Director of Operations

• Kewdale location
• Full Time position
• 5 weeks annual leave

About Us

The Tjiwarl Claimants are the native title holders (determined in May 2017) over approximately 13,800 square kilometres of land in the Northern Goldfields region of WA.

Tjiwarl (Aboriginal Corporation) was established to hold on trust the native title rights and interests of the Tjiwarl native title holders. The corporation is responsible for delivering core governance and operational activities, fulfils obligations under land use agreements, implements programs for the betterment of Tjiwarl Native Title Holders, protects and preserves land and heritage for the Tjiwarl community.

Tjiwarl AC prides itself on being a "Gold Standard" organisation with connection to a rich and vibrant part of the Goldfields. We are undergoing an extremely exciting, engaging, and unprecedented period of development. Since determination of native title in 2017, Tjiwarl AC has gone from strength to strength, built on the foundations of a highly engaged membership and passionate Board in an environment of strong governance. Tjiwarl AC is party to 3 major mining agreements and a unique comprehensive ILUA with the State of WA. Further major mining agreements are in negotiation. These more contemporary and innovative agreements provide exciting opportunities for Tjiwarl AC to preserve and protect heritage to the highest standard, pursue economic and social development opportunities for members and develop member programs aimed at addressing their short- and long-term needs. All of this aligns to a sustainability framework and strategic plan developed by the Tjiwarl Board and feedback directly from members. The on-going innovation and forward-thinking strategies of the Board and members make Tjiwarl AC a gold standard for PBC's across the country.

The Role

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Leadership and Management of Business Operations

• Day-to-day operational management of Business Operations
• In collaboration with the CEO, develop and execute an Annual Plan that meets strategic and operational goals, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate with and escalate to, the CEO, strategic and operational issues and risks in a timely manner.
• Provide monthly reports to the CEO on business operations
• In collaboration with the CEO, monitor and review the Risk Register bi-annually and ensure it is presented to the Board for consideration.
• Lead regular team catch up meetings.

Information and Communication Technology

• Lead and coordinate the introduction of new technology, software upgrades and enhancements, ensuring staff are adequately trained when they are introduced.

Finance

• Work collaboratively with the administration and finance team members to ensure accounting procedures and financial risk management controls are implemented, monitored and reviewed as needed.
• Oversee service provider contracts
• Oversight of funding acquittals and reports are lodged as per contracts
• Oversight of the preparation of the annual financial year's budget
• Working collaboratively with the Finance Manager to provide the CEO with monthly financial statements together with variance analysis and trend information
• Assist in the development of budgets for new programs, new assets, projects and events as required
• Liaise and manage the relationship with Tjiwarl's Auditors

Human Resources & WHS (staff and members)

• Build a strong and flourishing team environment consistent with Tjiwarl' s values
• Manage the recruitment and selection of staff.
• Manage change processes with the staff when required, in consultation with the CEO, and in line with the organisation's culture and values
• Work collaboratively with the staff to foster a safe and healthy work environment
• Provide the CEO with regular WH&S reports
• Supervise and manage direct reports including performance reviews and identifying professional development and training as required.
• Oversight of direct reports roles to meet TJIWARL's objectives.
• Seek approval for recruitment of staff from the CEO and manage underperforming staff with advice from the TJIWARL HR consultant.

Asset Management

• Ensure assets are well maintained through a system of audits, replacement schedule and maintenance plans

Compliance and Implementation

• Ensure compliance with CATSI, ORIC and other mandatory government reporting.
• Oversee compliance staff to ensure TJIWARL agreement and reporting obligations are fulfilled within required timeframes. This includes mining agreements, exploration and prospecting agreements, service agreements, grant agreements etc.

Quality Management

• Ensure written communication and reports are accurate, both technically and grammatically, as well as tailored for the audience.
• Seek professional advice when required.
• Communicate issues & risks to CEO, including workflow conflicts or difficulties, along with possible solutions.
• Periodically review business processes, making improvements as required & communicate any changes to staff as required

Personal & Professional Development

• Strive to build on existing skills and capabilities (actively
  
  seek opportunities to improve skills and competencies)
• Attend & contribute to organisational training sessions.
• Complete personal actions in personal development plan
• Proactively seek feedback on work performance
• Record professional development received

Work & Time management

• Manage time effectively to meet individual and team objectives, as well as required deadlines.
• Where appropriate, delegate tasks to other staff or areas for better utilisation of time and resources
• Exercise punctuality in general, including meetings & training sessions.
• Manage self-balance between work & life commitments

Board and meeting administration

• Support the management and coordination of Heritage and Implementation Committees, including liaising with committee members, preparation of agendas, compliance summaries and reports.
• Contribute to the preparation of agendas, meeting papers, writing and dissemination of minutes and agendas for Board meetings and other committee meetings.
• Quality assure minutes for Board meetings and other committee meetings.
• AGM/Community meetings, advertising, preparation of notices and minutes.
• Engagement with CEO, managers and all stakeholders to provide professional support, administration and logistics.

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria:

• Directly related management expertise in fiscal services, administration, human resources, and support services gained through either 5 years of equivalent-level work experience with comparable institution or completion of Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Work experience that can be demonstrated to be applicable to the duties listed on the job description required.
• Successful implementation of business management principles, organisational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to budget, providing cost estimating, and implementing fiscal management principles and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work professionally and effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Skilled in evaluating and revising operations and procedures in response to organisational change.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with administration, staff, volunteers, clients, and external individuals and entities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Strong knowledge of and experience with network planning and administration for all aspects of IT network infrastructure, including installations, maintenance, network equipment, servers, and software applications.  Ability to bring in reliable, durable, and cost-effective solutions for all IT related needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources.
• Ability to travel in regional and remote areas of the Goldfields.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working in a registered native title body corporate (PBC).
• An understanding of the cultural, social and economic circumstances of Aboriginal people and remote communities.
• Experience working with Aboriginal organisations and people

Special Requirements

• Class 'C' Drivers Licence
• Appointment subject to a National Police Clearance

Salary & Benefits

Fulltime, with an immediate start.

• A competitive salary will be negotiated based on experience.
• 5 weeks annual leave pa pro rata.
• The role is based in Perth with occasional travel as required to the Tjiwarl Native Title area/Goldfields.

To Apply

Please email your application which should include a cover letter outlining your skills and experience relative to the essential criteria and your resume with contactable references to  with the subject line Application: Director of Operations

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted when received.

Closing Date 13th Novemeber 2025

Please note: Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.  All candidates will be assessed based on their suitability to the criteria. The corporation reserves the right to employ their candidate of choice. There will be no appeal process.