Hedland Operations Manager

About Us
Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (KNAC) is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate for the Nyiyaparli People, representing approximately 450 members.

The Nyiyaparli People are the Traditional Owners of approximately 36,684 square kilometres of land and waters across the East Pilbara region of Western Australia. KNAC exists to protect and promote the rights, interests and aspirations of the Nyiyaparli People while supporting strong governance, sustainable economic development and community wellbeing.

This position is located in South Hedland.

KNAC strongly encourages applications from Nyiyaparli and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

Position Purpose

Reporting to the General Manager, Corporate & Community Services, the Hedland Operations Manager is a key leadership position responsible for the effective operation of KNAC’s South Hedland office.

You will lead reception, office administration and member support while overseeing facilities, housing, fleet, assets, contractors and office-based work health and safety requirements. You will also provide strategic, operational and administrative support to the General Manager and supervise the Member Support Team.

Central to the role is ensuring that KNAC members, staff, visitors, stakeholders and service providers receive warm, responsive, professional and culturally respectful service. You will strengthen administrative systems, manage budgets and costs, maintain compliance and identify practical opportunities to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and support direct reports, ensuring effective staffing coverage, performance and development
• Coordinate reception, office administration and front-of-house services for members, visitors and staff
• Provide high-level member support, assistance and internal referrals, including basic support with trust applications
• Manage KNAC’s South Hedland facilities, housing, fleet, office equipment, supplies and asset register
• Coordinate contractors, maintenance, servicing, bookings and compliance schedules
• Maintain emergency management, first aid and office-based WHS systems, acting as Chief Fire Warden and first aider
• Manage operational budgets and costs, monitor service providers and seek value and continuous improvement
• Provide accurate monthly reporting and ensure compliance with KNAC policies, procedures and governance frameworks
• Work closely with the Newman Operations Manager to align systems, processes and reporting across locations

Qualifications and Experience

You are an experienced and highly organised operational leader who can balance people leadership, member service, administration, compliance and facilities management in a fast-paced environment.

Essential

• At least five years’ experience in a similar role or operating at a comparable management level
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing high-performing teams
• A strong customer service background, including responding effectively to enquiries and creating positive experiences for members and visitors
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with a wide range of people
• Strong organisational, time-management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• High attention to detail, sound record-keeping practices and a strong commitment to confidentiality
• Commercial awareness, including cost control and practical decision-making
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn new systems
• A driver’s licence, National Police Check and Working with Children Check

Desirable

• A qualification in office administration, or current study towards one
• First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, fire warden, emergency management and/or de-escalation qualifications
• Experience working with Nyiyaparli people

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a broad and important operational function within a growing Aboriginal organisation. Your work will directly support KNAC members, strengthen the employee experience and help ensure the South Hedland office operates safely, efficiently and professionally.

• Lead a varied operational portfolio with genuine responsibility and influence
• Work in a supportive and culturally respectful environment
• Contribute to meaningful outcomes for the Nyiyaparli People
• Professional development opportunities
• Salary packaging benefits
• Laptop and mobile phone provided

If you are a practical and people-focused leader who enjoys building strong systems, supporting teams and delivering excellent service, we would love to hear from you.

Application Process

Applications are to be submitted via SEEK and should include your current resume and a brief cover letter that aligns your skills and experience with the essential requirements of the role.

For any questions about the role, contact Michelle Hollingsworth at [email protected]

Applications close at 9:00 am (WST) on Thursday, 5 November 2026.