We are seeking an Business Manager to support our sites in Lilydale, Dandenong and Pakenham. About Ostara Australia Ostara Australia is a not-for-profit provider of the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) provider specialising in Mental Health. Although this may be a new program – we have been transforming lives since 2001 With a people-first, individualised approach, Ostara empowers job seekers to find and maintain meaningful, long-term employment that aligns with their strengths, goals, and personal circumstances. We are committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, and even within our own business we foster an inclusive and supportive environment where lived experience is not only embraced but seen as a valuable asset. With a dedicated team and a values-driven culture, Ostara continues to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals by championing mental health advocacy and creating opportunities for sustainable and suitable employment. Why work with Us? ✅ Inclusive, diverse friendly, and values-led workplace, voted a Great Place to Work! ✅ Ongoing training & development opportunities. ✅ Access to free, confidential psychology services ✅ Birthday & mental health leave ✅ Salary packaging – increase your take-home pay ✅ Fully maintained company car. Key Responsibilities 1. Leadership and Team Management Lead and manage Employment specialists Monitor individual and team performance against IEA key performance indicators (KPIs). Provide coaching, supervision, and professional development. Ensure staff follow program guidelines, service standards, and organisational policies. 2. Performance and Outcome Management Drive employment outcomes and retention outcomes for participants. Monitor caseload performance and placement activity. Analyse performance data and implement strategies to improve results. Ensure quality servicing of participants with barriers to employment. 3. Employer Engagement and Business Development Develop relationships with local employers and industry groups. Identify job opportunities suitable for participants. Promote inclusive employment practices to businesses. Support employers to create sustainable job placements. 4. Compliance and Contract Management Ensure compliance with program guidelines Maintain accurate documentation in Workforce Australia. Ensure servicing requirements, appointments, and outcome claims meet contractual standards. Prepare for audits and quality assurance reviews. 5. Participant Service Quality Ensure participants receive appropriate support and employment plans. Support staff to address participants vocational and non-vocational barriers. Ensure services are tailored to participant needs. Monitor participant satisfaction and service effectiveness. 6. Stakeholder and Community Engagement Maintain relationships with: Community organisations Training providers Disability support services(NDIS providers) Government agencies Allied Health Services eg. psychologists Represent the organisation in community and industry forums. 7. Financial and Operational Management Manage budgets and operational resources. Monitor service fees, outcome claims, and program revenue. Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies. 8. Knowledge and Qualifications Typical requirements include: Experience in employment services or disability services Knowledge of Inclusive Employment Australia guidelines and compliance requirements Leadership and people management experience Strong employer engagement and business development skills Working within the program guidelines, providing individualised support, and client-centred assistance and guidance to job seekers addressing their barriers to employment. Reverse marketing our jobseekers to employers and maintain relationships with them by job carving, networking and understanding the local labour market. Work with our jobseekers to ensure that they gain suitable employment opportunities aligned to their individual goals. Support post-employment support to both employers and our clients. Mandatory Requirements Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory police check A current Working with Children Check A current and unrestricted Driver’s License. Reasonable Adjustments We recognise that everyone is unique, and you may require adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply and present your skills confidently. If there are any changes we can make to the recruitment process to better support you, please contact us at ostara.org.au and let us know how we can assist. Our Recruitment Commitment We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values, promotes, and benefits from diversity and lived experience. We believe that embracing and celebrating our differences strengthens our organisation and the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, CALD communities and persons with disability. Our recruitment process focuses on the essential requirements of each role—your knowledge, skills, and experience—ensuring a fair and equitable approach for all candidates. Apply now - to join our team in empowering individuals through tailored support, meaningful employment, and life-changing opportunities.
