About Southern Stay

Southern Stay is a proud, accredited not-for-profit disability support organisation serving Southwest Victoria since 1982. With a workforce of around 300 dedicated staff, supported by a Board of Directors, we deliver a wide range of high-quality, person-centred services to more than 700 people with disabilities and their families across Warrnambool, Hamilton, Portland, and surrounding communities.

Our vision is simple yet powerful: to enrich lives by promoting choice, inclusion, and achievement. Guided by our values – Participant Focus, Empowerment, Respect, Inclusion, and Learning – we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for participants and supporting our staff to thrive.

About the Operations Manager – Community

Based in Warrnambool, the Operations Manager – Community provides strategic and operational leadership across Southern Stay’s Group, Day, Social, and Individual Support programs delivered throughout Warrnambool, Hamilton, and Portland.

This full-time leadership position plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, creative, and person-centred programs that enrich participant lives and strengthen community connection. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the role oversees multiple service streams and regional teams to drive innovation, quality, and growth across community-based supports.

You will champion excellence in program design and delivery, ensuring compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards, fostering staff capability, and promoting a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.

About the Successful Candidate… You!

You are a capable and values-driven leader with a passion for enabling people and communities to thrive. With a strong background in community or disability services, you bring both strategic insight and operational know-how to the role. You are skilled in leading diverse teams across multiple programs and locations, ensuring that services remain person-centred, high quality, and aligned with NDIS Practice Standards.

Your leadership style is collaborative and empowering - you inspire others to innovate, take ownership, and continuously improve. You’re adept at managing complexity and balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day operational needs. Highly organised and accountable, you use sound judgment, clear communication, and data-informed decision-making to deliver strong outcomes for participants, staff, and the organisation alike.

Ideally, you hold tertiary qualifications in Disability, Community Services, or Human Services, and bring experience in regional program development or stakeholder engagement. Most importantly, you demonstrate authenticity, integrity, and a commitment to Southern Stay’s values of Participant Focus, Empowerment, Respect, Inclusion, and Learning.

Why Join Southern Stay?

At Southern Stay, you’ll find more than just a leadership opportunity - you’ll find purpose.

As a not-for-profit, we value our people and offer:

• Access to salary packaging to increase your take-home pay.

• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven culture.

• The opportunity to lead programs that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

• A workplace committed to innovation, professional growth, and community connection.

Our Commitment

Southern Stay acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live. We are committed to equal opportunity and to building an inclusive, diverse, and flexible workplace. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities and are happy to provide adjustments during the recruitment process.

How to Apply and Further Information

Written applications, including a cover letter, a current resume, and responses to all Key Selection Criteria (which may be included in your cover letter), should be submitted to [email protected]

Full key selection criteria can be found in the Position Description available at https://www.cooperhardiman.com.au/jobseekers

For more information and confidential enquiries, please contact Jonathan Buckle via email on [email protected]

If you require assistance during your interactions with us or during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can make adjustments for you.

Applications close at 5.00pm, Friday, 14 November 2025