Assistant Operations Manager

Ventia; Katherine; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ventia seeks an experienced Assistant Base Operations Manager to support Defence operations and lead Living & Working Services across accommodation, hospitality, transport and workplace services. You will be second-in-command, shaping operational strategy and ensuring day-to-day delivery with Defence stakeholders.

As 2IC, you will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets, and drive service excellence while maintaining a hands-on leadership presence in a dynamic, mission-critical environment.

Qualifications

• Senior operational leadership experience within defence, facilities, or multi-service environments.
• Proven track record in managing diverse service delivery portfolios.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and developing leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Living & Working Services across the Defence estate.
• Act as 2IC and escalate when Base Operations Manager is unavailable.
• Provide leadership across Hospitality, Accommodation, Cleaning, Laundry, Transport, Fitness, and Pest Control.
• Drive performance, customer satisfaction, compliance, and service excellence across service streams.
• Lead workforce planning, rostering, and resource allocation.
• Support budget management, productivity improvements, and contract performance.
• Ensure WHS, Defence, HACCP, quality, and contractual compliance.
• Build relationships with Defence reps, subcontractors and stakeholders.
• Coach supervisors and frontline leaders to build a high-performing, safety-focused culture.
• Coordinate support for Defence exercises and contingency operations.

Skills

Senior operational leadership

Defence / facilities management

Stakeholder management

Leading multi-disciplinary teams

Compliance & WHS

Budgeting & financial acumen

Strategic planning

Job description

Lead Essential Services That Support Australia’s Defence Force

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Assistant Base Operations Manager to join our Defence operations team.

In this pivotal leadership role, you'll work alongside the Base Operations Manager as the second-in-charge (2IC), overseeing a diverse portfolio of essential services that directly support Defence personnel across accommodation, hospitality, transport, fitness, and workplace services.

This is more than an operations role. It's an opportunity to make a genuine impact while leading large-scale service delivery in a dynamic and purpose-driven environment. If you're a people-focused leader who thrives on operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and developing high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Base Operations Manager, you will play a critical role in the leadership, coordination, and performance of Living & Working Services across the Defence estate.

As the trusted 2IC, you'll help shape operational strategy while maintaining hands‑on oversight of day‑to‑day service delivery. You'll work closely with Defence stakeholders, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure the successful delivery of services that enable Defence personnel to live, work, and perform at their best.

You'll also have the opportunity to act on behalf of the Base Operations Manager when required, providing leadership continuity and influencing key operational outcomes across a complex and rewarding environment.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Partner with the Base Operations Manager to lead and manage Living & Working Services operations across the Defence estate.
• Act as the key operational delegate and escalation point when the Base Operations Manager is unavailable.
• Provide leadership across Hospitality & Catering, Accommodation, Cleaning, Laundry, Transport, Fitness Centres, and Pest Control services.
• Drive operational performance, customer satisfaction, compliance, and service excellence across all service streams.
• Lead workforce planning, rostering, resource allocation, and service continuity initiatives.
• Support budget management, productivity improvements, and contract performance objectives.
• Ensure compliance with WHS, Defence, HACCP, quality, and contractual requirements.
• Build trusted relationships with Defence representatives, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Coach and develop supervisors and frontline leaders to create a high‑performing, engaged, and safety‑focused culture.
• Coordinate support for Defence exercises, special events, and contingency operations.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for a confident operational leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on leadership and thrives in a fast‑paced, customer‑focused environment.

• Experience in a senior operational leadership or 2IC position within Defence, facilities management, hospitality, accommodation, logistics, or a similarly complex multi‑service environment.
• A proven track record of managing diverse service delivery portfolios and supporting senior operational leaders.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility, influence outcomes, and maintain productive relationships.
• Demonstrated success leading leaders, developing teams, and driving performance and engagement.
• A sound understanding of compliance, WHS, risk management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, productivity, and service performance metrics.
• The ability to remain adaptable and solutions‑focused while managing competing priorities.

Why Join Us?

• Lead a broad and diverse operational portfolio that directly supports Australia's Defence capability.
• Work in a highly visible leadership role with significant influence across site operations.
• Develop your leadership capability within a large, complex, and mission‑critical environment.
• Join a team that values accountability, operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Enjoy the opportunity to make a tangible impact every day while leading services that matter.

About Ventia
As a leading services provider, we maintain, operate, and manage the essential infrastructure that makes modern life possible across Australia and New Zealand. With more than 35,000 employees and subcontractors across 400 sites, joining Ventia means becoming part of a team that values its people, supports career growth, and helps everyone go further towards their full potential.
Our commitment to Fairness, Inclusion and Respect shapes how we lead, collaborate, hire and support one another. We welcome applications from people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all genders, identities, sexual orientations, beliefs and caring responsibilities. We are dedicated to providing an accessible recruitment process and encourage you to request adjustments at any stage.

Position Reference Number: 168933