• Lead the transformation of a national service network supporting First Nations people to access health, education, employment and opportunity
• Build partnerships and pathways that connect First Nations people to opportunity, wellbeing and support
• Affirmative Measures (First Nations) | Flexible location

The organisation
Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) is a not-for-profit Commonwealth company that has provided culturally safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people since 1973. AHL operates a national network of 42 hostels across Australia, supporting First Nations people who need to travel away from home to access education, employment, healthcare and other essential services.
AHL is entering a significant period of transformation and growth. Supported by an engaged Board and executive team, the organisation is developing a new ten-year strategy that will guide its future direction and broaden its impact. The strategy seeks to position AHL as Australia's leading First Nations mobility, accommodation and wellbeing organisation, enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to thrive wherever they move for health, education, employment, safety or opportunity. Alongside this work, AHL is modernising systems and processes, strengthening workforce capability and reimagining service delivery to meet the evolving needs of First Nations communities across Australia.

The opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the General Manager, National Operations will lead AHL's national hostel network and operational service delivery functions during a period of significant organisational transformation. Working closely with the CEO, Board and executive colleagues, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a geographically dispersed national footprint, ensuring safe, culturally appropriate and high-quality services that support AHL's ambition to become a nationally integrated First Nations mobility, accommodation and wellbeing organisation.

This role sits at the forefront of AHL's transformation agenda, driving operational excellence, service innovation and sustainable growth across a national network. You will drive improvements to service delivery, workforce capability and operational performance, while strengthening connections with First Nations communities, government agencies, service providers and other key stakeholders. As AHL seeks to broaden its impact and better respond to the evolving needs of residents, you will play a key role in developing strategic partnerships and referral pathways across the health, education, employment, justice and community sectors. Working collaboratively with First Nations communities, service providers and government partners, you will help transform AHL from a provider of accommodation into a pathways organisation that connects people to opportunity, wellbeing and support. Leading Regional Directors and a national operations team, you will champion a culture of accountability, cultural safety and continuous improvement, while helping shape the future operating model of an organisation committed to expanding opportunity and access for First Nations people.

About you
You are a strategic and values driven First Nations executive with a proven ability to lead large-scale operational teams and deliver high-quality services in complex environments. You bring significant experience overseeing geographically dispersed operations, driving organisational improvement and leading through change, while maintaining a strong focus on people, performance and community outcomes. Comfortable operating at executive and Board level, you provide trusted advice, influence key decisions and build strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

You bring a breadth of experience from sectors such as hospitality, community, not-for-profit, public or corporate sectors, you combine strategic thinking with practical leadership and a genuine commitment to delivering culturally safe and responsive services. You are recognised as an authentic and collaborative leader who leads with integrity, empathy and purpose, and who understands the importance of building strong partnerships with First Nations communities. Experience leading operational reform, service delivery transformation, partnership-based service models or complex customer-facing operations will be highly regarded, as will your commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Felicity Stalley, Jess Lewy or Grace McDonnell of The Orchard Talent Group on AHL@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining your alignment to the role and eligibility under Affirmative Measures – First Nations to AHL@orchardtalent.com.au.
 
Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia and the ability to obtain a negative vetting level 1 security clearance.
 
This role is open under the RecruitAbility scheme. Applicants with a disability who opt in and meet the minimum requirements will progress to the next assessment stage supporting fair and inclusive recruitment. We encourage eligible candidates to participate and request any adjustments they may need.
 
Applications close Sunday 28 June 2026 


The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.