Assistant Director, Facilities and Security

Chandler Macleod; Bruce; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Assistant Director, Facilities and Security. The role leads critical property, facilities, security and business continuity activities within a Federal Government environment, partnering with stakeholders and service providers to drive operational excellence.

Based in Canberra, ACT, the position is onsite, 37.5 hours per week, with an initial 6‑month contract and potential extension.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in property and facilities management, including overseeing building maintenance, repairs, workplace services and office accommodation activities.
• Strong ability to manage relationships with property managers, landlords, contractors and service providers.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills with ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement across all levels of an organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification, management and resolution of office defects, maintenance and facilities issues.
• Coordinate facilities and property services through landlords, managers, contractors and government providers.
• Assess security arrangements for physical, personnel and travel security and implement mitigations.
• Support PSPF compliance, reporting, assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate whole-of-government property reporting, planning and sustainability obligations.
• Lead post-occupancy reviews and provide recommendations to improve workspace functionality.
• Improve visitor management, access controls, security incident processes and risk management arrangements.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, frameworks and assurance mechanisms for facilities, security and business continuity.
• Support business continuity arrangements and organisational preparedness.
• Provide strategic advice on facilities, security, property and compliance to senior management.
• Monitor service delivery and governance, ensuring proper documentation and records.

Skills

Facilities management

Property management

Risk management

Compliance

Governance

Business continuity

Security management

Job description

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Assistant Director, Facilities and Security to lead and coordinate critical property, facilities, security and business continuity activities within a Federal Government environment.

This role will play a key leadership function, ensuring facilities and security operations meet compliance obligations while driving continuous improvement across governance, assurance, workplace management and risk management frameworks. Working closely with internal stakeholders, service providers and senior leadership, you will deliver practical solutions that support operational excellence and organisational resilience.

This opportunity is ideal for a proactive property and security professional who enjoys balancing strategic advisory responsibilities with hands‑on operational delivery.

About the Role

• Lead the identification, management and resolution of office accommodation defects, maintenance requirements and facilities-related issues.
• Coordinate facilities and property services through landlords, property managers, contractors and whole-of-government service providers.
• Assess physical, personnel and travel security arrangements and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Support compliance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), including reporting, assurance activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate whole-of-government property reporting, planning and sustainability obligations.
• Lead a post‑occupancy review of office accommodation and provide recommendations to improve workspace functionality and utilisation.
• Improve visitor management, access controls, security incident processes and risk management arrangements.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, frameworks and assurance mechanisms relating to facilities management, security and business continuity.
• Support the development and maintenance of business continuity arrangements and organisational preparedness.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior management on facilities, security, property and compliance matters.
• Monitor service delivery performance and ensure appropriate governance, documentation and record management practices are maintained.

Key Criteria to be Successful

• Proven experience in property and facilities management, including overseeing building maintenance, repairs, workplace services and office accommodation activities.
• Experience managing relationships with property managers, landlords, building management teams, contractors, tradespeople and external service providers.
• Strong ability to work independently, identify emerging issues, assess risks and implement practical solutions with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records and meet deadlines.
• Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of an organisation.
• Experience supporting and overseeing contracts, service agreements, supplier performance, expenditure, invoices, work orders and facilities‑related administration.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability, with experience preparing recommendations, reports and briefing materials for senior stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively in a complex and evolving environment while maintaining a strong focus on compliance and operational outcomes.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a Federal Government or highly regulated environment.
• Knowledge of the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
• Experience supporting business continuity planning and organisational resilience initiatives.
• Understanding of whole-of-government property management and reporting requirements.
• Exposure to workplace accommodation projects, office relocations or post‑occupancy reviews.
• Experience contributing to governance, assurance and compliance programs.

Security and Eligibility Requirements

• Australian Citizenship is mandatory.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline Security Clearance.
• Existing Baseline Security Clearance highly regarded.

Role Details

• Position: Assistant Director, Facilities and Security
• Location: Canberra, ACT
• Working Arrangement: Onsite, 5 days per week
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Contract Length: Initial 6‑month contract with potential 12‑month extension

If you are an experienced facilities, property or security professional with a strong background in stakeholder management, compliance, workplace operations and risk management, we encourage you to apply.

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.