Business Manager
Closing date:
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST)
Type:
Full time
Term:
Non-ongoing/contract
Contract terms
3 years
Location:
Adelaide
South Australia
Job category:
Senior management
Salary and conditions
$134,000
Other
Total package maximum = $150,000 (approximate base salary $134,000 + 12% superannuation $16,080) Ability to access public benevolent institution (PBI) tax benefits
Preferred starting date: 10 November 2025.
Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC
Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association (Aboriginal Corporation) Registered Native Title Body Corporate (ATLA) (under special administration) is the native title community organisation for the traditional custodians of Adnyamathanha country in the northern region of South Australia, covering a land mass of 41,000 square kilometres in and around the Flinders Ranges.
The Adnyamathanha are from the greater Flinders Ranges area, and the name Adnyamathanha means 'Rock People'. According to one account this relates to the striking and unique rock formations in and around Vulkathunha – the Flinders and Gammon ranges. The Adnyamathanha live in places like Nepabunna, Wilpena Pound and Leigh Creek, as well as in towns and cities throughout South Australia including Port Augusta and Adelaide.
ATLA provides support and representation of the Adnyamathanha in all matters relating to land, culture, heritage and language, and also manages their native title rights and interests including national parks, Indigenous Land Use agreements, mineral deposits which are subject to current mining operations under existing Native Title Mining Agreements (NTMAs), mining negotiations and future potential mining activities.
ATLA is currently under special administration (as of 26 March 2020), which was put in place to address concerns, strengthen governance and support the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
Job description/overview
ATLA seeks to appoint a dynamic Business Manager to report to the Special Administrator during the special administration, providing management of the corporation on a day-to-day basis.
This position is responsible for the commercial operations of the corporation including:
- The development of existing and new commercial activities (for example, existing mining activities and new mining exploration)
- Finance and resource management
- Organisational governance and compliance
- Community engagement, committee coordination and management; and
- Managing regulator relationships and strategic planning.
The Business Manager is also responsible for providing culturally respectful leadership that reflects the priorities of the Adnyamathanha community, including engaging with members, protecting the rights of common law holders, and ensuring decisions are transparent and community-driven. Activities supporting this aspect of the work includes holding general meetings with members and being in the community to understand views and opinions, providing financial reports and invormation, responding to community requests, ATLA representation, and demonstrating transparency and accountability for decision making. Developing and maintaining strong relationships is key to success.
As ATLA operates as a community-owned and controlled Aboriginal Corporation, the Business Manager must ensure that sector regulatory and reporting standards are maintained. The Business Manager is also expected to work in partnership with Adnyamathanha cultural leaders and community members, ensuring that all work is guided by cultural knowledge, community priorities, and local protocols.
ATLA values Aboriginal leadership and is committed to building long-term capacity. If the successful applicant is not a First Nations person, they will be expected to prioritise mentoring and developing Aboriginal staff to take on leadership roles within the organisation.
This is a unique opportunity to support the Adnyamathanha people in caring for Country, culture, and community. We encourage applications from those who are committed to working respectfully and collaboratively with Aboriginal communities.
Candidate requirements and selection criteria
Applications are invited from individuals with the following candidate requirements:
- Experience as a manager in community and/or government services, ideally with knowledge and understanding of First Nations culture and heritage matters.
- Success in relationship management within Community and with government agencies, service regulators, peak bodies, strategic partners and other community bodies.
- Commercial, operations management, planning, budgeting and financial reporting skills.
- Strategic approach with the vision to build capacity as a Traditional Owner organisation.
- Understanding of the role of the Board, staff and stakeholders in the operation of an organisation.
- Proven stakeholder engagement, relationship building and communication skills; and
- Tertiary qualifications in professional business, finance or community services disciplines, or equivalent management experience.
Applications from First Nations people are encouraged however, this is not a designated/identified opportunity. Australian citizenship is required for this position.
The Business Manager will be based in Adelaide.
Please apply to Sue Bruce on email peopleincommon_01@outlook.com including the following:
- A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages reflecting on your suitability against the candidate requirements; and
- A resume / curriculum vitae reflecting your professional career, skills and experience.
Selection for the position will be based on a process of assessment including but not limited to:
- written application and suitability of resume against the candidate criteria
- first round interview and assessment of suitabilitiy against the candidate criteria
- second round panel interview and assessment of suitability against the candidate criteria
For more information, please contact Sue Bruce on 0474 242 751 for a confidential discussion.
Please note: It is a requirement that prior to commencing in this role, you must possess and present a current National Criminal History Check.
Australian citizenship is required for this position.
