Operations Manager

• Play a key leadership role in the day-to-day management of a youth justice precinct.
• Promote and lead a positive culture of development and evidence-based practice amongst staff.
• If you're ready to lead with purpose, build strong teams, and help transform young lives, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact where it matters most

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is responsible for the statutory supervision of young people in the criminal justice system in Victoria focusing on prevention, diversion, and early intervention as the most effective and fiscally responsible ways of reducing youth crime. Youth Justice is committed to the demonstration of the departmental values at all times; Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership, Human rights.

Youth Justice Custodial Services aim to engage young people in change by addressing their offending behaviour and equipping them with the skills required for positive community participation, within a safe and secure environment.

The opportunity

• Ongoing, full time position based at the Cherry Creek Youth Justice Precinct.
• YJW5.2 role: $124,888 - $136,747 per year plus super.
• Support the day-to-day operations of the Precinct and manage assigned portfolios, prioritising risk assessments, sensitive complex issues and the safety and security of the Precinct.
• Assist in the development and management of compliance and monitoring systems that enhance client service delivery, safety and security for the Precinct.
• Effectively promote and lead a culture of staff development and evidence-based best practice to achieve their potential and contribute to organisational goals and outcomes.
• Cultivate active collaboration between internal and external service providers.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Expertise in adolescent development and in the assessment and intervention of offending behaviour, including a comprehensive understanding of issues and complexities of the youth justice system.
• Experience in the professional supervision and development of a team of custodial staff.
• Experience in the day-to-day management of work organisation, budget, resource allocation and service delivery.

A Diploma in Youth Justice or equivalent qualification is desirable.

You will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) to be maintained by the employee for the period of employment.

To learn more about the type of skills you will need to thrive in this role, please read the position description.

What's in it for you?

You will be working for the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which is one arm of the Victorian State Government, a recognised top employer of choice nationally. All our staff work to the vision of a safe, just, innovative and thriving Victoria.

There are many advantages in working for the department, including:

• Job stability - position as a member of the Victorian Public Service (VPS).
• A fair salary- enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options.
• Transparent performance framework- approach your work with confidence in how you're tracking, working to professional development plans agreed on by you and your manager.
• Generous leave entitlements- provisions for many forms of leave; including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate, and sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Program support - you are encouraged to use this short-term, confidential counselling service if you're experiencing emotional stress, relationship problems, conflict with others or personal issues. It is also available for financial counselling and retirement planning.

If you have any queries, please contact Ann-Marie Paramore on or

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.

For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made

We want to make sure all Victorians feel represented by the department's work. One of the ways we do this is by recruiting a diverse workforce - we welcome people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability and cultural background. We are also committed to the Victorian Government's promise to increase the number of veterans working in the public sector.

We're proud of our individual differences. We're proud of the many languages we speak and the stories we can share with each other. We hope you will share your story too.

If this sounds like a compelling job that you believe your skills would be a great match for, please APPLY NOW. Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 30 November 2025.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.