Chief Executive Officer - arbias

Chief Executive Officer

• Lead a respected and trusted for-purpose organisation across Vic & NSW
• Shape the next chapter of growth, impact and sustainability
• Partner with an engaged Board to deliver strategy and strengthen impact

About arbias

Established in 1990, arbias Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation and recognised industry leader in Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and complex needs, delivering specialist services across metropolitan, rural and regional communities in Victoria and New South Wales.

arbias supports people living with suspected or diagnosed ABI, as well as people with multiple and complex needs that may include physical disability, mental health challenges, alcohol and other drug-related issues and involvement with the criminal justice system. Its multidisciplinary team works alongside individuals to build independence, strengthen life skills, reconnect with community and navigate everyday life through compassionate, evidence-based and person-centred support.

With a workforce of more than 100 employees, arbias delivers services through a range of funding pathways including the NDIS and TAC. Its work spans direct service delivery, neuropsychological and specialist clinical services, community programs, training, research and advocacy, with services extending across Victoria and New South Wales.

arbias enters its next chapter from a position of specialist strength and established reputation. The organisation is focused on managing the transition from long-standing leadership with care, strengthening sustainability and external relationships, and pursuing considered growth while protecting the service quality and person-centred approach that have defined arbias for more than three decades.

About the role

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will provide the strategic, financial, operational and cultural leadership of arbias. The CEO will guide the transition from long-standing leadership, maintaining stability and trust while establishing a clear direction for the organisation's next phase.

In constructive partnership with the Board, the CEO will execute strategy, strengthen financial sustainability and navigate the government funding, tendering and NDIS environment. The role oversees performance, service quality, workforce capability, risk and compliance, supported by transparent, timely and 'no surprises' governance.

The CEO will strengthen senior relationships across government, funding and commissioning bodies, community organisations and sector partners. As a credible representative and advocate, they will build the visibility, influence and partnerships needed to create opportunities for arbias and the people it supports.

Internally, the CEO will be accessible and visible across a geographically dispersed workforce, developing the executive team and sustaining employee engagement through transition. They will foster an inclusive, collaborative and accountable culture while pursuing growth that builds on arbias' specialist strengths and protects service quality.

About You

You are a values-led senior executive with the breadth, judgement and resilience to lead a complex, government-funded service organisation. You may be an experienced CEO or a senior executive ready to step into a CEO role, bringing demonstrated success leading people and operations, strengthening organisational capability and maintaining an engaged workforce through change.

You combine strategic thinking with strong commercial and financial judgement. You understand how to build a sustainable operating model, navigate funding and commissioning arrangements and tenders, manage risk and translate strategy into disciplined organisational performance - without losing sight of service quality, client outcomes or purpose.

You are also a highly credible relationship builder and communicator, able to engage confidently with Boards, government, funders, employees, clients, families and sector partners. You will bring an open and constructive approach to governance, provide clear advice and appropriate challenge, and build trusted relationships that strengthen arbias' profile and influence.

Experience in disability and community services, health and human services, justice and corrections, government or another purpose-driven, stakeholder-rich environment will be relevant. Direct experience in ABI, disability or NDIS-funded services will be highly regarded but is not essential. Most important will be your empathy, curiosity and genuine commitment to human rights, inclusion and equitable outcomes, together with the capacity to understand and protect arbias' specialist purpose. Lived experience of disability would be valued.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to arbias’ vision, mission, objectives and organisational values. Eligibility to work in Australia, a current National Police Check, Australian driver licence and NDIS Worker Screening clearance are required. The role requires regular travel across Victoria and New South Wales, including rural and regional locations, and flexibility to work outside standard hours when required.

Application Details

Hazel Executive & Boards is pleased to be partnering with the arbias Board on the search and appointment of its next Chief Executive Officer. This appointment is being conducted through a confidential executive search process, supported by targeted market engagement and advertising.

Hazel acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pays respect to Elders past and present. Hazel is committed to equal opportunity and to championing diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all executive appointments. If you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a current curriculum vitae and a brief cover letter outlining their interest in the role.

To review the Briefing Pack please click on this link

To apply for this opportunity, please visit the Hazel Executive & Boards website – www.hazelexecutive.com.au

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jarrod McLauchlan, Managing Partner on 0407 808 517 or Jodi Heath, Executive Search Partner on 0459 997 007.