Operations Manager

Stepping Ahead is an established boutique workplace rehabilitation provider entering its next stage of growth. We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to strengthen our internal operations, develop new business opportunities and help shape the future direction of the company. This is a newly created position with genuine scope to make it your own. You will work closely with the Managing Director and have the flexibility to review how we operate, introduce practical improvements and build the structure required to support future growth. We want to retain the responsiveness and personalised service of a boutique provider while developing greater consistency, capability and commercial focus.

The position combines operational leadership with a strong focus on business development. You will oversee the systems, people and performance that support service delivery while actively developing new referral relationships, service offerings and opportunities for growth. Your key areas of responsibility will include:

• Leading the overall operations of the business and improving the systems that support quality, efficiency and accountability.
• Strengthening existing referral pathways while identifying and developing new sources of business or other potential referral partners.
• Exploring new service offerings and coordinating their development from initial concept through to implementation.
• Developing procedures and consistent ways of working, with input from the Team Leader, Office Administration and consulting team.
• Strengthening team performance, onboarding and professional development.
• Monitoring workforce capacity, service quality, productivity, work in progress and operational risks.

Where qualifications and experience allow, the successful applicant will preferably maintain a small rehabilitation caseload initially, providing valuable insight into our clients, services and referrer expectations. However, this is not an essential requirement, and the role can equally be structured as a dedicated operational and business-development leadership position for the right person.

You are an experienced and commercially minded leader who enjoys building relationships, improving systems and developing people. You can introduce clear and effective structure while maintaining flexibility and are comfortable moving between strategic planning and practical problem-solving. Ideally, you will bring:

• Experience in workplace rehabilitation, allied health, insurance, healthcare or a related professional-services environment.
• Strong operational and people-leadership capability.
• Demonstrated business-development, relationship-management or service-development experience.
• Strong professional networks or the ability to build credible relationships across the sector.
• Experience creating or improving procedures, systems and service standards.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the financial and operational factors that support a successful professional services business.
• The confidence to coach emerging leaders and manage performance constructively.
• Knowledge of workplace rehabilitation and the broader personal injury and insurance sectors, with experience across one or more areas such as workers' compensation, motor vehicle injury claims, Comcare, life insurance, income protection, employer-funded services or medico-legal work.
• A relevant allied health, rehabilitation, business or management qualification.

You do not need to arrive with every answer. We are looking for someone with sound judgment, initiative and the confidence to help create what Stepping Ahead needs next.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Influence the direction of an established independent business.
• Create systems and structures rather than simply inherit them.
• Play a meaningful role in business development and future growth.
• Lead and develop a capable, supportive team.
• Retain the flexibility and personal connection of a boutique workplace.
• See the direct impact of your ideas and leadership.

The role may be structured between 0.8 and 1.0 FTE, with flexibility available for the right person.