Operations Excellent Manager (Australia)

Rentokil Initial Careers; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Car allowance

Competitive salary and bonus scheme

23 days holiday, plus 8 bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Healthcare

Free parking

Job summary

Rentokil Initial is seeking a senior operations leader to drive the company’s operational excellence across Australia and Trans-Tasman. You will bridge field execution with digital platforms, shaping supply chains and workforce productivity while reporting to the Operations Director – Australia.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, change management, and a passion for data-driven improvement across a large distributed team.

Qualifications

• Proven senior operational leadership with P&L accountability.
• Strategic and commercial acumen to drive growth.
• Experience in continuous improvement and SOPs.
• Comfort with digital platform rollouts and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Own the operational excellence strategy across Australia and Trans-Tasman.
• Lead digital transformation and field tech deployments.
• Embed demand planning and proactive recruitment to balance capacity and demand.
• Drive sustainability and governance across operations.

Skills

Senior leadership

P&L accountability

Strategic thinking

Digital transformation

Stakeholder management

Education

Business Degree/Diploma

Tools

Service+

My Rentokil platform

Job description

Are you ready to redefine how a market leader operates? At Rentokil Initial, we don't just provide essential services—we pioneer them. As Australia's primary operations transformer, you will take the helm of our operational excellence strategy, bridging the gap between field-level execution, cutting-edge technology, and bottom-line commercial growth. This isn't a traditional sit-and-watch management role. Reporting directly to the Operations Director - Australia, you will act as a key change engine across Australia and Trans-Tasman operations. You will lead the operational migration to next-gen platforms, build sustainable supply chains, streamline resource productivity, and inspire the next generation of operational leaders. If you are a commercial leader with an analytical mind, an appetite for digital innovation, and a passion for people, this is your platform to make a lasting impact.

What You'll Own: Core Priorities

• Service Productivity & Data Insights: You will systematically analyze field data (leveraging systems like Service +) to rebalance resources, maximize ROI, and trial modern service delivery models. You'll build intuitive, user-friendly reporting that gives frontline managers clear operational visibility.
• Digital Transformation & Technical Leadership: Own the operational digital agenda. You will lead the deployment of field tech, drive the migration of operational training systems to U+, maintain our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) credentials, and maximize the My Rentokil platform as a competitive advantage.
• Resource Management & Strategic Sourcing: Partner directly with Operations and Local Service Managers to embed proactive demand recruitment planning routines. You'll analyze retention data, drive leadership capability programs, and resolve capacity vs. demand challenges across branches.
• Supplier, Fleet & Environmental Strategy: Drive our sustainability agenda through smarter fleet usage and green supply chain choices. You'll partner with procurement, 3PL suppliers, and global stakeholders to reduce cost of goods while driving eco-friendly operational models.
• Safety, Compliance & Governance: Protect our people and brand reputation by maintaining 100% compliance across WHS/OHS laws, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), and robust governance structures.

What Success Looks Like In Year 1

• SOS & QOS Targets Delivered: Achieve On-Time Service delivery month-in, month-out, alongside top-tier Quality of Service audit metrics.
• Optimized Resource Capacity: Embed structured ways of working that balance demand with hiring pipelines, significantly lowering turnover across field teams.
• Seamless Cross-Functional Operations: Establish a unified "One Way of Working" across Trans-Tasman branch networks, successfully launching new product innovations to market.

Requirements

What You Bring to the Team

• Proven Leadership: At least 5 years of senior operational leadership experience with direct P&L accountability, managing large, distributed, or remote field-based teams.
• Strategic & Commercial Acumen: Proven ability to spot industry trends, simplify complex operational issues, and make tough commercial decisions that yield tangible business returns.
• Continuous Improvement Experience: A background in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), trialing operational amendments, and leading large-scale procedural and cultural change.
• Technical & Digital Capability: Comfort managing digital platform rollouts, leveraging customer-facing tech, and maintaining regulatory frameworks (such as RTO compliance).
• High Emotional Intelligence: Exceptional relationship-building skills across all organizational levels, with a coaching style that empowers frontline staff and nurtures future leaders.
• Qualifications: Business Degree/Diploma (or equivalent practical experience); national leadership experience is highly preferred.

Why Join Rentokil Initial?

• Direct Business Impact: You won't just manage processes; you'll create the operational blueprints used across the entire region.
• Culture of Empowerment: We invest heavily in our operational leaders, offering robust succession planning and cross-functional development opportunities.
• Innovation-Driven Environment: From digital infield tools to sustainable service models, we give you the support and resources to test, trial, and scale modern ideas.

Ready to Lead Operational Excellence?

If you are driven by continuous improvement, empowered teams, and scalable innovation, apply today to lead the future of pest control operations across Australia.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Car allowance
• Hybrid working
• Rentokil Initial Reward Scheme
• 23 days holiday, plus 8 bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in service benefit
• Healthcare
• Free parking

At Rentokil Initial, our customers and colleagues represent diverse backgrounds and experiences. We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer, actively encouraging applications from individuals from all walks of life. Our belief is that everyone irrespective of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs, has the potential to thrive and contribute. We embrace the differences that make each of our colleagues unique, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging. To ensure that your journey with us is accessible if you have any individual requirements we invite you to communicate any specific needs or preferences you may have during any stage of the recruitment process. Our team is available to support you; feel free to reach out to ([e-mail]) if you need anything.

Be Yourself in Your Application! At Rentokil Initial, we value innovation, but we want to see the real you! While AI can help with structure and grammar, make sure your application shows your true passion and understanding of the role. A personal touch will help you stand out.