Deputy Base Operations Lead – Living & Working

Ventia; Northern Territory; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ventia is seeking an experienced Assistant Base Operations Manager (Living & Working Services) to join the Defence operations team. You will act as 2IC to the Base Operations Manager, leading across Hospitality, Accommodation, Cleaning, Laundry, Transport, and related services to ensure seamless delivery.

You will drive performance, compliance, and continuous improvement while building strong stakeholder relationships with Defence and subcontractors, ensuring service excellence in a complex

Qualifications

• Senior operational leadership experience in Defence support services, facilities management, or multi‑service environments.

Responsibilities

• Support the Base Operations Manager in leadership and management of Living & Working Services operations across the Defence estate.
• Act as the primary operational delegate and escalation point in the absence of the Base Operations Manager.
• Provide leadership across Hospitality & Catering, Accommodation, Cleaning, Laundry, Transport, Fitness Centres, and Pest Control services.
• Drive operational performance, service excellence, compliance, and customer satisfaction outcomes across all service streams.
• Lead workforce planning, resource allocation, labour utilisation, and service continuity to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Support budget management, productivity initiatives, contract performance objectives, and continuous improvement programs.
• Maintain compliance with WHS, Defence, HACCP, quality, and contractual requirements while supporting risk mitigation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Defence stakeholders, subcontractors, and internal support functions.
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline teams, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, safety, and high performance.
• Coordinate operational support for Defence exercises, special events, and contingency activities while ensuring business continuity.

Job description

Ventia is seeking an experienced Assistant Base Operations Manager (Living & Working Services) to join the Defence operations team. You will act as 2IC to the Base Operations Manager, leading across Hospitality, Accommodation, Cleaning, Laundry, Transport, and related services to ensure seamless delivery.

You will drive performance, compliance, and continuous improvement while building strong stakeholder relationships with Defence and subcontractors, ensuring service excellence in a complex