1. About Community Cafe

Community Cafe is a grassroots, community-focused not-for-profit organisation committed to addressing poverty, food insecurity, social isolation and socioeconomic disadvantage across South West Sydney. Our mission is to create a community where everyone is welcomed, respected and treated with dignity, regardless of their circumstances.

Through practical assistance, community engagement, food relief and inclusive services, we work to remove barriers, empower individuals and families, and create meaningful, lasting social change.

We are a small charity with a big vision. Our success depends on passionate, capable people who are willing to lead by example, take initiative and work collaboratively to achieve meaningful outcomes.

1. Position Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the day-to-day operations of Community Cafe, ensuring the organisation operates efficiently, professionally, safely and in alignment with its charitable purpose. Working directly with the CEO, the Operations Manager will translate organisational priorities into practical operational outcomes, oversee staff and volunteers, maintain effective systems and procedures, and ensure resources are managed responsibly.

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring a highly organised, adaptable and solutions-focused individual who can balance operational demands with the needs of a growing community organisation.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and taking ownership of operational challenges.

1. Key Responsibilities

A. Operational Management
- Oversee the daily operations of the organisation and its community programs.
- Ensure services are delivered efficiently, consistently and to a high standard.
- Develop, implement and maintain operational policies, procedures and systems.
- Identify operational challenges and implement practical, cost-effective solutions.
- Coordinate resources, facilities, equipment and service requirements.
- Ensure appropriate rostering, scheduling and operational coverage.
- Monitor operational performance and report regularly to the CEO.
- Support organisational growth, service improvements and new initiatives.
- Maintain continuity of services during periods of high demand or staffing shortages.

B. Staff and Volunteer Leadership
- Provide direct supervision, guidance and support to employees and volunteers.
- Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, induction and training.
- Develop staff rosters and allocate responsibilities effectively.
- Establish clear performance expectations and promote accountability.
- Conduct regular staff check-ins and support performance development.
- Address workplace issues professionally and in accordance with organisational policies.
- Foster a positive, respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
- Promote teamwork, initiative and a shared commitment to the organisation's mission.
- Ensure volunteers are appropriately supported, supervised and recognised.

C. Financial and Resource Management
- Support the CEO in managing operational budgets and expenditure.
- Monitor costs and identify opportunities to improve financial efficiency.
- Oversee purchasing, stock control, inventory and supplier relationships.
- Ensure appropriate financial procedures and internal controls are followed.
- Maintain accurate operational records and supporting documentation.
- Assist with budget preparation, financial reporting and resource planning.
- Ensure donated goods, food and other resources are managed responsibly.
- Promote accountability, transparency and responsible stewardship of charitable funds.

D. Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Ensure daily operations comply with applicable legislation, regulations and organisational policies.
- Oversee workplace health and safety procedures and risk management practices.




- Maintain appropriate incident reporting and emergency response procedures.
- Ensure relevant food safety, hygiene and handling requirements are met.
- Monitor staff and volunteer compliance with mandatory training and screening requirements.
- Maintain accurate records, registers and operational documentation.
- Support the CEO with organisational reporting, audits and compliance obligations.
- Identify potential operational risks and implement preventative measures.
- Promote confidentiality, privacy, skilled boundaries and ethical conduct.

E. Community Programs and Service Delivery
- Oversee the effective delivery of community support programs and services.
- Ensure all community members are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
- Support accessible, equitable and inclusive service delivery.
- Assist with coordinating food relief, community engagement and outreach activities.
- Monitor service demand, community feedback and operational effectiveness.
- Support staff and volunteers when responding to complex or challenging situations.
- Maintain appropriate referral pathways and relationships with external service providers.
- Identify opportunities to improve service accessibility and community outcomes.

F. Stakeholder and Partnership Management
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with community organisations, service providers, suppliers and local stakeholders.
- Represent Community Cafe professionally when required.
- Coordinate operational aspects of partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
- Support relationships with donors, supporters and community partners.
- Assist with community events, projects and organisational activities.
- Ensure external communications and operational decisions reflect the organisation's values.

