general manager programs

The Organisation:

For more than 35 years, Wungening Aboriginal Corporation has been delivering culturally secure programs to improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal people, families, and communities across Perth. Guided by Aboriginal leadership at both Board and executive levels, Wungening is committed to Aboriginal-led solutions that heal mind, body, and spirit.

From its 14 metropolitan locations, and with a workforce of over 300 staff, Wungening provides a wide range of services including alcohol and other drug programs, refuges for women and children escaping family violence, culturally responsive emergency relief, and reintegration and accommodation support. In addition, Wungening leads a number of cross-agency alliances focused on keeping children safe at home, supporting people reintegrating after release from prison, improving pathways to housing for the homeless, and providing Out of Home Care services.

As one of Western Australia's largest Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, Wungening continues to be at the forefront of creating safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

The Position:

Reporting to the CEO and working as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across children, family, and FDV services portfolio.
• Lead Program Managers and inspire a strong, values-driven workforce.
• Ensure service excellence, cultural responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Drive compliance, risk management, and quality governance.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and reporting requirements.
• Build effective partnerships with consortium agencies, government, and stakeholders.
• Contribute to sector reform, policy development, and systemic advocacy.
• Embed Aboriginal ways of working into all aspects of service delivery.

About You:

Mission aligned, you will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in the community services sector.
• Strong governance, compliance, and financial management capability.
• Proven track record in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Cultural competence and a deep understanding of issues impacting Aboriginal communities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Commitment to Wungening's vision of healing mind, body, and spirit.

Intending applicants should be aware that the position is identified as a 50(d) appointment as designated by the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 in Western Australia. To apply for a 50(d) position, candidates must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as such, and be recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Reflective of the senior nature of this role as well as its community impact, a highly competitive remuneration package, including a motor vehicle, will be negotiated.

For more information about this opportunity, a detailed Candidate Prospectus is available by emailing After reviewing the Prospectus, you can make further confidential telephone enquiries to Lester Blades' Partner, James Fairbairn, at

Applications may be made in Word format to quoting Reference LB Please include a cover letter with your application outlining why you believe you have the skills, experience and achievements for this key position.

Our preference is to receive your application no later than 4pm AWST, Friday 24th October.

Candidates' rights under the Privacy Act will be observed at all times.

Only candidates with valid work rights in Australia can be considered.

ABOUT LESTER BLADES

Lester Blades is a Western Australian owned executive search and board advisory firm with local specialisation and international reach. We focus on uncompromising excellence in service to clients in the identification of Non-Executive Directors, CEOs and a range of other senior executive and functional leadership roles.