Skip to content

Jacqui Latu

from working in the family valet business to Cruise Operations Manager
I lead the operations of a major cruise terminal, overseeing the safe, seamless movement and experience of thousands of people every day.
Industry
Transport, Logistics and Warehousing
Company
Port of Brisbane
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • The challenges I face as a woman working in a male-dominated industry
  • The skills and qualifications you need to work in this industry
  • What a day in my role actually looks like
  • The most important lesson I've learnt in my career

About me

I never had a perfectly mapped-out career plan – I simply loved learning “stuff” and trusted it would take me somewhere interesting. I studied at university and polytechnic at the same time, and although I never worked in either field, both gave me invaluable, transferable skills – especially in problem-solving and leadership. Then came an unexpected chapter: I became a watchmaker, which is still a brilliant conversation starter! After a decade of making watches, I was ready for a new challenge and joined the Port of Auckland – a place woven into my childhood through our family business. What followed was more than 20 years of growth, from wharf-based operational administration to leading the Commercial team in the corporate office. When I moved to Brisbane, I fully intended to change industries – but ports clearly had other plans for me. This time, I traded containers, vehicles and cargo for cruise ships, passengers and there is never a dull day in shipping!

About my role

  • Calm
  • Humorous
  • Innovative
  • Reliable
  • Thorough

I lead the team that keeps the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal moving safely, efficiently and with the customer experience front and centre. From vessel-call readiness and terminal operations to resources, priorities and real-time decision-making, my team and I make sure every cruise day is set up for success. I lead and support our Port Operations Officers, building a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.

I also bring customers, stakeholders, contractors and service providers together to deliver seamless, professional service. My remit spans operational risk, compliance, emergency preparedness, asset readiness and team performance. Through clear communication, smart planning and high standards, we are helping to position Brisbane International Cruise Terminal as Australasia’s premier cruise terminal and the destination of choice.

Education

  • Diploma in Research
  • Global Women Breakthrough Leaders alumni

Subjects

  • Accounting
  • Biology
  • English
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • History
  • Languages
  • Physical Education
  • Psychology
  • Science

Hobbies

  • Art
  • Camping
  • Cooking
  • Gardening
  • Netball
  • Reading
  • Travel

Pets

  • 1 Dog

15 year old me!!

“Don't worry so much about having everything figured out. Stay curious, keep learning, work hard and get comfortable being uncomfortable. If you don't have the skills or knowledge you need, go out and get them. Don't wait for opportunities or answers to land in your lap.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Dropped out of uni to pursue a career at the Port of Auckland
  2. Obtained skills & knowledge across the entire business at the Port
  3. Multiple roles leading to Senior Management
  4. Moved to Brisbane
  5. Became Cruise Operations Manager at Port of Brisbane

My typical day

My employer

Port of Brisbane is Queensland’s premier port and logistics hub. As the third largest container port and one of the most diverse multi-cargo ports in Australia, Port of Brisbane is an economic powerhouse driving Queensland and Australia’s trade growth.