Business Manager

Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Defence in Canberra invites applications for EL1 Business Manager roles within the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group. The role oversees corporate services, risk management, WHS, quality assurance, and financial operations, ensuring alignment with CASG requirements and continuous improvement.

Successful candidates will lead a broad portfolio, manage recruitment and workforce planning, and coordinate internal administration and digital platforms such as Objective,

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead complex business management functions.
• Experience delivering governance, risk and compliance outcomes.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication.
• Ability to apply policy and procedural guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and monitoring of corporate governance frameworks and plans.
• Oversee HSE services including risk assessments and treatment strategies.
• Oversee the operating budget, finance activities, and asset management.
• Manage accommodation footprint and internal corporate services.
• Forecast workforce demand through recruitment and workforce planning.
• Deliver data analysis, reporting, and governance for digital platforms like Objective, SharePoint and HoG.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Policy compliance

Job description

Within Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), the Joint Systems Division (JSD) is responsible for acquiring, integrating and sustaining command and control systems, communications systems, deployable networks systems, and electromagnetic warfare systems. JSD is seeking to fill EL 1 Business Manager vacancies across the Division.

These roles provide an opportunity to lead and deliver complex business management functions, support strategic workforce and resource planning, and contribute to the achievement of Defence capability outcomes. As the EL 1 Business Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing a broad portfolio of corporate services, including risk management, work health and safety (WHS), quality assurance, financial operations, accommodation, workforce management, and internal administration.

You will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with CASG requirements while driving continuous improvement across JSD.

The duties of this role include but are not limited to:

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of corporate governance frameworks, policies, and plans.
• Oversee Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) services, including psychosocial risk assessments and treatment strategies.
• Oversee the operating budget, finance activities, and asset management processes.
• Manage accommodation footprint and internal corporate services, including mailbox management and distribution lists.
• Manage current and future workforce demands through recruitment, MAPS and workforce planning, ensuring workforce capability and capacity are aligned to business priorities and organisational outcomes.
• Responsible for delivering and overseeing a broad range of functions, including data analysis, reporting, and the administration and management of digital platforms such as Objective, SharePoint, and House of Governance (HoG).

About our Team

JSD within CASG acquires and provides through-life support to a range of command and control systems, communication systems, tactical interoperability systems, and electromagnetic warfare systems. The Division is functionally arranged in three separate but interlinked Branches with a geographic presence in all of the Australian mainland states and territories and a small headquarters element in Canberra. JSD's prime and over-riding focus is to provide the best possible support to the ADF employing the materiel provided in protecting Australia’s interests.

Our Ideal Candidate

The successful applicant will demonstrate the competencies required of a Business Manager and will be accountable, under broad direction, for performing and delivering complex to very complex procedural, operational, administrative and business management functions within an integrated workforce. They will possess an in-depth understanding of, and ability to comply with, relevant legislative frameworks, government decision-making processes, and Defences mission and policy requirements.

Key Attributes and Experience:

• Highly motivated, organised and proactive team player.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills, including strong emotional intelligence, resilience and adaptability, tailoring your approach to the needs of different groups.
• Experience working in and/or providing support coordinating administrative and business support activities for a team and other work areas, identify risks and determine appropriate course of action to meet stakeholder needs.
• Apply the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to provide advice and services for a range of complex corporate, administration and business support activities.
• Sound initiative and judgement in the interpretation of policy and the application of practice and procedures.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers