Join a unique opportunity to help establish the new Woodford Youth Detention Centre (WYDC), a contemporary facility designed to support rehabilitation and enhance community safety. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Operations, the Unit Manager Operations leads the safety, security and operational integrity of the centre, overseeing critical infrastructure, security systems, admissions, releases and key operational processes.

WYDC will feature home-like accommodation, education and training spaces, consultation and treatment rooms, recreation areas, and dedicated spaces for cultural, faith and spiritual connection. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a safe, secure and rehabilitative environment for young people and staff.

Job details

While the role will eventually be based in Woodford in mid to late 2027, during the construction phase the successful applicant will be based in a variety of locations including Wacol, Caboolture or the Brisbane CBD, which could include overnight stays.

As a team leader, you will drive operational excellence, foster strong stakeholder partnerships and contribute to the successful establishment of a state-of-the-art facility. This role is ideal for candidates who thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy leading and supporting teams through change.

As a Unit Manager Operations, you will specifically:

• Manage the security operations of the centre, including CCTV, keys, and ensuring the safety of staff, young people, contractors, and visitors.
• Supervise and coordinate operational processes including admissions, releases, front reception, and other functions to ensure efficient operations.
• Manage and oversee capital projects and facility upgrades, addressing operational constraints, site limitations, and budgetary requirements to ensure timely delivery.
• Coordinate infrastructure systems, including building maintenance, fire, security, and communication systems, ensuring their effective integration with centre operations.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders, including QBuild, to support project delivery and operational outcomes.
• Apply learnings from contingency testing and training, incorporating them into operational practices to enhance safety, security, and risk mitigation.
• Monitor and manage risks ensuring environments are safe, appropriate and conducive to positive outcomes associated with service provision to young people.
• Collaborate with functional managers to implement effective financial and human resource management strategies, including workforce planning, rostering, mentoring, and performance management.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Department's strategic direction, operational plans, and policies.
• Deliver onsite security training and lead, supervise and develop staff to foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and alignment with youth detention goals and philosophies and the performance management framework.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence that adheres to best practices and continuous improvement in youth detention operations.
• Facilitate conflict resolution processes addressing grievances, equity issues and disputes involving both staff and young people in a fair and effective manner.
• Demonstrate and foster cultural capability and a commitment to creating an inclusive culture aligned with the Human Rights Act 2019, while providing cultural leadership and mentoring to staff to support departmental programs, strengthen community partnerships, preserve cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and promote improved outcomes for young people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

A valid blue card is required to commence in this role.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference:  QLD/702720/26

Closing Date:  Thursday, 15^th October 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.

• 702720-26-Role Profile (Word, 126KB)