Chief Operations Officer

ABOUT THE COMPANY
NECA Electrical Apprenticeships is a not-for-profit group training company that employs over 750 apprentices in NSW, QLD and the ACT. NECA EA is owned by the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), providing apprentices with the full range of work available in the electrical industry. This ensures that the apprentices receive the broad experience needed to complete their trade and pursue careers that align with their areas of interest.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the CEO of NECA Training and Apprenticeships, the Chief Operations Officer leads the operational and commercial performance of our Group Training Organisation (GTO) across NSW, ACT, QLD and WA.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for translating strategy into results, driving apprentice recruitment, placement, retention and completion outcomes, leading our state-based Operations Managers and GTO teams, and ensuring compliance, financial sustainability and work health and safety obligations are met across every operating state.

You'll work closely with the CEO on strategic direction while taking ownership of day-to-day operations, and you'll represent NECA across government, industry and community forums.

This role can be based in Sydney (NSW), Archerfield (QLD) or Canberra (ACT), with inter and intrastate travel as required.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We're after an experienced operational leader who thrives on delivering results through people. You'll be commercially sharp, strategically minded and comfortable managing geographically dispersed teams. You'll know how to set targets, hold teams accountable and drive continuous improvement, all while keeping apprentice welfare and outcomes front of mind.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the CEO with the strategic leadership of the GTO and support the broader leadership team

• Lead GTO operations through management of state-based Operations Managers and GTO teams across NSW, ACT, QLD and WA

• Translate strategic direction into operational plans, budgets and measurable performance targets across all states

• Establish and report against key performance indicators, including apprentice recruitment, placement, retention, completion and field-visit compliance

• Drive growth in apprentice numbers and host employer relationships, identifying new business opportunities across all states

• Work with the CEO and finance team to develop, manage and monitor operational budgets, ensuring financial and commercial targets are met

• Ensure all incentive payments, subsidies and other eligible income streams are claimed across all operating states

• Lead, mentor and develop Operations Managers and GTO teams, building capability and succession depth

• Ensure apprentice welfare, mentoring and grievance processes are managed consistently and professionally across all states

• Oversee monitoring of apprentices' on and off-the-job training progression, ensuring recovery plans are in place where needed

• Ensure GTO compliance, registration and Labour Hire licensing is maintained in each operating state

• Ensure operations comply with all relevant legislation, the National Standards for Group Training Organisations and funding contract obligations

• Champion work health and safety, ensuring apprentices and staff work in safe environments across all states

• Build and maintain key relationships with government, industry, funding agencies, RTOs, the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network and host employers

• Provide reports to the NECA Electrical Apprenticeships Board as required

• Inter and intrastate travel as required

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to identify and resolve problems

• Extensive operations and staff management experience, including leadership at a senior/executive level and management of geographically dispersed teams

• Demonstrated experience driving operational performance, financial management and commercial outcomes

• A proven strategic focus, with an ability to recognise opportunities and harness information

• Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change and continuous improvement

• Ability to develop and foster strong working relationships with governments, industry and other relevant stakeholders

• Sound understanding of risk management, compliance and work health and safety obligations

• A solutions-focussed mindset with a demonstrated capacity for strategic and analytical thinking

• Minimum of 5 years in a similar role

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

• Current Driver's Licence

• Current Working With Children / Vulnerable People Check

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, management, education or a related discipline

• Experience working in a Group Training Organisation and knowledge of the National Standards for GTOs and licensing requirements

• Working knowledge of the Electrical and Communications industry and its regulatory environment

• Electrical Trade (Licensed Electrician) background

• Working knowledge of group training management software

BENEFITS

• Not-for-profit organisation and the peak industry body for Electrotechnology and Telecommunications

• Flexible base location — Sydney, Archerfield or Canberra

• Onsite parking available

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

• Generous remuneration package

• Access to professional development

All applicants must have the right to work in Australia. For additional questions, please send an email to **************@neca.asn.au, however all applications will be processed via Seek only.

Any applications not responded to within 30 days will be deemed not suitable.