Director, Centre Operations

Management and Training Corporation; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Management and Training Corporation – Sydney CBD NSW is recruiting for an executive Director, Centre Operations to lead the delivery of safe and secure centre-based operations across Australia’s Immigration Detention Network. The role reports to the Senior Contract Director and provides leadership to IDN Centre Managers and the National Manager, Workforce Planning.

The role sets operational direction, oversees service delivery, risk management, compliance and assurance within contractual

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience managing large, multi-site operations in secure, compliance‑driven environments.
• Ability to set standards and drive operational excellence within contractual/regulatory frameworks.
• Experience managing budgets, workforce performance, risk and compliance.
• Exceptional people leadership, coaching and accountability.
• Advanced analytical/problem-solving using performance data.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management with government and partners.
• Crisis and incident management experience, including emergency response and debriefs.
• Resilience, integrity and sound judgement under pressure.
• Willingness to travel regularly to Canberra and IDN Centres.

Responsibilities

• Set operational direction for Centres in line with service delivery excellence, contractual obligations and organisational goals.
• Be accountable for Centre performance, compliance, operational assurance, incident response and risk management.
• Lead Centre Managers and Deputy Centre Managers, setting performance benchmarks and modelling MTC’s values.
• Ensure effective workforce management, governance, adequate resourcing and roster performance across all sites.
• Act as the senior operational point of contact for major incidents and emergencies, ensuring effective response plans, debriefs and continuous improvement.
• Review Centre performance data and lead executive-level assurance and improvement initiatives to address trends, risks and opportunities.
• Manage subcontractor performance and build strong relationships with government, service delivery and regulatory stakeholders.
• Provide timely and accurate operational reporting to executive leadership, senior management and key government stakeholders.

Skills

Senior leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Crisis management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Travel willingness

Regulatory compliance

Job description

Management and Training Corporation – Sydney CBD NSW

MTC is a global leader in the corrections, detention, training and education sectors, operating 23 Job Corps centres, 21 correctional facilities, 5 detention centres, 11 prison and detention medical departments, and 2 workforce development sites worldwide. With more than 8,500 employees globally, we deliver essential services that transform lives and strengthen communities.

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Contract Director, the Director, Centre Operations leads the delivery of safe and secure Centre-based operations across Australia’s Immigration Detention Network (IDN). The role provides leadership to IDN Centre Managers and the National Manager, Workforce Planning.

This executive leadership position sets operational direction and leads service delivery, risk management, compliance and assurance in line with contractual and regulatory obligations. It ensures effective workforce and financial management within commercial parameters, drives performance and builds strong relationships with government, unions, contractors and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Set operational direction for Centres in line with service delivery excellence, contractual obligations and organisational goals.

Be accountable for Centre performance, compliance, operational assurance, incident response and risk management across the IDN.

Lead and support Centre Managers and Deputy Centre Managers, setting performance benchmarks and modelling MTC’s values.

Ensure effective workforce management, national and site governance, adequate resourcing and roster performance across all sites.

Act as the senior operational point of contact for major incidents and emergencies, ensuring effective response plans, debriefs and continuous improvement.

Review Centre performance data and lead executive-level assurance and improvement initiatives to address trends, risks and opportunities.

Manage subcontractor performance and build strong relationships with government, service delivery and regulatory stakeholders.

Provide timely and accurate operational reporting to executive leadership, senior management and key government stakeholders.

About You

Demonstrated senior leadership experience managing large, complex, multi-site operations within secure, compliance-driven environments.

Proven ability to set standards, drive operational excellence and apply contractual, legal and regulatory frameworks.

Sound experience managing operational budgets, workforce performance, risk and compliance within delegated authority.

Exceptional people leadership capability, including coaching, mentoring and holding senior managers accountable while fostering a positive workplace culture.

Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using performance data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.

Highly developed communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience working with government departments, subcontractors, unions and corporate partners.

Extensive crisis and incident management experience, including emergency response, critical-event communication and incident debriefs.

Resilience, integrity and sound judgement, with the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.

Willingness and capacity to travel regularly to Canberra and IDN Centres across Australia.

Why Join Us?

Lead safe and secure operations across a nationally significant service network.

Join a purpose-led organisation grounded in Safety, Respect and Dignity.

Work closely with executive leaders, government, unions, service providers and national functions.

Shape Centre performance, workforce outcomes, financial accountability and continuous improvement.

Be part of a collaborative leadership team committed to safe, secure and high-quality service delivery.

MTC proudly promotes a culture of Safety, Respect and Dignity. Through our BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) philosophy, we foster a caring culture for change across all our centres.

We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all people who believe they have the skills and capability to make a meaningful difference.