Business Services Manager

• Lead vital business services for a progressive and culturally rich remote community
• Salary of $140-150k + Super based on experience and qualifications
• Subsidised Accommodation + 2 return airfares b/w Cairns and Aurukun

Step into a leadership role managing diverse business functions and mentoring a committed team to deliver exceptional outcomes for the Aurukun community.

Closing Date: Monday 10^th February 2025 at 10PM | Based in Aurukun QLD

About the Region

Nestled on the north-west coast of the Cape York Peninsula, Aurukun is a unique and vibrant community located 178km south of Weipa and 811km (approximately 11 hours’ drive) from Cairns. The township is home to nearly the entire population, offering a close-knit and supportive environment. Aurukun Shire spans an expansive 7500 square kilometers, bordered by the Holroyd River and Pormpuraaw to the south, Archer Bend National Park and Cook Shire to the east, the Gulf of Carpentaria to the west, and Cook Shire to the north. The region boasts 107 kilometers of stunning coastline along the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Aurukun is a predominantly Indigenous community with a population of around 1400, most of whom are Traditional Owners of the shire and surrounding lands. Five spiritual clan groups – Apalech, Winchanam, Wanam, Chara, and Puutch – contribute to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Fifteen outstations are seasonally occupied during the dry months, reflecting the area's deep connection to the land. Like many remote Indigenous communities, Aurukun has a largely immobile population, with residents valuing strong family and clan ties. Despite challenges such as limited access to formal education and training, the community remains resilient and deeply rooted in its traditions and culture.

About Council 

Aurukun Shire Council plays a crucial role in leading the community and addressing the needs of its residents. The Council works closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local businesses, to improve service delivery and create opportunities for the community it serves.

Key focus areas for the Aurukun Shire Council include community safety, governance, economic development, and preservation of cultural identity, environmental management, postal services, aged care and child care provision. Initiatives are developed and implemented in consultation with community members, ensuring their active participation and ownership. The Council strives to empower community members, promote self-determination, and build a sustainable and prosperous future for Aurukun.

Our overarching vision is to foster community development, champion well-being, and position Aurukun as a hub of opportunity and advancement. In line with this, we are collaborating with various government stakeholders, including Ministerial and Government Champions, to roll out a forward-thinking 4-point plan for Aurukun's future.

• Community safety
• Access to education
• Strengthening community
• Jobs and economic development

The Role      

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, this position is pivotal in driving customer service excellence across Aurukun Shire Council. The role oversees the effective operations of key service areas, including Council Reception, Bank@Post and Post Office Agency, Skytrans Agency, the Arts Centre, Stores, Records, and Governance. Additionally, you will manage leasing revenue streams and coordinate Expressions of Interest to ensure streamlined and efficient processes.

Key Responsibilities Include but not limited to:

• Act as backup to the Bank@Post and general Post Office and Skytrans agencies, by undertaking the required training.
• Cash control, ordering and reconciliations including  monthly balancing of Councils Treasury account,  and daily cash reconciliations for Bank@Post and Australia Post.
• Maintain and improve Councils Corporate Risk Management system including risk registers and the Risk management Policy and Framework.
• Provide supervision and oversight on Council agreements under portfolio such as the External Cleaning Contract and any Commercial Accommodation agreements such as the Lodge Management Agreement and be the first point of contact for the contractors under these agreements
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, policies, procedures, events, activities, and changes to Council operations in order to provide accurate information and assistance to our customers and employees.
• Provide support, advice and assistance in the creation, registration and disposal of records and information including customer Council records (e.g., documents, minutes, personnel files) and customer records (e.g., identification, birth certificates, death certificates) in accordance with the Local Government and State Government Retention Schedules.

For a detail Candidate Briefing Document, please click HERE

The Person

You are an experienced professional with strong leadership skills and a background in managing business operations within Local Government or a similar environment. Essential qualities include demonstrated leadership in business services, governance and compliance. Your proven ability to manage financial reconciliations and oversee diverse business units is critical.

People will say you have a strong stakeholder management and communication skills that will ensure success in this role. Desirable qualities include tertiary qualifications in business, commerce or related disciplines, experience working in regional or remote communities and knowledge of banking or agency operations. If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you!

Why this Role

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a range of lifestyle benefits. By joining Aurukun Shire Council as the Business Services Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the delivery of vital business services that directly enhance the quality of life for the local community. From ensuring smooth operations across Council's business units to driving compliance and efficiency, your leadership will leave a lasting legacy in this culturally rich and vibrant region.

The position includes a competitive salary of $140–150k per annum plus Super, subsidised furnished housing with kitchen appliances and utilities and two annual return airfares between Cairns and Aurukun for you and your dependents.

Additional benefits include five (5) weeks Annual Leave, three (3) weeks Sick Leave and eight (8) days of Isolation Leave annually. Joining this role means not only contributing to the success of key business functions but also immersing yourself in a supportive community, where your efforts will empower the organisation and the residents it serves.

How to Apply

You will be required to answer a few questions that relate to the criteria on the online application below.  Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume.  A cover letter is not mandatory, but may be added if so desired. When uploading your Resume or documents please ensure file names should only include 'A-z', '0-9', '.' and '-' characters.

Applications will close on Monday 10th February 2025 at 10pm

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have commenced your application you cannot save and continue at a later stage. 

For a confidential conversation, please call Cole Berman on 0428 642 119 at Peak Services Recruitment.