Chief Business Officer – Community Housing

Lead. Shape. Strengthen.

• Batemans Bay Location.
• Executive position reporting into the CEO.
• Lead initiatives that build organisational capability.

SEARMS Community Housing Aboriginal Corporation is searching for a dedicated, values-aligned Chief Business Officer (CBO) to guide and support their core corporate service functions. This is a rare opportunity for a leader who thrives on building strong teams, fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, and combining strategic vision with practical, hands-on expertise in corporate services, human resources, workplace health and safety, governance, and quality assurance.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the CBO will drive operational excellence across SEARMS, ensuring the team meet their legal, compliance, and operational obligations as a community housing provider and employer. You will embed culturally safe, trauma-informed practices across systems, and lead initiatives that build organisational capability for long-term sustainability.

Key Focus Areas:

• Human Resources Leadership – Lead strategic HR, workforce development, performance management, and employee relations to attract and retain top talent.
• WHS Compliance – Maintain robust safety systems, ensure compliance, and foster a proactive safety culture.
• Critical Incident Management – Oversee incident planning, response, review, and reporting.
• Organisational Quality & Governance – Ensure policy frameworks, compliance registers, and governance systems are current, effective, and audit-ready.
• Leadership & Corporate Services – Lead a high-performing Corporate Services team, delivering exceptional business support.
• Business Operations – Manage grants, oversee brand and communications, and represent SEARMS at sector forums and events.

What You’ll Bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in HR, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proven experience in HR leadership, WHS compliance, and organisational development.
• Demonstrated expertise in critical incident response and risk management.
• Experience in a community-controlled, Aboriginal, or not-for-profit environment.
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal cultural safety principles in the workplace.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills.