Executive Director of Operations

Introduction:

About Bamara

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 at to learn more.

Salary and Benefits

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

Description:

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.

Skills and Experiences:

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

Financial Oversight

• 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.

Key Competencies & Skills:

• 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
• Stakeholder & community engagement
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Performance Measures / KPIs:

• Program efficiency (timely, quality delivery of services)
• Compliance audit results
• 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
• NDIS workers Clearance
• First Aid
• Police check