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- Tasks: Lead operations for a vital Defence contract, empowering veterans in their transition to civilian life.
- Company: The BUSY Group, a not-for-profit with 47 years of community service experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extra leave days, training budget, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible location options and a commitment to diversity in hiring.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of ADF members while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in operations or contract management, strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 135000 - 145000 £ per year.
Our purpose is to make skills, education and employment accessible to every person, so they can create their own world of unbounded possibilities.
The BUSY Group is a not-for-profit organisation which presents 47 years experience as a community partner. With multiple business entities operating across 100+ locations Australia-wide and now in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, we offer an extensive range of employment services and programs, vocational training, apprenticeships, mentoring, Inclusive Employment Australia, specialist schools and allied health services.
Since 2024 we have been supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to assist members transitioning and who have separated from the ADF. We understand that transitioning from the ADF represents a significant life change for members and their families. So when the time comes for ADF members to explore life outside the ADF, The BUSY Group is here to support them along their path to transition. Whether they are preparing for a new career, managing recovery from illness or injury, planning to study, or looking for ways to meaningfully engage with their community, we’re ready with the expert support and guidance.
Looking to play a pivotal role in shaping the operational success of a nationally significant Defence contract that makes a meaningful impact in the lives of Australian Defence Force personnel transitioning to civilian life? The BUSY Group is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the day‑to‑day operational performance of our ADF and DVA contracts and act as the senior operational lead to the General Manager. This is a senior role focused on contract management, operational performance, financial integrity, reporting excellence and Defence engagement. Importantly, the position is uniquely placed to develop initiatives and enhance service delivery to empower veterans with the tools they need to succeed beyond the ADF.
Working closely with the General Manager, Regional Managers, Defence stakeholders and internal specialist teams, you will provide assurance that performance targets, quality standards and contractual obligations are being met, while proactively identifying risks, improvement opportunities and innovative ways to maximise value within the scope of the contract while maintaining the ADF member central to our work. You will lead and be supported by a small multi‑disciplinary team providing administrative support, reporting, and instructional design support across the program, strengthening national consistency and external presentation. This role suits a confident, detail‑oriented senior operations manager who is comfortable working in complex, regulated environments and engaging with Defence and government stakeholders. The role can be based on the Gold Coast or Brisbane. However, as a national program, other capital city locations will be considered for the right candidate.
BUSY Benefits
- Competitive salary: $135,000 - $145,000 plus super plus car
- 4 additional paid annual leave days – 1 My BUSY Day and 3 days at Christmas
- Clear pathways for internal advancement
- Dedicated training budget for personal and professional growth
- BUSY Benefits program - Paid parental Leave, retail discounts and access to Fitness Passport
- Enjoy work that genuinely impacts lives
- Employee Assistance Program with Sonder Wellbeing App
About you…
You are across the details and don’t mind rolling your sleeves up to get the work done but also have an eye on strategy and purpose. You bring significant experience operating in complex operational or government‑funded environments, with strong capability in performance and contract management.
You will have:
- Demonstrated senior‑level experience in operations and/or contract management roles, with accountability for performance, compliance and risk
- Proven leadership at a national or enterprise program level
- Strong financial acumen, including oversight of billing, revenue integrity and audit‑ready processes
- Advanced reporting, analytical and executive communication skills
- Experience working with government or Defence stakeholders (highly regarded)
- Ability to influence outcomes without direct line management authority
- Australian Citizenship and the ability to obtain a Baseline Security Clearance
- Ability to obtain a National Police Check with no disclosable outcomes and a Blue Card
- Willingness and capacity to undertake national travel as required
If you’re motivated by purpose, thrive in senior operational roles, and want to contribute to meaningful outcomes for current and former ADF members, we’d love to hear from you. This role will actively commence recruitment from the date of advertisement. The closing date of this ad is dependent on the appointment of the role.
The BUSY Group is an organisation that prioritises the safeguarding of children and all vulnerable people by actively adopting strategies that embed a culture of zero tolerance for abuse of any kind. The appointment of successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory employment screening including criminal history and relevant working with children checks. The BUSY Group is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from veterans, First Nations People, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.
Operations Manager - Defence Transition in Southport employer: BUSY Cloud HR
Contact Detail:
BUSY Cloud HR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Defence Transition in Southport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Defence sector or related fields. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching The BUSY Group and its mission. Understand their values and how they support ADF members transitioning to civilian life. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in operations and contract management can make a difference at The BUSY Group. Keep it concise but impactful – you want to leave them wanting to know more about you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining The BUSY Group and making a positive impact in the lives of ADF members.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Defence Transition in Southport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in contract management and operational performance, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to support ADF members.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can lead a multi-disciplinary team and engage with Defence stakeholders, so share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex operational environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BUSY Cloud HR
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into The BUSY Group's mission and values. Understand their role in supporting ADF members transitioning to civilian life. This knowledge will help you connect your experience with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed contracts in complex environments. Highlight your ability to influence outcomes and drive performance, especially in government-funded settings. This will demonstrate that you have the right experience for the senior operations manager role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle risks. Think of scenarios where you've identified improvement opportunities or maximised value in previous roles. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and how success is measured at The BUSY Group. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations. Plus, it’s a great way to engage with your interviewers!