Chief Operating Officer

Lead with purpose. Drive excellence. Make a lasting impact.

St John of God Accord (Accord), a leading disability services provider in Victoria, is seeking an exceptional executive leader to join our highly regarded Executive Leadership Team as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

At Accord, we work alongside people with disabilities to support their independence, choice, and wellbeing. Through a broad range of person-centred services, we empower individuals to live fulfilling lives on their own terms. As an inclusive organisation, we proudly support more than 1,000 clients across metropolitan Melbourne with diverse needs, goals, and aspirations.

Our Services

Our comprehensive range of supports includes:

• Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Short-Term Respite (STR)
• Support Coordination
• Group Programs
• Individualised Support
• Positive Behaviour Support
• Psychology
• Speech Pathology

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and working as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO is responsible for leading operational excellence, service quality, organisational performance, innovation, and growth across Accord's service portfolio.

This is a pivotal leadership position requiring an experienced executive who can successfully balance strategic direction with operational delivery while ensuring exceptional outcomes for clients, families, employees, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspiring leadership to operational teams, fostering capability, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Build and sustain high-performing teams through coaching, empowerment, and leadership development.
• Partner with the CEO and Executive Team to optimise the relationship between service delivery, workforce performance, financial sustainability, and strategic priorities.
• Drive achievement of growth, innovation, quality, and operational objectives aligned with Accord's strategic plan.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative, contractual, regulatory, and accreditation requirements while meeting performance and budget targets.
• Lead quality assurance activities, audits, and reviews to identify opportunities for improvement and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Champion the ongoing implementation and enhancement of Accord's Client Engagement Framework.
• Oversee service delivery performance, productivity, resource utilisation, and operational efficiency to ensure sustainable and cost-effective outcomes.

About You

You are an accomplished executive with a proven track record of leading complex service organisations and delivering sustainable operational and commercial outcomes. You bring strong strategic capability, excellent people leadership skills, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

• Significant executive leadership experience within disability, community services, health, or a related sector.
• Strong understanding of the NDIS and the evolving disability services landscape.
• Demonstrated success leading organisational transformation, service growth, and cultural change.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to develop leaders and build a resilient, high-performing workforce.
• Sound commercial acumen, strategic planning capability, and risk management expertise.
• A calm, resilient, and decisive leadership style, particularly during periods of growth and change.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications, with postgraduate qualifications highly regarded.

Most importantly, you are a values-driven and inclusive leader who authentically demonstrates the Vision, Mission, and Values of St John of God Health Care. Through an empowering and servant leadership approach, you inspire others, foster innovation, and create an environment where people and services can thrive.

Why Join Accord?

We offer a rewarding executive career opportunity within a purpose-driven organisation committed to making a meaningful difference.

Benefits include:

• Highly competitive remuneration package.

• Permanent full-time position (38 hours per week).

• Salary packaging of up to $18,550 on a range of living expenses, including mortgage, rent, meal entertainment, and holiday accommodation.

• Additional salary packaging opportunities, including:

  • Novated leasing
  • Work-related expenses
  • Self-education expenses
  • Additional superannuation contributions

• A healthy work-life balance through flexible work options, additional purchased leave and well-being programs

• Employee discounts on St John of God Hospital and Medical Services and Private Health Insurance.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A current resume; and
• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages outlining your suitability for the role and addressing the key selection requirements.

For general enquiries regarding the recruitment process, please contact Mel Schook, Talent Acquisition Lead, on (08) 6116 0534.

For enquiries regarding the role, please contact Silvana Gugliandolo, Acting Chief Executive Officer, on (03) 8468 1102.

Applications will be assessed as they are received. Accord reserves the right to commence interviews and close the advertisement prior to the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

Join us and help create a future where people with disabilities are empowered to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

St John of God Accord (SJGA) complies with the NDIS Commission and all prospective employees are required to apply for your NDIS Check to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people with a disability.