Executive Director of Operations

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We bring years of experience and authentic engagement in regional, remote, and urban locations to our services.

Over the past 8 years, Bamara has work with people and communities to support them as they achieve their goals.

Bamara delivers services in communities across New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. Our focus is on building individual and community capacity and prosperity through the design and delivery of projects, programs and initiatives underpinned by Australian government (state and federal) funding. Visit our website learn more.

Salary and Benefits

• 3 days bonus leave during the Christmas/New Year period
• Birthday leave
• Retail and Entertainment discounts acrossleading brands
• Opportunities to upskill with qualifications
• Employee Assistance program for staff and their immediate families
• First Nations Perspective training

Reports to:Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports May Include:

• Operations Managers
• Program Managers
• Regional Managers and other leadership staff

Location:

Officed based in the Newcastle region, with regular travel required to visit our programs

Organisational Context:

Bamara is an Indigenous-owned organisation meaning "Helper, Friend, Companion" in Yolngu language, dedicated to empowering participants and broader communities through employment, training, and support services. It delivers a range of Australian Government programs—like NDIS support, Transition to Work, Employability Skills Training, Career Transition Assistance, Driver License Assistance Program. Workforce Australia, Inclusive Employment Australia, Australian Apprentice and traineeship providers, RTO, ISEP and Dhub —focusing on culturally safe, community-driven service delivery.

Purpose of the Role:

The Executive Director of Operations ensures that Bamara's wide-ranging programs operate efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with its mission of economic empowerment, cultural integrity, and community impact. They lead operational excellence across both program delivery and back-of-house functions, shaping systems that are effective, scalable, and culturally responsive.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and oversee implementation of operational plans across all programs (e.g. NDIS, apprenticeship support, youth employment).
• Partner with the executive team to drive growth, sustainability, and innovation.

Program Delivery & Compliance

• Oversee the day-to-day functioning of program teams to ensure service quality and coordination.
• Ensure strict adherence to standards such as the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, relevant audit frameworks (e.g. ISO 27001), WFA and IEA guidelines, Performance and contractual requirements.
• Experience in starts ups
• Manage budgets and monitor financial performance across operational functions.
• Drive efficient resource allocation to ensure sustainability and impact.
• Collaborate with the CFO/finance team to prepare annual budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor financial targets and performance simultaneously
• Strong financial and performance management abilities.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure cost-effective resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, contracts, and regulatory requirements.

Culture, People & Partnerships

• Build leadership capacity among direct reports and foster a collaborative, culturally responsive workplace.
• Strengthen partnerships with employers, community stakeholders, and advisory committees.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Senior leadership experience in operations, ideally within NDIS, WFA, DES and/or government-funded programs.
• Deep knowledge of the Employment Services Sector
• Demonstrated success in delivering programs that drive social and economic outcomes, particularly with First Nations communities.
• Strong financial and performance management abilities.
• Leadership background that embraces cultural competency, community engagement, and inclusive practice.
• Strategic planning and execution
• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills
• Operational and financial acumen
• Risk management and regulatory compliance
• Talent development and culturally responsive leadership
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Performance Measures / KPIs:

• Program efficiency (timely, quality delivery of services)
• Client outcomes—participant satisfaction and empowerment
• Budget adherence and cost-effectiveness
• Performance against KPIs and contractual requirements
• Staff retention, engagement metrics, and team performance
• Strength and impact of partnerships with stakeholder, employers and community

Qualifications:

• Higher education in Management, or business-related field
• 10+ years of progressively senior leadership experience in operations management
• Demonstrated track record of operational excellence in a comparable organisation
• Experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and change management

Clearances

• WWCC
• First Aid

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

Your application will include the following questions:

• Are you legally entitled to work in Australia? Please detail your minimum salary expectations (including super): What is the notice period for your current employment? What motivated you to apply for this position? What relevant skills and experience would you bring to this role? Current Employer* Please list Company name, Position title, Start Date, End date and reason for leaving below: Previous Employer 1* Please list Company name, Position title, Start Date, End date and reason for leaving below: Previous Employer 2* Please list Company name, Position title, Start Date, End date and reason for leaving below: Please provide the name and contact details of your first employment reference: Please provide the name and contact details of your second employment reference:

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