Join Our Team as Employment Services Program Manager at Saltbush!

Saltbush is seeking an experienced and motivated Employment Services Program Manager to lead the delivery and continuous improvement of our Employment Services programs in Darwin.

This is an opportunity to take a hands-on leadership role within a purpose-driven organisation, supporting a team to deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate and person-centred employment services that create meaningful pathways for Aboriginal job seekers.

Working closely with the CEO, Employment Services team and internal and external stakeholders, you will provide strategic and operational leadership while ensuring programs meet contractual requirements, performance targets and organisational objectives.

Position Details:

- Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
- Excellent Remuneration: $110k to $120k + 12% super + salary packaging + 5 weeks annual leave
- Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
- Location: Darwin
- Hours: Normal business hours, with flexibility for additional hours as needed
- Travel: This role is primarily based in Darwin, with occasional travel required from time to time to support program delivery

About Saltbush: Saltbush Social Enterprises is a Northern Territory not-for-profit organisation committed to creating opportunities that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations.

We work alongside communities to deliver meaningful education, employment and community-driven programs, with a focus on creating practical pathways, building capability and achieving positive outcomes.

Saltbush Social Enterprises is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitable candidates. We especially encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for all roles, including management positions, particularly those passionate about supporting their communities.

The Role: As Employment Services Program Manager, you will be responsible for the implementation, delivery and continuous improvement of Employment Services contracted and purchased services and activities.

You will provide leadership and direction to the Darwin Employment Services team, ensuring the team has the people, systems, resources and support needed to deliver programs effectively.

This is both a people leadership and program leadership role. You will lead day-to-day team management, support employee performance and development, manage resources and budgets, monitor program quality and compliance, and ensure contractual and organisational requirements are met.

You will also build and maintain strong relationships with employment service providers,



employers, government agencies, community organisations and other stakeholders, while contributing to employment pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal job seekers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

- Lead and manage the Employment Services team, including setting expectations, allocating responsibilities, providing direction and feedback and supporting employee performance, development and engagement.
- Recruit and onboard team members to maintain appropriate staffing levels and effective service delivery.
- Manage employee performance and development, including probation, performance reviews, professional development and addressing performance concerns in accordance with Saltbush policies and procedures.
- Support workforce planning, leave management and resource allocation to ensure appropriate staffing levels and continuity of service delivery.
- Conduct regular team meetings, individual check-ins and weekly case management meetings to support communication, accountability, performance and service delivery.
- Oversee Employment Services program delivery, ensuring activities are delivered effectively, are culturally appropriate and person-centred.
- Monitor program performance, contract indicators and outcomes, using data, reporting and evaluation to identify areas where targets are being met or require attention.
- Prepare and oversee contract and program reporting, ensuring all required reports are accurate, meaningful and submitted on time.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with employment service providers, employers, government agencies, community organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
- Negotiate with Employment Service Providers regarding the supply of eligible program participants and maintain service agreements to ensure agreed requirements are appropriate and deliverable.
- Support and contribute to industry and employer engagement activities that strengthen employment pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal job seekers, in collaboration with the Engagement Officer.
- Monitor and manage program budgets, operational expenditure and payroll costs, identifying and addressing budget variances in consultation with the CEO and Accounts team.
- Monitor program compliance, quality and service delivery risks,



taking appropriate action to address identified issues.
- Lead continuous improvement activities to strengthen service delivery, systems and processes and respond to relevant advice and feedback.
- Schedule and manage resources for workshops and activities that build employability skills and knowledge for Aboriginal job seekers.
- Oversee the development of employees, including trainees, supporting opportunities for learning, practical experience and skills development.
- Work collaboratively with Saltbush’s internal teams, including Finance, Recruitment, IT, Marketing, Risk and Quality.
- Maintain open and transparent communication with Saltbush leadership to support contract management, organisational priorities and Board reporting.

For a full list of responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description.

Essential Criteria:

- Demonstrated experience within the Employment Services sector, ideally working with Aboriginal and/or vulnerable job seekers.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing a team, including supporting performance, providing feedback and building an accountable team culture.
- Robust understanding of employment services, skills development and pathways that respond to employer and labour market needs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing operational priorities, resources and contractual requirements while maintaining quality service delivery.
- Demonstrated ability to respond confidently and professionally to a changing environment and competing priorities.
- Capacity to provide strategic leadership and contribute to the achievement of Saltbush’s Employment Services goals.
- Established relationships with local industry, employers, service providers and government agencies.

Successful applicants will be required to hold or obtain: National Police Clearance; Valid NT Working with Children (OCHRE) Card; Current NT Driver Licence; Current First Aid Certificate.

How to apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the position.

Rolling Recruitment: Interviews may commence before the closing date. Applications may be assessed as they are received and suitable candidates may be interviewed throughout the advertising period. We encourage early applications.

Want to learn more? We encourage you to review the Position Description for detailed information about the role, responsibilities and selection criteria before submitting your application.

📌 Employment Services Program Manager – Darwin (Parap)
🏢 Saltbush Social Enterprises
📍 Parap