The Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria (the Federation) is a fast-paced and dynamic organisation that leads and supports excellence in the community legal sector, promotes the purpose and value of Community Legal Centres, and advances social justice and a fair legal system. It is the peak body for Victoria’s 50 Community Legal Centres (CLCs), who are at the forefront of helping those facing economic, cultural or social disadvantage and whose life circumstances are severely affected by legal challenges. The Federation’s vision is for a community that is fair, inclusive, and thriving, where every person belongs and can learn, grow, heal, participate and be heard.

The Operations Manager is an important enabler for the Federation, strategically driving key operational support priorities and providing an effective and efficient foundation of organisational excellence. Reporting to the Director of Member Excellence, People and Operations and managing one direct report, this role provides leadership and delivery of operational activities for the Federation team, comprising of 20 staff and a small number of interns.

In this role, you will work closely with the IT service provider to deliver both day-to-day operations and priority projects. You will be responsible for leading and managing effective office and operational practices, systems, and processes that support Federation staff to do their best work, manage contracts and subscriptions, and oversee the delivery of efficient member transactional services that drive member excellence. The role also involves collaborating with staff to understand operational needs and leading continuous improvement initiatives that support organisational sustainability and effectiveness.

About YOU

• Proven experience leading effective business operations, with strong financial acumen and a focus on best-practice systems, processes, and implementation.
• Strong technology skills, with the ability to identify, implement, and manage new tools to streamline operations.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and deliver on multiple projects.
• Experience in change management and continuous improvement, with the ability to engage and support people at all levels through change.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a proactive mindset and the ability to develop creative, practical solutions.
• Demonstrated experience in contract management, including negotiation, compliance, and administration.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• High-level written communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information into plain language.
• A collaborative approach, with a commitment to team goals and open communication.
• Desirable: Experience working in a small, fast paced and responsive organisation.

The Federation is committed to providing a working environment that is friendly, collaborative and positive. It offers generous salary packaging; flexible work arrangements to support employees with work-life balance; great entitlements including 5 weeks of annual leave and Christmas and New Year shut-down leave; access to an Employee Assistance Program and learning and development opportunities.

The Federation is committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from culturally and racially marginalised and refugee backgrounds, people of all ages, neurodiverse people, gender diverse people and LGBTIQA+ people. They welcome applications from people with a diversity of backgrounds and experience, including lived experience of the issues they work on.

Click "Apply now" if you are a collaborative Operations Manager who is solutions and outcomes focused and want to join a passionate team at the forefront of advancing social justice.

Gembridge is proud to partner with the Federation.

For a confidential discussion, contact Javi Medel or Jenni D’Orival on 03 8375 9661 or forward your application to [email protected] using the subject line: Operations Manager - Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria enquiry via EthicalJobs.