Service Area Manager

• Permanent | Full Time
• Salary: $130K + 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

Mission Australia is seeking an experienced Service Area Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operational delivery of NDIS Local Area Coordination (LAC) and Early Childhood (EC) services across North Queensland.

This role has accountability for service performance, compliance, people leadership and quality outcomes within a defined service stream. Working closely with the National Operations Manager, NDIS and the Regional Leader, you will ensure contracts are delivered effectively, teams are supported and developed, and participants receive consistent, high‑quality services.

This is a hands‑on leadership role focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement within the service area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational delivery and contract performance across NDIS LAC and Early Childhood services in North Queensland.
• Provide strong people leadership, coaching and support to teams across a geographically dispersed service area.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory and organisational requirements.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with government, funders and local stakeholders.
• Manage service‑level resources, including workforce planning and rostering, in partnership with the Regional Leader and HR.
• Work with the National Operations Manager, NDIS and Regional Leader to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide accurate management and performance information to support contract management and reporting.

Requirements for Success

• Minimum 5+ years’ management experience, ideally within human services or community‑based operations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead teams and deliver strong operational and service outcomes.
• Proven experience managing compliance, risk and performance within a contracted service environment.
• Experience overseeing service‑level budgets and resources.
• Strong people leadership capability, maintaining a culturally and psychosocially safe workplace, with a coaching and development focus.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with government and community stakeholders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to delivering positive community outcomes and alignment with Mission Australia’s values.

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

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.