Take on a unique opportunity to help shape the next phase of youth justice in Queensland. As Deputy Director Operations at the Woodford Youth Detention Centre, you will provide strategic leadership in establishing a contemporary, purpose-built facility from the ground up, helping bring a new centre to life before it opens.

This is more than an operations role; it is a chance to drive strategic leadership at scale. You will influence system wide reform, ensure safe and secure environments for young people and staff, and champion rehabilitation through integrated education, health and support services. If you are a visionary leader ready to make a lasting impact, on people, systems and communities, this is your opportunity to lead change where it matters most. Based in Brisbane CBD and Wacol initially with flexible working options and a view to be permanently based in Woodford.

Job details

About the centre

Situated in Woodford, Moreton Bay, the WYDC is well-connected to Brisbane and surrounding areas via major highways, making it accessible for families, staff and services, with minimal disruption to surrounding communities.

It features holistic and functional design elements which aim to support rehabilitation of youth and enhance community safety. Key features include:

• 112 beds, split across two 56-bed campuses with shared facilities
• Smaller, home-like accommodation units (8 or fewer beds per unit) to foster collaboration between young people, staff, and stakeholders
• Consultation and treatment rooms
• Multipurpose spaces for education, skills development, and training
• Areas for physical activity and green spaces
• Dedicated spaces for cultural connection, faith, and spiritual support

Key responsibilities

As the Deputy Director Operations, you will specifically:

• Support the construction, commissioning, and operationalising of the centre.
• Support the development of the build and furnishings, fixtures and equipment to be fit for purpose.
• Manage the recruitment and selection activities for a range of operations-related roles for the centre and ensure the early onboarding of staff to support commissioning activities.

Once the centre is opened, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to foster collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring high-quality, culturally responsive operational practices that promote seamless service delivery, prioritise youth and staff safety, and support the wellbeing and rehabilitation of youth.
• Lead a culture and philosophy of frontline service delivery that fosters cooperation, professional development, teamwork, high quality people management, commitment to excellence and innovation and a professional ethic which ensures the detention centre continues to meet the department's priorities.

As an executive your performance will be assessed according to key accountability perspectives:

• Strategic Leadership and Oversight
• Collaborative Stakeholder Engagement
• Cultural Capability and Inclusivity
• Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
• Supervision and Capability Building
• Program and Project Management

Mandatory requirements of the role include a valid Blue Card.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/685771/26

Closing Date: Friday, 1st May 2026

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 685771 26 - Role Description (Word, 140KB)