Chief Operating Officer

Ombudsman Western Australian; Perth; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Ombudsman Western Australia is seeking a Chief Operating Officer for a five-year fixed-term appointment based in the Perth CBD. You will lead operational delivery, oversee corporate services and finance, and support the Ombudsman in safeguarding public sector rights.

This is a senior public sector leadership role requiring strategic governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement with government agencies and communities.

Job description

About the Western Australian Ombudsman

A rare opportunity to shape the future of public sector oversight. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We recognise the continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and recognise the strength, resilience and diversity of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this land. This is an exciting opportunity to join Ombudsman Western Australia as Chief Operating Officer and play a key role in shaping the organisation's future. The position is offered as a five-year fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of extension.

• Protects People’s Rights : we give people a way to ensure they’re heard when they feel they’ve been treated unfairly.
• Improves Services and Build Trust in Government : we can investigate how services are delivered and bring weaknesses to the attention of decision-makers. In doing so, we improve service delivery for all Western Australians.
• Prevent Harm : through death reviews, investigations and oversight of how organisations respond to allegations of child related harm, we identify opportunities to prevent deaths and strengthen the safety net around children.
• Supports Vulnerable Communities : we can focus on people who are often overlooked or disadvantaged, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are considered.

The Ombudsman also undertakes the role of the Energy and Water Ombudsman and is the Charitable Trusts Commissioner.

Staff of the Ombudsman’s Office

Our people are at the heart of the Ombudsman’s Office and central to its success.

• ongoing education, training and professional development opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements may also be negotiated, helping employees balance their professional and personal commitments.

The position is covered by the Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024 and is located in the CBD, Perth Western Australia.

Equity and Diversity

The Ombudsman’s office provides services to a diverse range of people within the Western Australian community, and is committed to creating an equitable and diverse workforce. We encourage people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and women and young people to apply. The office of the Ombudsman may prioritise recruitment decisions based on the Equal Opportunity Act Western Australia 1984 (EOA 1984) . The Ombudsman’s office is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position under Section 51 of the EOA 1984 as a measure to achieve equality and increase workforce representation of Aboriginal people.

Other Information

To achieve a broad field of applicants, we may conduct an executive search and may use this process to continue to recruit applicants after the closing date for executive search applicants. This recruitment process may be used to fill similar temporary or permanent positions over the next 12 months.

Security Clearance

A current, satisfactory National Police Certificate will be required prior to commencing employment.

Closing Date

Applications must be received by Tuesday 06 October 2026 , 5:00pm (WST). Late applications will not be accepted.