Are you looking for an experienced Operations Manager and looking for an exciting opportunity to work with Ngarinyin People and oversee the operations of a growing Aboriginal Corporation in the remote central north Kimberley region of Western Australia?

• Unique opportunity to make a difference and be part of exciting developments.
• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Breathtaking travel opportunities on Wilinggin Country.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Operations Manager will support the CEO in effectively and efficiently managing the day-to-day operations of the Corporation.

The Operations Manager will coordinate, integrate, monitor and review Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) activities across Wilinggin Country and oversee a number of programs, including cultural heritage, ranger and fire programs, determining standards and ensuring that all activities are compatible with service objectives and management responsibilities. This is a high-level oversight role with a primary focus on supporting program managers and staff in delivering exceptional outcomes for the organisation, its members and external stakeholders.

The Operations Manager will also lead the program management team and ensure a close liaison and working relationship across the region and between specialist teams to provide for an integrated and effective delivery of services. The role will liaise internally and externally with existing and future management partners, stakeholders and community groups regarding program delivery and execution of management commitments.

ABOUT THE CORPORATION:

WAC was established in 2006 and is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of Ngarinyin Traditional Owners with the broad objective to further the interests of Ngarinyin People and Wilinggin Country. WAC represents the Traditional Owners of the Wanjina Wunggurr Wilinggin Native Title Area and is a related organisation and agent of our Wanjina Wunggurr Prescribed Body Corporate.

Wilinggin country covers approximately 63,000km2 (6.3 million hectares) of land in the Central North Kimberley region of Northern Australia and is the country that has been home to Ngarinyin people for many thousands of years. WAC has a workforce of 30 to 35 people who are tasked to take care of country, culture and heritage and bush fire management.

WAC is a not-for-profit organisation that has, in the last five years, grown from three staff and a turnover of $500k to some 25 staff and a turnover of some $10m, based on a strong focus on high-integrity operations and alignment with our cultural and environmental obligations.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

WAC is seeking a dynamic and resilient individual with proven skills and capacity in organisational leadership across operational planning, land management, project management, finance, WH&S and human resources. Ideally, you will have experience working alongside Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Corporations particularly regarding land and cultural heritage management. You will be an effective communicator possessing the ability to liase with a broad range of stakeholders and communicate in a way that is informative, meaningful and contextually appropriate for the audience. Our ideal candidate likes to work and live remotely, with practical bush skills and natural excitement to see and explore Wilinggin country.

ROLE DUTIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Day-to-day management of business operations.
• In collaboration with the CEO, development and execution of an annual business plan that meets strategic and operational goals addresses continuous improvement opportunities. 
• Coordinate with and escalate to the CEO relevant strategic and operational issues and risks in a timely manner. 
• Provide monthly reports to the CEO on business operations. 
• In collaboration with the CEO, monitor and review the Risk Register bi-annually and ensure it is presented to the Board for consideration.
• Lead weekly team catch-up meetings.
• Lead and coordinate the introduction of new technology, software upgrades, data security measures and system enhancements, and ensure that staff are adequately trained when they are introduced.
• Work collaboratively with the administration and finance officers to ensure accounting procedures and financial risk management controls are implemented, monitored and reviewed, as needed.
• Manage service provider contracts for program operations.
• Ensure funding acquittals and reports are lodged as per contract. 
• Lead the preparation of the annual financial year’s operational budget. 
• Manage the recruitment, selection and induction of program staff.
• Manage change processes with the staff, when required, in consultation with the CEO and in line with the organisation’s culture and values. 
• Provide the CEO with regular WH&S reports.
• Ensure assets are well maintained through a system of audits and maintenance plans. 
• Communicate issues and risks to the CEO, including workflow conflicts or difficulties, along with possible solutions. 
• Periodically review business processes, making improvements, as required, and communicate any changes to staff, as appropriate. 

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Please note that it is essential your application addresses each of the selection criteria by providing information about your qualifications, experience and skills as they relate to each one.

1. Substantial experience in land management (environmental, ecological, fire burning and carbon development markets, and/or reserve management), and having an understanding of the threats to biodiversity and cultural heritage from human interaction as well as an understanding of the programs and protocols used in conservation.
2. Considerable experience of high-level leadership, supervisory, organisational, works program planning, and human resource management skills, including a demonstrated ability to promote staff development, deal with contentious issues and improve performance, empowering staff to achieve agreed outcomes.
3. Evidence of high-level oral communication and interpersonal skills, and experience in effective liaison and negotiation with other government agencies, industry, stakeholders, and community interest groups, and the media.
4. Considerable experience in and knowledge of administrative and financial management, including budget preparation and expenditure control.
5. Ability and willingness to work with Traditional Owners to promote Aboriginal involvement in the workforce and participation in land and cultural heritage management decisions.

Experience:

Essential:

• Experience in working on conservation, land management, cultural heritage management and/or education/training programs.
• Good working knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and protocols.
• Project management skills, with a proven ability to plan, coordinate and evaluate culturally responsive initiatives in a complex environment.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to build mutually respectful relationships and partnerships with Aboriginal communities, organisations and stakeholders.
• Experience in managing staff, including staff in geographically dispersed locations.
• Experience in developing, managing and monitoring multiple budgets and outcomes.

Desirable:

• Experience or qualification in a field relevant to management, land management, education/training.