Chief Business Officer

3 weeks ago

Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Illawarra Mercury Full time
Location: Batemans Bay (with travel to Canberra as required)

Employment Type: Full-time, 38 hours per week

Salary: Executive package, commensurate with experience

Lead. Shape. Strengthen.

We are proud to partner with SEARMS Community Housing Aboriginal Corporation, a registered National Regulatory System for Community Housing Providers (NRSCH) and Aboriginal Community Housing provider (ACHP). SEARMS has served Aboriginal communities in regional NSW and the ACT since 2003, providing housing and tenancy management services to the Aboriginal Housing Officer and other Aboriginal organisations.

SEARMS is searching for a dedicated, values-aligned Chief Business Officer (CBO) to guide and support their core corporate service functions. This is a rare opportunity for a leader who thrives on building strong teams, fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, and combining strategic vision with practical, hands-on expertise in corporate services, human resources, workplace health and safety, governance, and quality assurance.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the CBO will drive operational excellence across SEARMS, ensuring the team meet their legal, compliance, and operational obligations as a community housing provider and employer. You will embed culturally safe, trauma-informed practices across systems, and lead initiatives that build organisational capability for long-term sustainability.

Key Focus Areas
  • Human Resources Leadership – Lead strategic HR, workforce development, performance management, and employee relations to attract and retain top talent.
  • WHS Compliance – Maintain robust safety systems, ensure compliance, and foster a proactive safety culture.
  • Critical Incident Management – Oversee incident planning, response, review, and reporting.
  • Organisational Quality & Governance – Ensure policy frameworks, compliance registers, and governance systems are current, effective, and audit-ready.
  • Leadership & Corporate Services – Lead a high-performing Corporate Services team, delivering exceptional business support.
  • Business Operations – Manage grants, oversee brand and communications, and represent SEARMS at sector forums and events.

What You'll Bring
  • Tertiary qualifications in HR, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Proven experience in HR leadership, WHS compliance, and organisational development.
  • Demonstrated expertise in critical incident response and risk management.
  • Experience in a community-controlled, Aboriginal, or not-for-profit environment.
  • Strong understanding of Aboriginal cultural safety principles in the workplace.
  • Exceptional leadership, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Why Join SEARMS?

At SEARMS, the team are committed to delivering high-quality, culturally safe housing services and strengthening Aboriginal community housing capacity. As CBO, you will have the platform to make a significant impact — shaping systems, building internal capacity, and ensuring the organisation remains a leader in their field.
#J-18808-Ljbffr

  • Chief Financial Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Watermark Search International Full time

    Chief Financial Officer - UOW Global EnterprisesJoin to apply for theChief Financial Officer - UOW Global Enterprisesrole atWatermark Search International1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicantsLead the finance strategy across a global enterpriseJoin a values driven culture built on collaboration and growthAbout the RoleUOW Global Enterprises (UOWGE) is...

  • Chief Procurement Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia beBeeProcurement Full time $110,000 - $140,000

    Job Title: Chief Procurement OfficerJob Description:We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Procurement Officer to lead our procurement function. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for managing the sourcing, purchasing, and delivery of goods and services.Our ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement and...

  • Chief Financial Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Watermark Search International Full time

    Chief Financial Officer - UOW Global EnterprisesJoin to apply for the Chief Financial Officer - UOW Global Enterprises role at Watermark Search International1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicantsLead the finance strategy across a global enterpriseJoin a values driven culture built on collaboration and growthAbout the RoleUOW Global Enterprises (UOWGE) is...

  • Chief Financial Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Illawarra Mercury Full time

    Join to apply for the Chief Financial Officer role at Illawarra Mercury2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsAbout The RoleUOW Global Enterprises (UOWGE) is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead its global financial strategy, risk and assurance frameworks, and continuous improvement agenda. Reporting to the Global Chief Operating Officer, you will...

  • Chief Executive Officer

    1 week ago

    Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Illawarra Mercury Full time

    OverviewImagine the opportunity - lead an award-winning local government organisation that is progressive, dynamic, financially secure and ushering in an era of change. Shellharbour City is a shining example of transformation, sustainability and renewal and one of the fastest growing local government areas in NSW. The community is forging a strong local...

  • Chief Executive Officer

    7 days ago

    Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Shellharbour City Council Full time

    Imagine the opportunity - lead an award-winning local government organisation that is progressive, dynamic, financially secure and ushering in an era of change.Shellharbour City is a shining example of transformation, sustainability and renewal and one of the fastest growing local government areas in NSW.The community is forging a strong local identity, as...

  • Chief Financial Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Watermark Search International Full time $104,000 - $130,878 per year

    Lead the finance strategy across a global enterprisePurpose driven, commercial organisationJoin a values driven culture built on collaboration and growthAbout the RoleUOW Global Enterprises (UOWGE) is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead its global financial strategy, risk and assurance frameworks, and continuous improvement agenda. Reporting to the...

  • Chief Data Insights Officer

    7 days ago

    Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia beBeeAnalytics Full time $180,000 - $250,000

    Job OverviewThe Chief Data and Analytics Officer oversees the development and implementation of a whole-of-enterprise data and analytics vision and strategy, embedding a data-based decision-making culture across the organisation.">Key ResponsibilitiesOversee the collection, management, and storage of data across the organisation.Analyse and derive insights...

  • Chief Risk And Assurance Officer

    6 days ago

    Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia University Of Wollongong Full time

    Full-time, Fixed term (5 years) appointment- Attractive remuneration package availableThe University of Wollongong is a leading Australian university with a history of outstanding achievement in teaching and learning, and research output. UOW attracts students from more than 130 countries and is fundamentally committed to providing our diverse body of...

  • Chief Customer Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Illawarra Mercury Full time

    Join to apply for theChief Customer Officerrole atIllawarra Mercury.About UsSt George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers came together ahead of the 1999 NRL season to form a proud powerhouse with over a century of combined history and represent two of Rugby League's richest regions. All Dragons are custodians of the Red V and while the Red V is in our...