G. Strategic and Organisational Support
- Work closely with the CEO to implement organisational goals and strategic priorities.
- Provide practical advice on operational planning, staffing, systems and service delivery.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainable growth.
- Support the development and implementation of new programs and services.
- Prepare operational updates, reports and recommendations.
- Take responsibility for delegated projects and ensure agreed outcomes are achieved.
- Contribute to a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.

1. Key Selection Criteria

Essential
1. Demonstrated experience in operations management, team leadership or a comparable management role.
2. Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
3. Experience supervising staff, coordinating volunteers or managing multidisciplinary teams.
4. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a busy operational environment.
5. Sound understanding of workplace health and safety, risk management and compliance responsibilities.
6. Experience with budgets, purchasing, stock management or financial oversight.
7. Strong interpersonal, communication and conflict-resolution skills.
8. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and take responsibility for outcomes.
9. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general business administration systems.
10. Demonstrated commitment to social justice, inclusion, community development and respectful service delivery.
11. Current unrestricted Australian working rights.

Desirable
- Previous experience within the not-for-profit, charity or community services sector.
- Experience working with vulnerable individuals and families.
- Knowledge of food relief,



hospitality operations, outreach services or community programs.
- Experience developing operational procedures and improving organisational systems.
- Relevant qualifications in business management, community services, leadership or a related discipline.
- Current NSW driver's licence.
- Experience supporting organisational growth or change management.

1. Personal Attributes

The successful applicant will demonstrate: Leadership: The ability to motivate, support and hold people accountable while maintaining a respectful workplace.

Initiative: A willingness to identify problems, make decisions and implement solutions without constant direction.

Adaptability: The ability to remain calm, practical and effective when priorities change.

Integrity: A strong commitment to honesty, confidentiality, accountability and ethical conduct.

Compassion: Genuine empathy for individuals experiencing disadvantage, without compromising professional boundaries.

Resilience: The ability to manage pressure, resolve challenges and maintain a constructive approach.

Hands-on attitude: A willingness to assist wherever necessary and lead by example, recognising the practical realities of a small charity.

1. Key Performance Expectations

Performance will be assessed against agreed objectives, including:
- Efficient and reliable daily operations.
- Appropriate staffing, rostering and volunteer coordination.
- Compliance with relevant operational, safety and organisational requirements.
- Responsible financial and resource management.
- Timely resolution of operational issues.
- Positive staff and volunteer engagement.
- Consistent, respectful and accessible community service delivery.
- Accurate reporting and communication with the CEO.
- Implementation of agreed operational improvements.
- Demonstrated contribution to the organisation's overall mission and sustainability.

Specific performance indicators will be established in consultation with the CEO.
1. Working Arrangements

Employment: Full-time, permanent. Ordinary working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 amto 4:30 pm, including an agreed unpaid meal break, subject to the applicable industrial instrument and employment agreement.

Remuneration: $100,000 per annum as a total employment package, inclusive of compulsory employer superannuation contributions.

Leave entitlements: In accordance with the National Employment Standards and any applicable award or enterprise agreement.

Salary packaging: Not-for-profit salary packaging benefits may be available, subject to organisational eligibility and applicable taxation requirements.

Probation: A probationary period will apply, as specified in the employment contract.

Work location: Primarily on-site in Miller South West Sydney.

1. Reporting and Accountability

The Operations Manager reports directly to the CEO and is responsible for the effective coordination of operational personnel, volunteers, resources and day-to-day service delivery. The position carries delegated operational authority within approved organisational policies, budgets and procedures.

Strategic decisions, significant financial commitments and matters outside delegated authority must be referred to the CEO.

The Operations Manager is expected to demonstrate transparency, sound judgement and accountability in all aspects of the role.

1. Our Commitment to Inclusion

Community Cafe is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, safe and respectful workplace. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, cultures, abilities and lived experiences.

We recognise that practical experience, community understanding and demonstrated leadership can be just as valuable as formal qualifications.

Above all, we seek an individual who believes that every person deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to belong.

Pay: $80,300.00 – $100,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Operations Manager (Miller)
🏢 Community Cafe
📍 Miller