Chief Operating Officer

Location: Wagga Wagga (flexible for the right candidate)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Lead with Purpose, Drive Performance, Strengthen Communities.

About Sureway

Sureway is a values-driven organisation founded in regional NSW more than 30 years ago. Our purpose: Changing Lives, Building Stronger Communities ensures we deliver quality Employment, Training, and Health services across ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, VIC and WA. While we've grown significantly, we've never lost the family values at the heart of our culture.

We are committed to supporting people into sustainable employment, improving health outcomes, and building stronger communities. In the last 3 years we have supported over 45,000 people and we pride ourselves on delivering high quality services that make a real difference.

About the role

The Due to significant recent growth we are introducing a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee our Employment Services, Training, and Health portfolios, including Workforce Australia contracts and the new Inclusive Employment Services program. This role will lead a workforce of around staff across multiple sites and geographies.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO will partner closely with the CEO, Board and fellow executives. You will play a pivotal role in shaping Sureway's future, driving performance across a diverse service mix, and ensuring delivery against our Strategic Plan objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a values-aligned, strategic leader who thrives in complex, high-impact environments and is passionate about strengthening communities.

Key responsibilities

• Provide effective and inspiring leadership aligned with Sureway's Vision, Mission and Values.
• Execute operational strategy that aligns to organisational strategy.
• Lead service delivery across multiple operational lines, driving high-quality outcomes.
• Manage budgets and ensure the continued financial viability of program/service units.
• Oversee reporting and operational performance metrics, adjusting strategy where required.
• Represent Sureway with key external stakeholders including community, government and private organisations.
• Drive business growth by identifying new opportunities, and developing strategies to expand into emerging markets.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
• Build a safe, healthy and positive workplace culture where staff are engaged, motivated, and supported to succeed.
• Contribute to organisation-wide strategy and decision-making as part of the Executive Leadership Team.

About you

We are seeking an experienced and influential leader with:

• Significant senior operational leadership experience across multiple service lines, geographies or business units.
• Strong acumen across financial, human resourcing, business planning and strategy, budgeting, and marketing areas.
• Demonstrated experience working with government contracts, regulators, funding bodies, and community stakeholders.
• A track record of driving performance and delivering results in a geographically dispersed organisation.
• Strong customer, performance, and continuous improvement focus.
• Proven ability to lead projects, build networks, and foster a positive workplace culture.
• Comprehensive understanding of governance, compliance, and legislative requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Flexible working environment with a focus on work life balance
• A supportive and dynamic team environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Access to ongoing training and industry networking events.
• Birthday leave
• Additional week of leave after 3 years of service

Organisation Details

Sureway deliver innovative programs to job seekers, employers and learners across NSW, VIC, ACT and SA. Our growing suite of services assists people to achieve their goals and aspirations in life.

This position requires the successful applicant to undertake a National Police Check, Working with Children Check and relevant state-based screens. Applicants also must have the right to work in Australia.

We strive to create a culturally safe environment which allows people to feel supported in their identity and culture. We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds including Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with disabilities, people with lived experience, individuals from LGBTIQA+ communities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.