Operations Manager – Community Aged Care

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Team, the Operations Manager leads community aged care services across VIC and NSW. The role ensures high-quality, person-centred and compliant services, and builds a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence. You will lead a team of Care Managers and represent Esse Care across the sector and within the community.

Scope of the Role

Operational Leadership

• Lead by example and set high standards for service delivery. Drive continuous improvement across the organisation including with frontline teams.
• Lead weekly performance huddles, monitor outcomes and proactively address issues and business risks.
• Maximise client outcomes by making full and effective use of available funding and care hours.

Growth & Market Development

• Identify, develop, and pursue new opportunities for growth, partnerships and referral pathways.
• Build a visible presence for Esse Care within local communities across VIC and NSW.

Compliance & Governance

• Collaborate with the Clinical Nurse Manager to oversee governance, incidents, risk management, audits, and quality improvement. Ensure services meet the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, the new Aged Care Act and related rules, funding settings and internal policies.

Strategy to Execution

• Collaborate with senior leaders and business partners to translate strategy and sector changes (i.e. Support at Home) into operational plans that deliver measurable results.

Team Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multicultural team of Care Managers—including four in VIC and two interstate managers in NSW.

Stakeholder Relationships

• Maintain proactive communication with clients and families to gather feedback. Manage expectations and resolve issues with care and urgency
• Set clear expectations with suppliers (scope, timeliness, documentation) and review performance regularly.

About You

We are seeking an experienced leader with:

• A strong track record in aged care or related community services
• Proven capability in operational management, compliance, and quality systems.
• Demonstrated capability in managing teams and working with key stakeholders within the organisation
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire teams and build trusted relationships.
• Strong business acumen and experience in budget management.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications (business or health) are desirable, with clinical experience highly regarded
• Deep understanding of the aged care regulatory environment, standards, and funding systems (desirable)
• Current Australian driver's licence and capacity to travel.

About Esse Care

Since 1988, Esse Care has been a trusted provider of home care and disability services across Melbourne and beyond. From humble beginnings as a family-run business, we have grown into a second-generation provider with over 35 years of experience in delivering ethical, transparent and person-centred care. We proudly support seniors and people with disability to live with dignity, independence and choice. Our multicultural team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and our values of honesty, inclusivity and service excellence guide everything we do.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications may be reviewed prior to the closing date. The closing date is subject to change without notice. Successful candidates will be subject to a variety of background checks including a national criminal history check, reference checks and, if applicable, WWCC, NDIS worker screening check and a pre-employment medical.

Recruitment Agencies: Please note, this position is being managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team. We respectfully request that recruitment agencies refrain from contacting any employees directly as all communications must go through the Talent Acquisition. Unsolicited candidate profiles or CVs from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. Thank you.