Assistant Director, Facilities and Security

Chandler Macleod Group; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Chandler Macleod Group seeks an experienced Assistant Director, Facilities and Security to lead critical property, facilities, security and business continuity activities within a Federal Government environment.

This role blends strategic advisory responsibilities with hands-on delivery, overseeing governance, workplace management, risk management frameworks and assurance programs while partnering with internal stakeholders, service providers and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in property and facilities management, including overseeing building maintenance and workplace services.
• Experience coordinating with landlords, property managers, contractors and government service providers.
• Strong ability to identify risks, implement mitigations and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills with a track record of managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Facilities & security leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & compliance

Risk management

Operational troubleshooting

Job description

Assistant Director, Facilities and Security

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our clientfor an experienced Assistant Director, Facilities and Securityto 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 In this position, you will:

• 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 To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• 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.