Area Manager

• Permanent | Full Time
• Salary: $135K + Super + NFP Salary Packaging benefit
• Location: Cairns QLD 4870
• Access to Business Vehicle
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need 

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

As Area Manager, you will hold end‑to‑end accountability for a large, diverse portfolio of human services across North Queensland. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for strategic oversight, operational performance, people leadership, financial sustainability and stakeholder management across a geographically dispersed region.

You will lead senior leaders and managers, ensure strong contract and commercial performance, and play a critical role in shaping local service strategy aligned to Mission Australia’s national priorities. Working closely with Regional and State leadership, you will represent Mission Australia at a senior external level and drive sustainable, high‑quality outcomes for communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall accountability for contract delivery, service quality and performance across a multi‑service North Queensland portfolio.
• Lead and develop high‑performing leaders and teams, driving change, capability uplift and a strong performance culture.
• Oversee workforce management across a large, geographically dispersed region, ensuring effective structure, capability and succession.
• Hold responsibility for strategic stakeholder relationships, representing Mission Australia with government, funders and key partners.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across services, in partnership with service delivery support teams.
• Lead the development and execution of local service strategy, aligned to the 2030 Strategy.
• Support and contribute to contract negotiations and commercial decision‑making, providing insights on workforce, resources and service capacity.
• Identify and progress opportunities for service growth, integration and portfolio development.

Requirements for Success

• Minimum 5+ years’ senior management experience, preferably leading large, multi‑site or geographically dispersed human services operations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership while maintaining strong operational and commercial oversight.
• Proven experience managing complex risk, compliance and performance frameworks.
• Strong capability in budget management, financial accountability and resource optimisation.
• Track record of leading, influencing, coaching and developing senior leaders and high‑performing teams in a culturally and psychosocially safe workplace.
• Extensive experience building and managing relationships with government and external stakeholders at a senior level.
• Highly developed communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong alignment with Mission Australia’s values and commitment to delivering meaningful community outcomes.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people. 

Your benefits

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference  
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support  
• Volunteering opportunities   
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 
• Extra leave including Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Our culture  

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.  

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at Deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au  

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. 

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.