Job Title

This is a rare opportunity for a valuesdriven senior leader to step into a Chief Operating Officer role with genuine purpose, scale and influence. Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) is a proudly Aboriginalled, notforprofit organisation representing the Ngarinyin people across 6.3 million hectares of culturally and environmentally significant country in the Central Kimberley. Over the past five years, WAC has experienced intentional and sustained growth, evolving from a small team into a mature organisation delivering land, culture, carbon and communityfocused programs with a turnover of approximately $10M. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for strengthening and guiding the organisations corporate and operational foundations, including HR, Finance, Governance, WHS, Risk, Infrastructure, Carbon Initiatives and Aboriginal Business Leadership Development. The role is central to enabling continued organisational maturity, operational excellence and culturally aligned service delivery. This opportunity will appeal to an experienced operational leader who is motivated by longterm impact, thrives in complex or remote environments, and is committed to working in partnership with Traditional Owners to support strong outcomes for community, Country and future generations. About the Corporation: WAC was established in 2006 and is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of Ngarinyin Traditional Owners with the broad objective to further the interests of Ngarinyin People and Wilinggin Country. WAC represents the Traditional Owners of the Wanjina Wunggurr Wilinggin Traditional Owner Land and is a related organisation and agent of our Wanjina Wunggurr Prescribed Body Corporate. Wilinggin country covers approximately 63,000km2 (6.3 million hectares) of land in the Central North Kimberley region of Northern Australia and is the country that has been home to Ngarinyin people for many thousands of years. WAC has a workforce of 30 to 35 people who are tasked to take care of country, culture and heritage and bush fire management. WAC is a notforprofit organisation that has, in the last five years, grown from three staff and a turnover of $500k to some 25 staff and a turnover of some $10m, based on a strong focus on highintegrity operations and alignment with our cultural and environmental obligations. What we are Looking for: We are seeking a highly skilled organisational and strategic leader with demonstrated experience managing operations, complex projects, and multidisciplinary teams in dynamic or remote environments. Experience working with Aboriginal organisations, Boards, Traditional Owners, or community programs is highly desirable. Our ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who brings strong stakeholder engagement capability, highlevel communication skills, and the ability to influence, negotiate and maintain trusted relationships with a broad range of partners. They will demonstrate integrity, resilience, strategic thinking and the ability to deliver outcomes in a culturally informed and respectful manner. Role Duties will Include: Overseeing corporate operations (HR, Finance, Admin, WHS, Risk, Infrastructure and Carbon initiatives) Leading organisational planning and performance in partnership with the CEO and Executive Team Managing compliance, governance, risk controls and accreditation processes Delivering strategic and commercial projects from planning through to execution and completion Leading and developing teams to build capability, performance and internal culture Managing operational budgets, expenditure approvals and financial reporting Building partnerships with government, industry and community stakeholders, including supporting Aboriginal business development Ensuring services delivered by WAC continue to meet the needs of Traditional Owners and communities Selection Criteria: Proven experience leading operations, managing teams and delivering organisational outcomes in complex environments Experience managing strategic and commercial projects across multiple stakeholders and disciplines Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal communities, Boards and Traditional Owners Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve systems and embed highquality processes Strong analytical, planning, and problemsolving skills with the ability to work autonomously and meet competing deadlines High level of integrity, professionalism and organisational awareness Qualifications, Skills & Experience: Tertiary qualification in Business, Project Management, Engineering, Asset Management, Environmental Science or related discipline (or equivalent experience) Minimum 5+ years experience managing operations, teams and financial functions Proven experience with organisational leadership, project delivery and stakeholder management Ability to obtain and maintain: WWCC, Police Clearance, Preemployment Medical, First Aid Certificate Valid CClass Drivers Licence and 4WD training (or ability to obtain) Experience working in remote or crosscultural environments and with Aboriginal organisations Experience in carbon farming, ACCU processes or emissionsreduction projects Experience in asset and infrastructure management, business development or economic participation programs Role is based in Derby Western Australia 6728 with relocation support provided. Full Australian Working Rights are a requirement for this role. #J-18808-Ljbffr