Chief Operating Officer

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time

Salary: $290,601 - $419,000

Grade: VPS SES2

Occupation: Leadership and management

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/760126

The Social Services Regulator is committed to strengthening protections and rights of vulnerable Victorians accessing social services.

The Social Services Regulator is a statutory authority that was established under the Social Services Regulations Act 2021 (the Act). The Act gives effect to a comprehensive new regulatory scheme that aims to keep Victoria's social service users safe from harms such as abuse and neglect.

The purpose of the scheme is to:

• support the safe delivery of social services

• embed a new set of Social Service standards for all service providers

• ensure service providers understand their role in protecting the rights of social service users

• define roles and responsibilities of service providers

• give the Regulator monitoring and enforcement powers to respond to risks of harm

• improve information sharing between regulators so they can identify and respond to risks of harm

• replace the framework previously overseen by the Human Services Regulator.

The scheme applies to prescribed services set out in the Social Services Regulations 2023 (Regulations). They include:

• Child protection services

• Community based child and family services

• Disability services

• Family violence services

• Homelessness services

• Out of home care services

• Secure welfare services

• Sexual assault services

• Supported residential services.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Social Services Regulator and as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for a leading a large and diverse high-performing team to support the Social Services Regulator's (SSR) operational requirements including finance, people and culture, communications and education, Information Technology (IT), accommodation and facilities, policy, planning and governance. This includes the development and provision of high quality and authoritative advice on public administration matters for the Social Services Regulator (Public Sector Body Head).

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Oversee and enhance core corporate and enabling functions including finance, procurement ,people and culture, governance, strategic communications and education, IT, accommodation and facilities, and organisational change and transformation activities.
• Drive organisational change and innovation, leading transformation initiatives to improve regulatory practices, service delivery, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the effective operation of the organisation, ensuring operational plans are executed efficiently, and performance meets strategic and regulatory objectives.
• Lead the budgeting, financial planning, and the allocation of resources to ensure cost-effective service delivery and compliance with public sector financial standards.
• Foster the development of high-performing teams, driving a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability across the organisation.
• Manage SSR-wide risk and compliance, ensuring that operational risks are identified, mitigated, and appropriately managed in line with regulatory and legislative obligations.
• Provide strategic leadership in regulatory operations, balancing efficiency and effectiveness in delivering the SSR's remit while adhering to statutory and public policy requirements.

Please open the position description to read more.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please contact

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.

Applications close Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted

10 September 2025