IDENTIFICATION: Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged, but this is not a designated/identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.

Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) is seeking an experienced and strategic On Country Operations Manager to lead and stabilise our On Country Operations Branch.

This role provides systems leadership across Land Management programs, including cultural heritage, natural resource management (NRM), and fee-for-service activities. The focus is not on day-to-day crew supervision, but on operational coordination, governance, risk management, and delivering a structured, Indigenous Ranger Program model across the branch.

You will ensure that work opportunities are translated into safe, well-coordinated, and high-quality On Country outcomes aligned with EMAC’s strategic objectives and cultural responsibilities.

What you'll be doing

On a day-to-day basis: 

Operational Coordination and Delivery

• Act as the central coordination point for all on-ground work entering the branch.
• Review scopes, priorities, timelines, and delivery risk of proposed projects.
• Allocate work across IRP-funded Guardians, casual pools, and coordinated teams.
• Manage seasonal fluctuations to maintain delivery capability.

Workforce Deployment and Support

• Provide leadership support to Coordinators and Team Leaders.
• Act as the escalation point for complex workforce, performance, or behavioural matters.
• Strengthen team cohesion and address fragmented operational practices.

Systems, Processes and Corporate Knowledge

• Design and embed systems for work intake, prioritisation, scheduling, allocation, and reporting.
• Develop documented desktop procedures to ensure continuity.
• Capture corporate knowledge to reduce reliance on individual memory.

Policy, Safety and Compliance

• Work closely with Corporate Services to implement relevant operational policies.
• Embed Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations into daily practice.
• Oversee risk management for all field-based activities.

Plant, Equipment and Depot Oversight

• Maintain accountability for plant and equipment registers, maintenance schedules, and compliance.
• Ensure depots are safe, functional, and fit for operational purpose.

Contract and Risk Management

• Oversee delivery of NRM and fee-for-service contracts.
• Align organisational capability with contracted commitments.
• Protect EMAC’s reputation by ensuring delivery integrity.

Capability Development and Growth

• Support development of the branch capability statement.
• Contribute to staged growth into new service areas.
• Align workforce development pathways with future delivery goals.

What you’ll bring

We are seeking a highly capable operational leader with:

• Demonstrated strategic leadership experience in complex environments.
• Strong governance, compliance, and risk management expertise.
• Experience managing diverse teams and implementing change.
• Proven financial oversight, budgeting, and funding agreement management skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with Boards and community.
• Expertise in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
• A current Victorian Driver’s Licence (Light Rigid or Medium Rigid endorsement preferred).

About You

You are a structured and systems-focused leader who can bring order, clarity, and accountability to a growing operational branch.

You understand the importance of cultural integrity, organisational governance, and delivery reliability. You can balance operational pragmatism with strategic foresight and work collaboratively across Cultural Heritage, Healthy Country, Mana Development, and Corporate Services.

A strong understanding of Traditional Owner aspirations, Aboriginal self-determination, and the importance of Country will be highly regarded.

Working with EMAC - Our offer to you

At EMAC, we are committed to fostering a supportive, culturally safe, and empowering workplace. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 + $2,650 Meal & Entertainment benefits)
• Paid Christmas break in addition to 4 weeks’ annual leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development opportunities
• A friendly and supportive organisational culture

See the position description attached below for further information about this role.