240,000 to AU$360,000

Australia is experiencing one of the world’s strongest healthcare expansions.

High-demand leadership roles:

• Hospital manager

• Clinical director

• Aged-care executive

• Mental health services director

These roles often include housing assistance and family relocation.

7. Mining & Energy Sector Executives – AU$250,000 to AU$450,000

Australia is one of the world’s top producers of:

• Gas

• Coal

• Lithium

• Iron ore

Senior roles include:

• Operations director

• Site general manager

• Mine planning executive

• Safety compliance leader

Mining companies provide exceptional salaries and long-term contract security.

Visa Sponsorship Options: 482 vs 186 (Full Breakdown)

Australia offers two main visa pathways for foreign executives: the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa.

1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

This is the most common visa for foreign executives.

Key features:

• Sponsorship by an approved Australian employer

• Valid for 2–4 years

• Renewable

• Can lead to permanent residency

• Allows dependents (spouse + children)

Salaries for 482 visa holders:

High-skilled executives typically receive:
AU$220,000 – AU$350,000+

Benefits:

• Fast processing

• Employers pay visa costs

• You can switch companies later

2. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

The 186 visa is a direct pathway to permanent residency (PR).

What makes it special:

• Permanent residency granted immediately

• Spouse receives full work rights

• Children receive healthcare and school benefits

• No renewal needed

Eligibility:

• Job must be on the skilled occupation list

• Employer must sponsor you

• You must meet skill and experience requirements

Executives with international experience are highly competitive.

Industries in Australia Hiring Foreign Executives in 2026

Australia’s labor market favors foreign senior-level professionals in these sectors:

1. Technology & Cybersecurity

Major employers:

• Atlassian

• Canva

• Telstra

• NAB Tech

• Commonwealth Bank Digital

2. Construction & Infrastructure

Major hiring firms:

• CPB Contractors

• Lendlease

• John Holland Group

• Downer Group

• Arup

3. Healthcare & Medical Administration

Hospitals hiring foreign executives:

• New South Wales Health

• Queensland Health

• St. John of God Healthcare

• Ramsay Health Care

4. Mining & Energy

Leading companies:

• BHP

• Rio Tinto

• Woodside Energy

• Fortescue Metals

5. Finance & Banking

Top banks hiring international leaders:

• Westpac

• ANZ

• Macquarie

• Commonwealth Bank

Executive Benefits Included with Sponsorship

Foreign executives hired under the 482 or 186 visas often receive:

✔ Relocation flights for the whole family

✔ Temporary housing support

✔ School fee assistance

✔ Health insurance cover

✔ Business-class travel for executives

✔ Annual performance bonuses

✔ Car allowance

✔ Retirement fund contributions

✔ Paid vacation (4–6 weeks)

Some companies even offer sign-on bonuses up to AU$50,000.

How to Qualify for AU$300,000+ Executive Roles

To improve your chances of being selected, follow these strategies:

1. Build an Australian-style Executive CV

Highlight:

• Leadership achievements

• Project metrics

• Team sizes managed

• Global experience

2. Have your documents visa-ready

Companies prefer executives who already prepared:

• IELTS or English test

• Degrees verified

• Work references

• Skills assessment

3. Strengthen your LinkedIn with Australian keywords

Use keywords like:

• “Executive Director Australia”

• “Open for 482/186 sponsorship”

• “Global operations leader”

4. Apply through top Australian job portals

Best platforms:

• Seek

• LinkedIn

• Indeed AU

• Adzuna Australia

• Hays Executive Recruitment

5. Be prepared for Australian-style interviews

Focus on:

• Leadership examples

• Safety culture

• Diversity & inclusion

• Real case studies

• Communication clarity

Australia’s business culture values direct, practical answers.

Conclusion: Australia Is a Top Destination for High-Level Executives in 2026

For foreign professionals seeking:

• High salaries

• Guaranteed visa sponsorship

• Full family relocation

• A clear path to permanent residency

• Executive-level career stability

Australia is one of the best countries in the world to target.

Whether your background is in technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, or operations, there are thousands of open roles paying AU$300,000 to AU$450,000+ with exceptional benefits.

With the right CV, proper visa preparation, and targeted applications, you can secure a top leadership job and relocate to Australia under the 482 or 186 visa pathway.