Unit Manager

Soldier On; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defence site

Career progression

Training programs

Safety culture

Job summary

Compass Group Australia seeks a Base Manager to lead a multi-service Defence operation at a key site in Canberra. You will oversee hospitality, cleaning, accommodation and facilities, ensuring safety, quality and client satisfaction while coordinating diverse teams.

This leadership role requires strong relationship management, budget oversight and a proactive, professional approach. You’ll work within Defence protocols, drive continuous improvement and support career development within the team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operations, facilities, or hospitality management.
• Leadership skills to manage diverse teams and complex operations.
• Excellent communication and relationship management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the base, including catering, accommodation, cleaning.
• Lead, support, and develop a multidisciplinary team to achieve outcomes.
• Ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently, and compliant with standards.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships as on-site contact.
• Manage budgets, reporting, and performance against KPIs.

Skills

Operations management

Leadership

Hospitality management

Budgeting

Client relationships

Job description

Lead a multi-service Defence operation, managing teams, client relationships, safety and service excellence.

Description:

ESS delivers the best hospitality and support services to remote and Defence sites across Australia. From mess halls to accommodation and recreation facilities, our teams keep Defence communities running smoothly every day.

As the Base Manager, you’ll be responsible for ensuring all hospitality, cleaning, accommodation and facilities services run efficiently and safely — maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, and client satisfaction.

This is a leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a dynamic, multi-service environment and enjoys leading diverse teams to deliver excellence every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the base, including catering, accommodation, cleaning.
• Lead, support, and develop a multidisciplinary team to achieve operational and client outcomes
• Ensure all services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with Defence and company standards
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as the primary on-site contact
• Manage budgets, reporting, and performance against contractual KPIs
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Oversee compliance with Defence security requirements and site protocols

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in operations, facilities, or hospitality management (Defence, remote, or large-scale site experience highly regarded)
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage diverse teams and complex operations
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills
• Financial and operational acumen, with experience managing budgets and reporting
• A proactive, professional, and solutions-focused approach
• Australian Citizenship is a mandatory requirement for this position (Defence security clearance required)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a National Police Check and Defence clearance

The Benefits

• Lead a key Defence site within a respected national organisation
• Job security and career progression opportunities within Compass Group
• Access to training, development, and leadership programs
• Supportive, professional environment with a strong safety culture

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all. If you require adjustments or alternative methods of communication in the recruitment process, please reach out to us on either 1300TALENT or [e-mail] .

Our people’s unique backgrounds, experience, and abilities are at the heart of our vibrant workforce. We strive to create workplaces that reflect the diverse communities that we serve, where everyone feels empowered and valued. By building diverse teams means we are creating inclusive environments for all our people and those we connect with through our day-to-day operation. We welcome & encourage applications from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, gender expressions, gender identity and people with disability.