Chief Operating Officer

_{02nd November, 2026}

/ Lead enterprise operations across a national service portfolio
/ Strengthen performance, accountability & service integration
/ Partner with the CEO to deliver sustainable community impact

SYC is a multi-service organisation delivering employment, education, housing and social services across Australia. With more than 65 years of impact, SYC supports Australians to create a life without disadvantage, build sustainable independence and experience wellbeing in all areas of their lives. With an established national presence, longstanding government relationships and a diverse service portfolio, SYC is strengthening its operating model to support organisational performance, sustainability and future growth.
 
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer will provide enterprise leadership across Employment Services, Education and Training, Community Services and supporting operational functions. Leading four General Managers and working collaboratively with the executive team, you will you will strengthen operating foundations and establish greater consistency, discipline and accountability across service streams. Your priorities will include strengthening contract and financial performance, developing leadership capability and embedding effective processes, controls and performance reporting to support safe, high-quality services. You will translate strategic priorities into practical action and measurable outcomes, while strengthening government and stakeholder relationships and positioning SYC for future tender and growth opportunities.

We are seeking a commercially astute executive with a track record of leading complex operations across multiple services, functions or locations. You will bring strong financial and operational judgement, experience in contract-driven or regulated environments and demonstrated success improving operational performance and leading substantial change. A credible and pragmatic leader, you combine sound judgement and decisiveness with the resilience and pace to navigate complexity and maintain momentum. Your collaborative, firm but fair approach builds trust, develops leaders and strengthens accountability. You will engage confidently with government, Boards and key stakeholders, balancing commercial discipline with a strong commitment to service quality and outcomes for people experiencing disadvantage. Experience in human services, employment, education or similarly complex service environments will be highly regarded.

This is a significant opportunity to shape an integrated national service portfolio and work closely with the CEO to deliver lasting improvements in performance, sustainability and community impact.

Applications should be forwarded to the attention of Nicole Underwood in Word format. Confidential enquiries are welcome on (08) 8214 8020.