State Operations Manager - NSW/VIC

_{29th May, 2026}

Employal is looking for a hands-on, commercially driven State Ops Manager to lead and grow our recruitment business across Sydney and Melbourne.
This is a dual-state leadership role from day one. Our current client base is largely Sydney-led, with significant opportunity to grow both our NSW footprint and the Melbourne market.
We are looking for someone who can lead from the front. You will manage a team of up to six, work closely with clients, drive growth, support consultants day-to-day and help create consistent process, accountability and best practice across both states.
This is not a role for someone who wants to sit above the work. We need someone relatable, warm, commercially hungry and comfortable getting their hands dirty when the team or clients need support.
Reporting directly to the founder, you will have full authority over day-to-day team leadership, workflow, priorities and people management, formal hiring, remuneration and performance decisions.
 
What you’ll be doing

• Lead and coach the NSW/VIC team.
• Manage and grow existing client relationships.
• Drive new business and market growth across Sydney and Melbourne.
• Support consultants with recruitment delivery, client issues and performance.
• Create structure, accountability and consistency across both states.
• Work with outsourced back office partners across HR, IR, WHS, payroll/finance and IT.
• Monitor commercial performance, revenue, margin, pipeline and P&L outcomes.

About you
You will ideally bring:

• Recruitment leadership experience 
• Strong labour hire, industrial, logistics, manufacturing, warehousing, trades or similar sector experience.
• Proven client relationship and account growth capability.
• A hands-on, practical leadership style.
• Strong commercial judgement.
• The ability to coach, support and hold people accountable.
• Confidence working across Sydney and Melbourne.

Package

• $120,000–$150,000 base
• Car / car allowance
• Commission structure + personalised incentives
• Access to CEO memberships such as NPA, CUB, RCSA
• Flexible work options
• Travel between states
• Ongoing learning
• Overseas team holiday - the team has asked for this to be the next incentive...where will you take them?

If you’re ready for a role with less red tape, more autonomy and a genuine voice in the business, this could be the move you’ve been waiting for.