Senior Operations Manager – LE6 – Defence – London

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, London. The Fair Work Act 2009 is not intended to apply to the employment of Locally Engaged Staff (LES) at Australia’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions. The successful candidate’s terms and conditions of employment will be governed by the laws of the United Kingdom. Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

About the Department of Defence

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is constituted under the Defence Act 1903, its mission is to defend Australia and its national interests. In fulfilling this mission, Defence serves the Government of the day and is accountable to the Commonwealth Parliament which represents the Australian people to efficiently and effectively carry out the Government's defence policy. Australia's Defence policy is founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct Defence of Australia, but with a capacity to do more where there are shared interests with partners and allies.

About Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG)

The primary role of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) is to equip and sustain the Australian Defence Force’s materiel capabilities to meet Australia's defence and national security needs. The CASG London branch (CASG-L) manages the delivery of equipment, training, services and repairs, and provides Defence clients with procurement support and management, and specialist advice and assistance on procurement.

About the Position

The Senior Operations Manager is located at the Australian High Commission, London, and reports to the Counsellor Defence Materiel UK and Europe. The position is responsible for leading and integrating internal operations across Counsellor and First Secretary functions, ensuring the effective coordination of activities, resources and priorities across the UK and Europe. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the role provides centralised operational leadership, enabling the efficient delivery of business outcomes and supporting senior leadership to focus on strategic engagement, external partnerships and priority initiatives. The position drives alignment across teams, maintains oversight of performance and resources, and ensures that governance, reporting and operational processes support the achievement of Defence capability objectives.

Key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and coordinate internal operations across Counsellor and First Secretary functions, aligning activities, priorities and resources to support integrated delivery across the UK and Europe.
• Lead, manage and develop a high‑performing team, setting priorities, allocating work, monitoring workflows and building capability to deliver agreed business outcomes aligned to organisational priorities.
• Oversee governance, reporting and performance management arrangements, including tracking progress against objectives and ensuring visibility of risks, issues and outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement of operating models, processes and governance frameworks to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication and strengthen delivery.
• Support international business development and portfolio growth in alignment with CASG, GWEO and NSSG objectives.
• Act as a central coordination point for internal and external stakeholders, improving integration, communication and responsiveness across Defence, industry and international partners.
• Oversee financial and resource management activities, including budget coordination, expenditure monitoring and performance reporting.
• Identify, manage and mitigate operational, commercial and reputational risks impacting delivery.
• Provide high-quality, timely advice, briefings and support to the Counsellor Defence Materiel and CASG‑London leadership, exercising sound judgement and initiative.

Qualifications/Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in commerce, international relations, public policy, business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing operational, business or commercial management support within Defence, government or a defence‑related international environment.
• Sound understanding of Defence industry, procurement and commercial frameworks, preferably within Australian, UK or European defence context.
• Proven experience in managing or coordinating complex activities, resources and stakeholders, including in fast‑paced or high‑expectation environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports, submissions and advice for senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capacity to work with autonomy and judgement, analyse issues, manage risk, and deliver outcomes while aligning with Defence policies and priorities.

Security Requirements

Australian NV1 security clearance or ability to gain same. Therefore, applicants must hold citizenship of Australia to be considered.

Selection Criteria

• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, balance competing priorities and negotiate favourable outcomes.
• Highly developed research and analysis skills, with the ability to draft briefings and presentations for senior stakeholders which produce clear outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in managing financial governance and assurance activities, including experience applying applicable financial policy regarding complex high-value procurement activities.
• Demonstrated staff management experience, including ability to lead, drive effective performance management and provide clear strategic direction to ensure team and individual performance objectives are met and staff remain motivated.
• The ability to identify and deliver innovations to create efficiencies and deliver high quality outcomes.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.

Benefits

Up to 11% employer pension contribution, flex time provisions, 20 days of recreational leave and up to 14 public holiday days.