Unit Manager

Soldier On; Townsville City; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job security and career progression

Training and leadership programs

Safe, supportive environment

Job summary

Compass Group is seeking an experienced Site Manager for a Defence contract based in Townsville, QLD. You will oversee hospitality, accommodation, cleaning, transport and facilities services to ensure safety, quality and client satisfaction.

This leadership role requires guiding diverse teams in a dynamic, multi-service environment and maintaining high standards of compliance. Australian Citizenship and Defence clearance may be required.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Communication

Budget management

Job description

A rare opportunity for an experienced Site Manager to join our Defence contract based in Townsville, QLD.

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, transport 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 and transport services
• 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.