Transition & Capability Innovations Manager

Secora; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Secora is seeking a Transition & Continuous Improvement Manager in Cairns to lead strategic initiatives on a Defence maritime maintenance contract. You will manage transitions across the full contract lifecycle and drive continuous improvement across processes and systems.

The role requires strong change management, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills, with NV1 security clearance or eligibility and Lean/Six Sigma experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Experienced in Continuous Improvement Management, ideally in Defence or commercial sectors.
• Strong change management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Proven leadership and team-management experience in dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead transition plans across the full contract lifecycle to ensure smooth service delivery.
• Drive end-to-end process mapping, SOP development, and system refinement.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and report progress to clients and leadership.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Change Management

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Education

Tertiary qualification with significant relevant experience

Tools

Lean / Six Sigma

Job description

Lead a major Defence maritime maintenance transition in Cairns — and build the continuous improvement engine behind it.

Secora specialises in driving productivity and leading change across Defence, Resources and Energy. We're known for our expertise in process analysis, optimisation and knowledge transfer — and we're growing our team in Cairns.

We're looking for a Transition & Continuous Improvement Manager to lead strategic initiatives, manage transitions and drive continuous improvement on a Defence maritime maintenance contract, with enterprise-wide impact.

Your role will cover:

1. Transition & Contract Lifecycle Management — develop and execute transition plans across the full contract lifecycle: phase-in for smooth service delivery, ramp up/down to manage change during critical business phases, and phase-out with a focus on contractual adherence.
2. Continuous Improvement & Innovation — lead sustainable, profitable improvement strategies and drive the day-to-day process and system work behind them in Cairns, including:

• end-to-end process and swim-lane mapping
• SOP development and maintenance
• change management to embed what's already been built
• practical project delivery on process and system refinement
• policy alignment, segregation of duties and controls
• linking QGR assurance into action across commercial, industry, supply chain and maintenance
• reporting on innovation initiatives and progress to stakeholders

3. Stakeholder & Relationship Management — develop plans to strengthen stakeholder relationships, aligned to client values and commitment.

Who you are:

• Experienced in Continuous Improvement Management, ideally in Defence or commercial sectors
• A skilled change manager and communicator, comfortable developing ideas and engaging a range of internal and external stakeholders
• A leader with strong team management and transition experience in dynamic environments

What you'll bring:

• Tertiary qualification with significant relevant experience (ideal)
• NV1 Defence security clearance, or eligibility to obtain one
• Lean / Six Sigma training or experience
• Desirable: expertise in organisational design, change and program management
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, with excellent communication, analytical and stakeholder management skills

At Secora, we value leadership and a commitment to excellence. If you're passionate about program management and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

Secora is an equal opportunity employer and a proud supporter of the Veterans' Employment Program. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees.

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