Operations Manager

The Salvation Army; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to AU$15,900 tax‑f

Flexible working arrangements

Paid parental leave

Job summary

The Salvation Army Adelaide City Salvos seeks an Operations Manager to lead community programs, outreach services, and volunteers. You will drive operational functions, budget alignment and partnerships to deliver mission-driven outcomes in Adelaide, SA.

Reporting to Corps Officers, the role is full-time, Monday to Friday with occasional evening support. You will build a high-performing team, ensure safety and compliance, and collaborate with on-site programs to serve vulnerable communities

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in social work or community development, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in community services environment.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of community engagement and outreach services to meet community needs.
• Inspire and coach a high-performing team of volunteers and staff.
• Oversee a portfolio of community programs including meals, outreach, and events.
• Build partnerships with community organisations, schools and government agencies.
• Manage budgets, resources, assets and planning to ensure sustainable delivery.
• Ensure compliance with governance, funding, and safety requirements while driving continuous improvement.

Skills

Team leadership

Volunteer management

Staff development

Budget management

Mission & values alignment

MS Office

Databases exposure

Education

Tertiary qualifications in social work / community development

Tools

MS Office

Databases

Job description

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army Adelaide City Salvos is a Christian Church in the heart of Adelaide. We share the love of Jesus by caring for people, creating faith pathways, building healthy communities, and working for justice. The Salvos offer hope, purpose, and fulfillment for anyone seeking connection, guidance, social support and community.

About the role

As a Operations Manager, this is your opportunity to lead impactful community programs, outreach services, volunteers, and operational functions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people. You'll inspire high-performing teams, build strong community partnerships, and drive sustainable, mission-focused outcomes aligned with The Salvation Army's values. Reporting to the Corps Officers, this is a permanent, full-time role, located in Adelaide, SA. This role is primarily worked Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm; however, regular attendance on Wednesday evenings is required to support a key community service program.

How you will make an impact

• Lead the operational delivery of community engagement, outreach, volunteer, and support services, ensuring programs are impactful, safe, and responsive to community needs.
• Inspire, coach, and develop a high-performing team of volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.
• Oversee a diverse portfolio of community programs, including community meals, outreach services and community events and collaborate with on-site programs including homelessness support, food relief, financial counselling and family initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with community organisations, schools, government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders to strengthen service delivery and community outcomes.
• Manage operational budgets, resources, assets, and business planning activities to ensure sustainable and effective service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, funding, governance, and workplace health and safety requirements while driving continuous improvement across all operational areas.

What you will bring

• Tertiary qualifications in social work, community support/development or significant experience (5 years) in community services environment
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams and volunteers, with a proven ability to coach and develop staff, manage performance and build capability.
• Experience managing a budgets.
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of The Salvation Army.
• Solid level of computer literacy in MS Office and exposure to various databases.
• A national criminal history check is required
• Relevant state Working with Children Check is required
• SA Driver's license

What we offer

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as: Burra Burra Network (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with SCHADS Level 5

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.

Mission, Vision & Values

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus. We share the love of Jesus by:

• Caring for people
• Creating faith pathways
• Building healthy communities
• Working for justice

Why work with the Salvos?

The Salvation Army offers a range of employment opportunities across the organisation, including those in community programs, aged care, retail, employment services, corporate and other support services. When you choose to work with the Salvos, you choose to believe in doing good that transforms the lives of people and communities facing hardship or crisis. So, if you are passionate about work that has purpose and satisfaction, are keen on delivering social and sustainable outcomes that change lives, we want to hear from you.

Our employees have access to a range of benefits

Our employees have access to a range of benefits, plus personal development and career diversity opportunities that deliver real and meaningful benefits. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a healthy work-life balance, generous salary packaging opportunities, parental leave, purchase leave schemes and much more.

Check out our career page

Check out our career page to find out more about our recruitment process and what its like to work at the Salvos. We are always on the lookout for individuals keen to help us fulfil mission to support those in need.

Volunteer opportunities

Check out our volunteer opportunities here.