Operations Manager - Skills and Career Pathways

Yilabara is a proudly 100% Aboriginal-owned employment and training organisation committed to strengthening economic independence for Aboriginal people, families, and communities.

Guided by respect, cultural integrity, and strong community connection, we are seeking an experienced Operations Manager - Skills and Career Pathways to lead the delivery of our Parent Pathways and Barranggirra Programs.

About The Role

This role combines people leadership, contract management, culturally safe service delivery and stakeholder engagement to support strong education, employment and community outcomes.

This role is a Full-Time role based in either Penrith or Dubbo NSW.

Core Responsibilities

In the Operations Manager - Skills and Career Pathways role, you will:

Lead operational delivery across Parent Pathways and Barranggirra.

Supervise and develop program managers and mentors.

Monitor contractual performance, compliance, reporting and service quality.

Oversee participant-centred case management, mentoring, education pathways, employment preparation, employer engagement and post-placement support.

Maintain culturally safe, participant-centred services.

Manage operational safeguarding and WHS risks.

Build productive relationships with funding bodies, employers, training providers, Aboriginal organisations, community services and industry stakeholders.

Drive continuous improvement and achievement of program outcomes.

Provide accurate and timely operational reporting to the Head of Aboriginal Programs, Community Partnerships and Strategy.

Relevant qualification in community services, employment services, human services, education, business, project management or a related area, or substantial relevant experience.

Skills, Ability & Knowledge

Experience managing government-funded employment, education or community programs.

Demonstrated people leadership and staff development experience.





Strong understanding of culturally secure practice and issues affecting Aboriginal people and communities.

Experience in contract compliance, reporting, budgets and risk management.

Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and problem-solving skills.

Ability to analyse performance and implement practical improvements.

Personal Qualities

You will be someone who:

Leads with cultural awareness, professionalism, fairness and respect.

Provides clear direction while creating an accountable, respectful and psychologically safe workplace.

Uses sound judgement when managing complex participant matters, competing priorities, contractual pressures and operational risks.

Identifies emerging issues early and takes proportionate action within delegated authority.

Communicates clearly and builds trust with staff, participants, learners, communities, employers, funding bodies and service partners.

Is practical, organised and solutions-focused, with reliable follow-through.

Is committed to continuous learning, evidence-based decision-making and service improvement.

Maintains confidentiality, professional boundaries and high ethical standards.

Working for Yilabara

At Yilabara we are committed to making a difference for our Aboriginal Communities. Our mission is to increase the economic independence of Aboriginal people through greater access to vocational education, training, support and employment.

What we offer

- Salary packaging
- Personalised professional development plans
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program

While this is not an identified position, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. Yilabara is committed to being an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Applications close 10am on Friday 6 November 2026 .

Applications will be progressively reviewed prior to the closing date.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Julie Blackhall at ***************@yilabara.org.au or 8***.

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📌 Operations Manager - Skills and Career Pathways (Penrith)
🏢 yilabara
📍 Penrith