General Manager

Join Vanguard Laundry A well-established commercial laundry in Toowoomba, where operational excellence meets social purpose. As our General Manager, you'll be at the intersection of these two pillars of our organisation.

You'll thrive on leading diverse teams and business functions, bringing a visible and values-driven style to the role. Confident alongside the CEO and board, you'll help shape long-term strategy while driving a financially sustainable and inclusive workplace.

With flexibility around commencement, we're seeking the right senior leader to join us later this year or early next.

About us

Vanguard Laundry provides a high-quality laundry and linen service while providing transitional employment opportunities for those who have faced complex barriers to employment. We do everything with heart because we know that our happy customers help us to empower the lives of many.

Our 
purpose
 is to empower beyond barriers.

Our 
vision
 is employment for everyone.

Our 
values
 are:

Accountability

Empowerment

Inclusivity

Quality

Safety

Learn more about what we do by visiting our website:

The role

This is a dynamic leadership position overseeing the end-to-end operations of Vanguard Laundry. You'll lead a high-performing team, ensure operational excellence, and drive strategic initiatives that balance service quality, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and social impact. Working closely with the CEO, you'll be responsible for guiding the business toward growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

As an organisation, we've been on a strategic journey, and this role is pivotal to our next stage of growth Through the below duties, you'll be focussed on expanding our commercial laundry business to support our social mission.

How will you do this?

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operational team.
• Ensure quality, safety, and compliance with ISO9001 and Australian Standards.
• Oversee budgets, forecasting, cost management, and revenue growth strategies.
• Manage inventory, assets, and operational resources to ensure business continuity.
• Drive customer acquisition, retention, and service excellence.
• Foster strong relationships with customers, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Promote the organisation through marketing activities and public events.
• Oversee HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support funding activities, including grants and outcomes-based payments.

Who you'll be working with?

You'll be leading:

• Matt (Operations Manager)
• Najwa and Chloe (Employment Coordinators)
• 4 Laundry Supervisors
• 75+ laundry production workers and delivery drivers (indirectly)

You'll be led by:

• Ryan (CEO)
• A board of volunteer directors (indirectly)

At Vanguard, purpose and performance go hand in hand. We set high standards, back our people, and create real impact. If you want work that changes lives, you'll fit right in.

Why you'll love working here

• The benefits of Not for Profit salary package (save tax and increase your take home pay)
• Close knit, dedicated team
• Autonomy in role – ability to own your space
• Flexibility to support a healthy work life balance
• Access to external training for career development
• Paid first aid and mental health first aid
• Opportunity to create impact

About you

With proven experience at a senior management level, you can balance strategic thinking with hands-on leadership. You're equally comfortable driving operational improvements, guiding teams through change, and building strong relationships with stakeholders. Your ability to plan, prioritise, and adapt will ensure you can deliver results while upholding the organisation's mission and values.

What you'll bring:

• Tertiary qualification or relevant experience in business or related field
• Minimum three years' experience in a senior management role, leading diverse teams.
• HR management exposure, including performance management and workforce planning
• Experience in manufacturing and/or production environments (desirable).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent planning, prioritisation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Financial acumen, including budget development and management.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on process improvement.
• Flexibility, resilience, and attention to detail.

If the above sounds like you and our purpose, vision and values spark something in you, we'd love you to lead our high-quality commercial laundry into its next chapter —driving impact, opportunity, and lasting change along the way. Shortlisting and phone screens will be conducted throughout this advertisement's duration, with interviews commencing 8th of October.

What to expect in the recruitment process:

• Confidential discussions and administrative support from Steph at Recruit With Me
• Informal coffee discussions with key people
• A site tour, meet and greet, and deep dive with Ryan (CEO)
• Panel Interviews

To know more, reach out to Stephanie Kelly from Recruit With Me on