Operations Manager

The MaraWay

Cairns & Mareeba QLD

About Us
The MaraWay is an Indigenous led, not-for-profit organisation in Cairns rolling up its sleeves to tackle the tough issues in our community. We change lives by helping people help themselves. We support people to get on track and show unconditional mutual respect. We provide access to vocational training and link our participants to other beneficial services in the community as needed. We create and evolve our services based on the needs of the community here in Cairns and Mareeba.

About the Role
We’re looking for a hands-on and capable Operations Manager to help drive the revitalisation of our 38-hectare farm into a fully functioning social enterprise. Reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll lead the delivery of newly funded programs, build internal systems from the ground up, and support meaningful employment pathways for vulnerable community members.

This full-time position is primarily based in Cairns, with occasional travel to the Mareeba site required.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations across our farm, community enterprises, and infrastructure projects.

Implement systems that support enterprise activity (e.g., café, native foods, honey production, mechanical shed).

Manage staff, contractors, facilities, and farm-based operations.

Lead budgeting, procurement, WHS, and compliance across multiple sites.

Support future team growth and recruitment as programs scale.

Track and report on grant-funded deliverables and outcomes.

Work closely with the CEO to deliver community-focused initiatives and social impact outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

Strong operational and business acumen, ideally with experience in agriculture, enterprise, or social impact programs.

Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and work hands-on.

High-level organisational, budgeting, and problem-solving abilities.

Confident working with farm hands, trades, and diverse community groups.

Understanding of compliance, WHS, and grant reporting.

Current open C Class Driver’s Licence (MR/HR desirable).

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agribusiness, Operations, Project Management or similar, or extensive relevant experience.

Note: This position requires the ability to pass a Police Check, Working with Children Blue Card, and hold a White Card.

Why Join Us?

$120,000 – $125,000 salary + salary packaging

One Additional Day Off (ADO) per month

Opportunity to shape a farm-to-enterprise project from the ground up

Supportive, values-driven leadership

Make a genuine difference in community development

How to Apply
Click ‘Apply’ to submit your resume and cover letter. Feel free to email [email protected] if you have any questions about the role.