Chief Operating Officer

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 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