Chief Operations Officer: Social Traders

The organisation Social Traders is Australia's industry body for social enterprise and social performance, working to build a more inclusive and equitable Australia by unlocking the power of business for good. Through certification, social procurement, advisory services and impact measurement, Social Traders helps social enterprises grow and supports businesses to create, measure and demonstrate their social value. Social Traders' new strategy aims to build a thriving social enterprise sector at the heart of an economy where social performance is business as usual. With a goal to catalyse $8 billion in social value for the social enterprise sector by 2035, the organisation is entering an ambitious new chapter. Central to this ambition is the belief that businesses can make a profit while supporting the most vulnerable in our communities. Social enterprises demonstrate this every day. Working alongside some of Australia's largest corporates, engaging with government and policymakers, and collaborating with philanthropy, Social Traders is helping corporate and government buyers put this belief into practice at scale.

The role Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in translating Social Traders' strategy into action, bringing together people, systems and priorities to drive organisational performance. Working closely with the CEO and CFO, you will lead a talented and highly engaged team, building on its cooperative culture and creating the conditions for people and innovation to flourish. Central to the role will be strengthening systems and processes, coordinating priorities across functions and providing the clarity and accountability needed to deliver results. You will oversee key areas of operational delivery, including service delivery, customer relationships, digital platforms and data.



With a credible external presence, you will support important customer engagements, ensure commitments are met and identify opportunities to extend the value of existing partnerships. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will contribute to strategic decision-making, financial performance and Board reporting. You will represent Social Traders at industry events, conferences and senior stakeholder engagements, with the capacity to act as CEO when required.

About you An accomplished senior leader, you will bring broad experience across operations, commercial management and people leadership, with the judgement to navigate complexity and deliver results. A grounded and personable leader, you will combine executive maturity and sound judgement with a collaborative, hands-on approach. You will bring out the best in capable people, engage with credibility at the highest levels and balance strategic thinking with practical execution. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment, bringing experience in operational improvement and change management, alongside an appreciation of digitally enabled services. Your background may span commercial, consulting, membership or for-purpose organisations. Above all, curiosity, adaptability and a genuine connection to Social Traders' mission will underpin your approach. This is an opportunity to join Social Traders at an exciting stage, with an ambitious strategy and genuine scope to shape its future. Working alongside people who care deeply about what they do, you will help advance the organisation's vision for how business creates social value. The position is preferably based in Melbourne, with exceptional Sydney-based candidates also considered.

People for Purpose is partnering with Social Traders to lead the search for this role. A considered cover letter will be an important part of your application. Applications close at 1:00pm (AEDT) on Sunday, 8 November 2026

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📌 Chief Operations Officer: Social Traders (Melbourne)
🏢 People for Purpose
📍 Melbourne