Strategic Operations Leader, Community Services

Pure Source Recruitment

Brisbane

On-site

AUD 180,000 - 240,000

Full time

48 hours ago

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Job summary

Multilink Community Services in Brisbane seeks a senior operations leader reporting to the CEO to oversee a diverse portfolio of community services, ensuring high-quality, culturally responsive, client-centred delivery aligned with strategy.

You will translate strategy into operational plans, drive continuous improvement, manage budgets and risk, and build strong partnerships with government and community stakeholders to support long-term impact.

Qualifications

Senior operational leadership experience within the not-for-profit, community services environment.
Proven experience leading complex, multidisciplinary and multi-program operations within a regulated and funded environment.
Collaborative and operational leadership style – able to balance strategy with service delivery, people, performance and day-to-day decisions.
Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience overseeing budgets, resources, and operational performance.
Solid understanding of quality, compliance, and risk management frameworks.
Values-led leadership, building trust and credibility through actions, communication and integrity.
Ability to build genuine relationships at all levels – employees, community members, government, funding bodies, sector partners and senior stakeholders.
Resilient, considered, capable with complexity; makes decisions transparently and respectfully.
Commitment to community presence and culturally responsive, client-centred service delivery.
Experience developing senior leaders and maintaining a respectful culture.
Tertiary qualifications in management, social services, health, community development, or related discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight across a diverse portfolio of operational programs, ensuring high-quality, culturally responsive, and client-centred service delivery.
Translate organisational strategy into clear operational plans, KPIs and performance measures, driving accountability and continuous improvement across services.
Lead, mentor, and support senior managers, building capable, collaborative, and values-aligned teams.
Oversee quality, risk, and compliance across regulated and government-funded programs, including accreditation, audits, safeguarding, incident management, and continuous improvement.
Work collaboratively with the CEO and Corporate Services Manager to oversee operational budgets, resource allocation, financial sustainability, and performance.
Identify opportunities for service growth, innovation and partnerships that respond to community needs and support the organisation's long-term direction.
Lead organisational change and service improvement initiatives, strengthening systems, processes, and ways of working.
Build and maintain meaningful relationships with government departments, funding bodies, peak organisations, community partners, and other key stakeholders.
Represent the organisation across sector, community, and interagency forums, maintaining a visible and credible presence in the communities it serves.
Provide high-quality operational reporting and act as a trusted sounding board to the CEO, bringing sound judgement, transparency, and a willingness to navigate difficult decisions when required.