Senior Leadership | Governance | Operations | Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation
About FORWAARD
FORWAARD Aboriginal Corporation is a long-standing, Aboriginal-controlled, not-for-profit organisation established in 1967. We deliver culturally safe, holistic residential rehabilitation and transitional services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking to address alcohol and other drug use.
At FORWAARD, relationships matter. We work holistically, value culture and community, and balance accountability with humanity. We are a values-driven organisation navigating an important period of growth and change.
About the Role
FORWAARD Aboriginal Corporation is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to provide strong operational leadership across our residential rehabilitation and transitional services.
This senior role is responsible for ensuring the safe, compliant and effective day-to-day operation of services within a regulated, government-funded environment. Reporting to the CEO, the Operations Manager oversees operational delivery, workforce management, facilities, risk and compliance — ensuring services meet funding, regulatory, quality and cultural requirements.
Acting as the CEO's delegate when required, this role plays a key part in organisational stability, sustainability and governance. You will work closely with senior leaders to manage operational risk, support staff performance, oversee audits and accreditation processes, and contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement.
This is a non-client-facing role suited to a calm, credible and values-driven leader who is comfortable making decisions in complex environments and balancing accountability with care. You'll bring strong governance capability, people leadership skills and a genuine commitment to working respectfully within an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation.
At FORWAARD, relationships matter. We work holistically, value culture and community, and support one another to do meaningful work well. This is a unique opportunity to step into a trusted senior leadership role with real impact and future executive pathways.
What You'll Be Doing
Operational Leadership & Risk
Lead day-to-day operations across residential and transitional services
Ensure operational readiness, staff coverage, client safety and continuity of care
Oversee facilities, fleet, assets, procurement and infrastructure
Manage incident escalation, emergencies and risk controls
Governance, Compliance & Quality
Oversee service compliance, audits, accreditation and quality systems
Ensure funding obligations, reporting and documentation requirements are met
Monitor incidents, complaints and continuous improvement actions
Maintain strong governance, risk and compliance frameworks
Lead and support direct reports through supervision and performance management
Support workforce planning, rostering oversight and staffing sustainability
Partner with HR and the CEO on disciplinary processes and investigations
Model culturally safe, values-based leadership
Strategic & Executive Support
Act as CEO delegate when required (2IC)
Contribute to strategic planning, service development and funding growth
Build strong relationships with funders, stakeholders and partners
Prepare reports for the Board against KPIs and strategic objectives
About You
You're an experienced operational leader with a strong governance mindset and the confidence to make sound decisions in high-risk, regulated environments.
You'll bring:
* Tertiary qualifications in Health management, community services, Social Work or a related field (or equivalent experience)
* Significant leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams
* Strong knowledge of governance, compliance, risk and funding accountability
* Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder-management skills
* Cultural humility and the ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
* Experience in Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, government-funded services or residential rehabilitation settings is highly regarded.
Why Join FORWAARD?
* Senior leadership role with genuine influence
* Opportunity to act as CEO delegate (2IC)
* Values-driven, culturally safe workplace
* Meaningful work supporting community outcomes
* Exposure to executive-level responsibility and succession pathways
* Competitive conditions under SCHADS Award Level 7 or potentially level 8, depending on the candidate
For more information or to request the Position Description, contactVanessa Schuurman at HR@forwaard.com.au
To apply, please submit your resume and a statement addressing the selection criteria. Applications will be reviewed as received.
FORWAARD values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
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