Job Description

About Us:

We are leaders in mental health service delivery, specialising in working with adults and young people, and in early childhood intervention.

Stride is a name that expresses our ambition – it’s a name that’s purposeful and shows awareness of the important role we play in the recovery journey.

About our service:

headspace centres act as a one-stop-shop for young people who need help with mental health, physical health, alcohol and other drugs and/or work and study support.

You will have the unique opportunity to oversee Stride's headspace centres at Armstrong Creek, Geelong and Corio.

On offer:

• Based in Geelong, VIC
• Permanent, full-time opportunity available
• Salary Packaging options (up to $15,899 tax free!)
• Meals and entertainment allowance of up to $2,650!
• Leave loading at 17.5%
• Stride Rewards – access to discounts from 100s of retailers (fashion, food and fitness)
• One paid wellbeing leave day per year
• Purchase up to 5 additional leave days in a 12 month period (pro rata entitlement if part-time)
• Paid parental leave support
• Supportive team environment
• Excellent training and career development

The Operations Manager is a key member of Stride’s headspace Victorian management team. The responsibilities of the role include contract management, performance & reporting, stakeholder and partnership engagement, management of the community engagement program and team, and of the Centre admin teams. Working closely with the Clinical Services Manager and Clinical Team Leaders, the Operations Manager is responsible for the overall management of two centres and a satellite site.

Requirements:

• Tertiary level education in a relevant discipline, i.e. Business, Education, Health or Human Services or extensive experience in a similar role
• Experience in strategic planning and complex program management.
• Demonstrated leadership & management in multidisciplinary and/or cross sector initiatives; including consultation, engagement & partnership with a wide range of professionals and organisations & stakeholders.
• Experience managing a team; as well as recruitment, orientation, performance reviews, staff disciplinaries, performance development & team building.
• Experience in the management of a service, including effectively identifying, planning, organising and allocating resources, in order to maximise operational efficiency and meet funding deliverables.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of continuous quality improvement, including skills in the development of comprehensive policies and procedures, workplace health and safety systems and evaluation and risk management resources and tools.
• Highly developed communication, written & interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage with, establish and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of people.
• Understanding of the Australian health care system, key issues in primary health care, and the mental health service system.
• Must be eligible to apply/currently hold a WWCC
• Must hold/be willing to apply for NDIS worker screening clearance

Stride is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. All applicants applying for roles within Stride must undergo required screening processes prior to their successful appointment.

Stride is an inclusive workplace and we encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.

This includes but is not limited to people with a lived-experience of mental health recovery, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities.

Apply now!

To apply complete the online application form, attach a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the available role.

Applications will be viewed and actioned upon receipt, with a final closing date for applications on 26 May 2026. Please note the closing date may end sooner if we receive sufficient applicants.

For any queries, please email recruitment@stride.com.au