We bring years of experience and authentic engagement in regional, remote, and urban locations to our services.

Over the past 8 years, Bamara has work with people and communities to support them as they achieve their goals.

Bamara delivers services in communities across New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. Our focus is on building individual and community capacity and prosperity through the design and delivery of projects, programs and initiatives underpinned by Australian government (state and federal) funding. Visit our website at http://bamara.com.au to learn more.

Salary and Benefits

Generous salary
3 days bonus leave during the Christmas/New Year period
Birthday leave
Retail and Entertainment discounts across leading brands
Opportunities to upskill with qualifications
Employee Assistance program for staff and their immediate families
First Nations Perspective training
Job Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports May Include:

Program Managers, Regional Managers, Quality & Compliance Manager, Marketing Manager

Location:

NSW- preferably Sydney or Newcastle

Organisational Context:

Bamara is an Indigenous-owned organization meaning “Helper, Friend, Companion” in Yolngu language, dedicated to empowering participants and broader communities through employment, training, and support services. It delivers a range of Australian Government programs—like NDIS support, Transition to Work, Employability Skills Training, Career Transition Assistance, Driver License Assistance Program. Workforce Australia, Inclusive Employment Australia, Australian Apprentice and traineeship providers, RTO, ISEP and DHub —focusing on culturally safe, community-driven service delivery.

Purpose of the Role:

The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for leading Bamara’s day-to-day operations across Employment Services, NDIS programs and all other programs.
This includes ensuring strategic alignment with organisational goals, financial sustainability, compliance with regulatory frameworks, workforce capability, and delivery of high-quality, culturally safe participant outcomes.

Desired Skills and Experience
Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic & Operational Leadership

Oversee the planning, delivery, and performance of all service contracts.
Translate Bamara’s strategic plan into measurable operational objectives and business plans.
Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and culturally responsive practices across all service areas.
Support the CEO in long-term strategic initiatives, including tender responses and service expansion.
2. Financial Management & Performance

Develop and manage divisional budgets ensuring fiscal accountability and sustainability.
Analyse program performance, identifying risks, trends, and opportunities for growth or efficiency.
Work with Finance to track expenditure, revenue streams, progress payments, wage subsidies, and grant milestones.
Oversee contract profitability and ensure programs meet financial and outcome-based KPIs.
3. Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure all programs operate within legal, contractual, and accreditation frameworks including:
ISO 9001
ISO 27001
NDIS Practice Standards
RFFR & NSDS
Lead risk management strategies and ensure timely audits, reporting, and corrective actions.
Maintain a high pass rate on audits and compliance reviews.
Uphold participant safeguarding, privacy, and quality assurance policies.
4. Workforce Leadership & Capability

Lead a geographically dispersed workforce across multiple programs and states.
Foster a high-performance culture grounded in Bamara’s Wirray (the Bamara Way) values of respect, inclusion, and cultural integrity.
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and leadership development.
Ensure workforce planning aligns with contract demands, growth, and service quality.
5. Service Quality & Participant Outcomes

Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality, culturally safe services.
Monitor and report on participant engagement, outcomes, and satisfaction.
Drive innovation in service delivery through data, insights, and co-design with community.
Ensure service models such as Circle of Support and Wirray principles are embedded into all operations.
6. Stakeholder & Partnership Management

Build strong partnerships with government agencies (DEWR, DSS, NDIA, NIAA, NSW Education, etc.), community organisations, and employers.
Represent Bamara at sector forums, conferences, and meetings.
Promote collaboration with Elders, Aboriginal-controlled organisations, and key community stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in delivering programs that drive social and economic outcomes, particularly with First Nations communities.
Strong financial and performance management abilities.
Leadership background that embraces cultural competency, community engagement, and inclusive practice.
Key Competencies & Skills:

Strategic planning and execution
Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills
Operational and financial acumen
Risk management and regulatory compliance
Talent development and culturally responsive leadership
Stakeholder & community engagement
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Performance Measures / KPIs:

Program efficiency (timely, quality delivery of services)
Compliance audit results
Client outcomes—participant satisfaction and empowerment
Budget adherence and cost-effectiveness
Performance against KPIs and contractual requirements
Staff retention, engagement metrics, and team performance
Strength and impact of partnerships with stakeholder, employers and community
Qualifications:

Higher education in Management, or business-related field
10+ years of progressively senior leadership experience in operations management
Demonstrated track record of operational excellence in a comparable organisation
Experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and change management
Clearances

WWCC
NDIS workers Clearance
First Aid
Police check