Karakan is a leading provider of psychosocial support services, dedicated to helping individuals with mental health needs to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Through recovery-focused services, we promote inclusion, connection, and resilience. Guided by our vision of an Australia where people with mental health needs are valued and supported, we stand against stigma, discrimination and marginalisation.

Our philosophy, YOU CAN. WE CAN., reflects the strength of individuals and the power of community. We are committed to human rights, mental health and wellbeing, innovation and challenging the status quo. Karakan is a dynamic workplace that values adaptability, passion, and personal growth, fostering an environment where staff are supported and encouraged to thrive.

As we continue to strengthen and grow our services, we are seeking an experienced and values-driven General Manager Operations to lead the delivery of our programs and support our people to achieve outstanding outcomes.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO and forming a key part of the Executive Leadership Team, the General Manager Operations provides executive leadership across Karakan’s service delivery portfolio.

This role is responsible for translating organisational strategy into operational excellence, driving innovation and sustainable growth, leading high‑performing teams, and ensuring services deliver meaningful outcomes for the people and communities we support.

You will lead a diverse portfolio spanning mental health, youth, NDIS and multicultural services, while supporting and developing a capable team of operational leaders.

This role is ideal for an experienced executive or senior operations leader who is passionate about community impact and committed to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed practice.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead and oversee operational service delivery across all Karakan programs.
- Drive service quality, innovation, growth, performance, compliance, development and continuous improvement.




- Lead, coach and develop a team of experienced service leaders.
- Translate strategic priorities into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory and accreditation requirements.
- Monitor operational performance, workforce capability and service outcomes.
- Strengthen relationships with funders, government agencies and community stakeholders.
- Contribute to organisational planning, growth and innovation.
- Foster a culture aligned with Karakan's values and commitment to client‑centred practice.
- Support organisational sustainability through effective resource and budget management.

About You

You are an authentic and capable leader with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for people experiencing mental health challenges and other forms of vulnerability.

- Executive and/or senior leadership experience within community services, mental health, child and youth, disability or related human services sectors.
- Demonstrated success leading multiple programs, services or operational portfolios.
- Experience driving service innovation, growth and continuous improvement.
- Strong strategic leadership capability combined with a proven ability to execute operationally.
- Experience leading and developing high‑performing leaders and teams.
- A collaborative and influential leadership style with highly developed stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong understanding of governance, quality, risk and compliance frameworks.
- A commitment to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and person-centred practice.




- Experience within a not-for-profit or community-based organisation will be highly regarded.
- Ability to translate organisational strategy into service innovations and developments.
- Work collaboratively to support change management, cross‑functional projects and key operational activities.

Why Join Karakan?

- An prospect to make a meaningful impact in the mental health and community services sector.
- A key executive leadership role with significant influence across the organisation.
- A collaborative and values-driven workplace culture.
- Access to professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
- The opportunity to work with passionate, purpose-driven people committed to changing lives.

Our Commitment

Karakan is committed to providing a child‑safe, culturally safe and inclusive environment for all people. We value diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with lived experience of mental health challenges, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities and people living with disability.

Employment is subject to relevant screening and probity checks, including criminal history and worker screening clearances.

Karakan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and culturally safe workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with lived/living experience of mental health challenges, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities, people living with disability and individuals of all ages.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment lifecycle to support equitable participation.

Ready to lead meaningful change?

Apply now and help shape the future of services that empower people to thrive.

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📌 General Manager Operations (Brisbane City)
🏢 Karakan
📍 Brisbane City