Executive Director - Corporate Services

GWG Recruitment; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 220,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle seeks an Executive Director Corporate Services to lead a broad portfolio of corporate functions in Newcastle, NSW. Reporting to the Managing Director, this role drives enterprise transformation, performance and service excellence across the region.

You will shape organisational strategy, build a contemporary shared services model, and foster leadership accountability within a significant faith-based organisation.

Qualifications

• Significant executive leadership experience with accountability for a broad portfolio.
• Proven track record shaping strategy and leading complex transformation.
• Strong commercial capability and ability to drive performance.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and the tact to advise boards.
• Authentic, values-led leadership aligned to a faith-based organisation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and executive oversight across enterprise functions.
• Lead enterprise-wide transformation, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Drive a contemporary, customer-focused shared services model delivering value.
• Strengthen commercial performance, resilience and stewardship of resources.
• Build high-performing leadership teams and foster accountability.
• Partner with executives and stakeholders to align corporate priorities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Transformation leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Education

Postgraduate qualifications in business/management/governance

Relevant tertiary qualifications

Job description

Executive Director – Corporate Services

Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle | Newcastle, NSW

• Shape the future of corporate services across the Hunter region's most significant faith-based organisation.
• Lead enterprise-wide transformation, commercial performance and service excellence.
• Executive remuneration package & relocation assistance | Newcastle-based leadership opportunity.

Lead with Purpose

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is a significant and diverse organisation, supporting communities across Newcastle, the Hunter and Manning regions. With approximately 5,500 employees operating across more than 100 locations, its ministries and agencies deliver essential education, early childhood, social welfare, pastoral and community services.

Guided by its mission to serve others so they may experience life to the fullest, the Diocese is entering an important period of organisational transformation.

GWG Recruitment is proud to partner with the Diocese in the appointment of an exceptional Executive Director Corporate Services to help shape its future.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and operating as a key member of the executive leadership team, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of a diverse portfolio of corporate services functions. This is a significant executive appointment with the opportunity to shape organisational strategy, strengthen enterprise capability and lead meaningful transformation across a large and complex organisation. You will play a critical role in building a contemporary, commercially focused and highly effective corporate services function that enables the Diocese's agencies and ministries to deliver on their strategic priorities.

Your priorities will include:

• Providing strategic direction and executive oversight across a range of critical enterprise functions.
• Leading enterprise-wide transformation, innovation and continuous improvement to enhance organisational effectiveness.
• Driving the evolution of a contemporary, customer-focused shared services model that delivers measurable value.
• Strengthening commercial performance, organisational resilience and responsible stewardship of resources.
• Building and empowering high-performing leadership teams, fostering accountability, collaboration and service excellence.
• Partnering with executive leaders and key stakeholders to align corporate services with broader organisational priorities.

About You

You are an accomplished and commercially astute executive with extensive experience leading diverse business functions within a large, complex organisation. You bring the strategic capability, sound judgement and leadership presence to influence at the highest levels and deliver sustainable organisational outcomes.

You will demonstrate:

• Significant executive leadership experience with accountability for a broad portfolio of corporate or business services functions.
• A proven track record of shaping and executing strategy, leading complex transformation and delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Strong commercial capability, with the ability to drive organisational performance, manage competing priorities and navigate complexity.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the credibility to advise executive leadership and work effectively with boards.
• The ability to develop capable leadership teams, build organisational alignment and embed a culture of accountability and high performance.
• An authentic, collaborative and values-led leadership style, with an appreciation for the purpose and responsibilities of a faith-based organisation.

Relevant tertiary qualifications are essential, with postgraduate qualifications in business, management or governance highly regarded.

Why join the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle?

This is an opportunity to bring your professional expertise and personal values together in a role where your leadership will have an enduring impact. You will contribute to an organisation whose work reaches thousands of individuals and families, supporting education, care, wellbeing and community connection throughout the region.

For an executive motivated by both professional challenge and a deeper sense of purpose, this is an opportunity to lead meaningful change while contributing to a mission that extends well beyond the organisation itself.

About Newcastle

Offering an enviable coastal lifestyle without compromising on career opportunities, Newcastle combines stunning beaches, a vibrant café and dining scene, and a welcoming community with access to world‑class education and healthcare. With the renowned Hunter Valley wine region and beautiful Port Stephens on its doorstep, Newcastle offers the perfect balance of lifestyle, opportunity and connection. Add a thriving arts and cultural scene, excellent sporting facilities and easy access to Sydney, and it's easy to see why so many professionals and families are choosing to call Newcastle home.

Confidential enquiries

GWG Recruitment is managing this executive appointment on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. For a confidential discussion, contact Julie Gearie on T: 02 9100 0***.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to building inclusive and respectful workplaces, strengthened by diversity and encourage applications from First Nations Peoples, all genders, those from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability, of all ages and backgrounds. We strive to provide a barrier free and equitable recruitment experience. If you do require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact your consultant via the phone number or email above.