Hostel Manager

Aboriginal Hostels; Tennant Creek; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural accommodation provider in Tennant Creek seeks a Hostel Manager to oversee operations and provide exceptional service. The role involves leadership, compliance, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will have experience in operational management and a strong focus on customer service. Competitive pay, benefits, and career growth opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits

Job security and career growth

Supportive team environment

Salary packaging options

Generous leave entitlements

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in operational management and people management.
• Strong focus on customer service.
• Ability to engage local stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of hostel operations.
• Build strong relationships with local stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with AHL policies and operational guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Customer service

Community engagement

Education

Relevant qualifications

Job description

Job Overview

Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) is looking for a reliable and motivated Hostel Manager to join our team and help create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment at our Wangkana-Kari facility in Tennant Creek, NT. This role supports First Nations peoples across Australia and offers the opportunity to be part of important work that truly matters.

Key responsibilities

As a Hostel Manager, you’ll take on a broader leadership role, overseeing all aspects of hostel operations while building strong relationships with local stakeholders to support First Nations residents during their stay. In addition to ensuring high standards in service delivery, safety, and cleanliness, you’ll be responsible for team leadership, performance development, and continuous improvement. Your role will be to ensure hostel occupancy is high and service to residents is exceptional. You will be a hands‑on manager, working closely with the small hostel team to provide three meals a day and ensuring the facility is clean, safe, and welcoming.

You will ensure compliance with AHL policies and operational guidelines, regularly report to the Operations Management Team, and liaise with AHL’s National Office as required. This role requires a proactive manager with strong organisational and people skills, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for delivering services that make a positive impact.

• Supporting hostel teams in achieving AHL’s goals by providing clear direction and guidance on work expectations and deliverables.
• Regularly conducting quality assurance checks of the hostel to ensure the hostel is meeting operational requirements, addressing non‑compliance, and managing continual improvement in hostel operations.
• Regularly reporting to the Operations Management Team and National Office.
• Supporting AHL’s vision to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for First Nations People by providing safe, culturally appropriate, and affordable accommodation.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to support resident access to services and resources, and to ensure guest needs are attended to in an efficient and professional manner.
• Creating a culture of excellent customer service at the hostel ensuring guests feel welcome, culturally safe and comfortable at all times.
• Managing Hostel Operations in accordance with AHL’s Operations Handbook, maintaining discretion and privacy of resident and staff information.
• Providing staff management, support and leadership including staff recruitment, induction, performance management, and providing development and training where needed.
• Resolving resident issues promptly to create a positive, culturally appropriate experience and quality stay for residents, showing respect for the diversity of residents’ personal situations.

Position Details

Ongoing (75 hours per fortnight)

• Work patterns will generally cover 7am to 7pm shifts for 8 days a fortnight (including one short day) across both weekdays and weekends.

We are also looking to establish a Merit Pool to fill any future vacancies that may arise for Ongoing, Non‑Ongoing, Full‑time or Part‑time positions.

Our ideal candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced and driven leader with operational, people‑management skills and a strong focus on customer service. You thrive in dynamic environments, are adept at building and leading effective teams, and are committed to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred services. You are confident engaging with local stakeholders and ensuring residents are well supported throughout their stay. You bring a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and an ongoing focus on improving service delivery in line with AHL’s standards and strategic objectives.

Eligibility

• Candidates must have Australian citizenship
• Undergo a Satisfactory National Criminal History Check (prior to engagement)
• Meet Fitness for Duty requirements (prior to engagement)
• Hold and maintain a NT Working with Children Check prior to engagement.
• Hold a valid Driver Licence
• Hold or obtain relevant qualifications

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: You’ll receive 15.4% superannuation, and generous leave entitlements to make sure you’re well looked after.
• Job Security & Career Growth: Enjoy employment with plenty of opportunities to grow and move up within the organisation.
• Supportive Team Environment: You’ll be part of a friendly, inclusive team where your work is valued.
• Generous shift penalties apply: for work after hours, weekends and public holidays. This role requires one weekend work – 50% penalty rates apply for Saturday, and 100% penalty rates apply for Sunday.
• Regular salary packaging options for vehicles, superannuation and laptops etc., plus the ability to salary sacrifice $15,900 per FBT year for rent, mortgage or living expenses. This benefit reduces taxable income, increasing fortnightly take‑home pay.
• Generous leave entitlements: – including additional days off when your RDO falls on a public holiday, 18 days sick/personal leave per annum, cultural and NAIDOC day leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Employees, their partners, and their dependants/children will have access to a confidential, professional counselling service to assist employees to manage personal and work issues.

How to apply

Complete the Application Form available from our website (Work with us | Aboriginal Hostels Limited).

Email your current Resume and completed Application Form to ****@ahl.gov.au by 11:59pm AEST on Sunday 23 November 2025.

Please include your name and the job reference (VN-0764926) in the subject of your email.

Contact person: Denise O’Neill – 0436 933 ***

Getting to know the Aboriginal Hostels Limited

Our purpose is to provide culturally safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people who need to be away from home to access services and economic opportunities. Across our network of hostels, dedicated AHL staff provide accommodation and meals for residents in a culturally safe and supportive environment. We have a strong network of relationships with other organisations, including First Nations organisations. This network both refers residents to AHL and works alongside AHL to support residents to meet their needs. We are proud to be one of the largest employers of First Nations people in the Australian Public Service; First Nations employees make up over 40% of our workforce. Working with us will provide you with a chance to contribute to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities for First Nations people.