Operations Manager in Alexandra, Australia

Operations Manager – Registered Aboriginal Party

Reports to: RAP Director

Direct Reports: Yes

Location: Alexandra

Status: Full-Time

Term: Ongoing

Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) is the voice of the Taungurung people, a people with a strong sense of shared identity, self-determining in the management of Country and culture. As a Registered Aboriginal Party, TLaWC upholds the interests of the Taungurung people with emphasis on economic, social and cultural well-being. TLaWC’s focus is to preserve the past, protect the present and strengthen the future of the Taungurung Nation, which occupies a large part of Central Victoria.

Benefits to working with TLaWC include:

• Paid days off over the Christmas period and your birthday
• Access to TLaWC pool vehicles
• NFP Salary sacrifice benefits
• Training and development opportunities
• Confidential EAP
• Contributing to useful and rewarding work
• Working with a supportive and empowering team that are passionate about Traditional Owner rights and the health of Country

The RAP Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day function of field operations, ensuring the effective delivery of cultural heritage field assessments, compliance with legislation, and strong engagement with the team and external stakeholders. This role provides leadership, operational oversight, and continuous improvement to support the protection, management, and promotion of Aboriginal cultural heritage within the Taungurung RAP appointed area.

The Operations Manager takes a leading role in coaching, mentoring, performance oversight, compliance with TLaWC policy and process, performance management and OH&S.

Responsibilities:

• Uphold Taungurung Values: Champion the values and strategic pillars of the TLaWC Strategic Plan to support the vision and ambitions of the Taungurung community.
• Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor and develop field staff, fostering a positive, inclusive and accountable team culture.
• Central Coordination & Planning: Oversee all field operations, coordinating staffing, communications and project delivery in partnership with the RAP Director and PMO.
• Administrative Governance: Maintain compliant records and documentation; design and continuously improve operational workflows, policies and field procedures.
• Finance & Resource Management: Manage operational budgets, invoicing and cost tracking; oversee field assets, logistics and procurement.
• Engagement & Communication: Build strong relationships with external partners, Sponsors and Heritage Advisors; act as the key contact for on-site cultural heritage matters.
• Training & Development: Set and lead training strategies for field staff, casuals, graduates and subcontractors, ensuring all team members are skilled, compliant and culturally grounded.
• Work Health & Safety : Drive a strong safety culture across all field operations and lead implementation of the OHS Management System.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Excellent time management skills.
• Prepare to work safely in the construction industry whitecard (Nationally Accredited Unit Code: CPCCWHS1001) or willingness to undertake training as directed by Director, RAP.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal people.
• Desirable to have knowledge and understanding of the political, social and economic issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians and, specifically, of the provisions of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise, engage, coordinate, and negotiate.
• Physically fit and able to undertake field-based labouring tasks.
• Ability to work effectively within small teams.
• A willingness to follow instruction and communicate effectively with other TLaWC staff.
• A willingness to follow and apply safe work practices in accordance with OH&S requirements.
• A current Victorian Driver’s License.

Application Process:

Applicants must submit their CV and a Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) to [email protected] or by applying directly to this ad.

Your application will be assessed against the Key Selection Criteria and the ability to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Full Job Description available at

Applications close 5pm October 5th

We reserve the right to close this advertisement prior to the advertised closing date should a suitable candidate be identified.