Vessel Operations Coordinator - Australia & Southeast Asia

Pathfinder Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 121,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Pathfinder Recruitment is seeking a logistics and operations coordinator to support Navy vessel visits across Australia and Southeast Asia. The role involves coordinating logistics, safety compliance, and stakeholder liaison during frequent travel to domestic and international ports.

No prior Defence experience is required, but you will need to manage complex logistics and maintain high professional standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in logistics, transport, shipping, maritime or related operations.
• Ability to coordinate multiple activities and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to travel extensively (min 10 days per month).
• Ability to obtain Australian NV1 security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics and operational support for Navy vessel visits across domestic and international ports.
• Act as on-site operational lead delivering services safely, efficiently and on time.
• Liaise with Defence personnel, vessel crews, shipping agents, port authorities and service providers.
• Coordinate operational staff and ensure tasks meet required standards.
• Manage changing priorities and time-critical requirements.
• Monitor WHS compliance and relevant regulations.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and maintain a customer-focused approach.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and service delivery.

Skills

Logistics coordination

Stakeholder management

Strong communication

Problem solving

Autonomy

Safety culture

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

• Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane Location
• Extensive Travel | Unique Operational Opportunity | Defence & Maritime
• Up to $134k + super

Looking for a role that takes you beyond the office? This is an opportunity to coordinate the operational support of Navy vessels visiting ports across Australia and Southeast Asia, with extensive domestic and international travel.

No previous Defence or Navy experience is required.

If you have a background in logistics, transport, shipping, operations or another coordination-focused environment, this could be an exciting next step in your career.

The Opportunity:

You’ll play a key role in coordinating the logistics and operational support required when Navy vessels visit ports across Australia and Southeast Asia. Working closely with Defence representatives, vessel crews, shipping agents, port authorities and local service providers, you’ll ensure requirements are understood, resources are coordinated and operations run safely and efficiently.

Please note: This role involves a minimum of 10 days of travel per month across Australia and Southeast Asia.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics and operational support for Navy vessel visits across domestic and international ports.
• Act as the on-site operational lead, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and within required timeframes.
• Liaise with Defence personnel, vessel crews, shipping agents, port authorities and third-party service providers.
• Coordinate operational staff and ensure tasks are completed to the required standards.
• Manage changing priorities, troubleshoot issues and respond to time-critical operational requirements.
• Monitor compliance with workplace health and safety requirements, operational procedures and relevant regulations.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders and maintain a professional, customer-focused approach.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes and service delivery.

About You

We’re open to candidates from a range of industries. You don’t need direct Defence experience, but you will need the confidence and capability to coordinate complex activities, communicate effectively and take ownership of outcomes.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Experience in logistics, transport, shipping, maritime, operations, supply chain or a similar environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to work autonomously, adapt to changing circumstances and remain calm under pressure.
• Experience working in a safety-conscious, regulated or operational environment.
• Confidence coordinating people and ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• A genuine willingness to travel extensively, including at least 10 days per month across Australia and Southeast Asia.
• The ability to obtain an Australian Government NV1 security clearance.

Why Apply?

• A role with variety: No two port visits or operational challenges will be exactly the same.
• Travel opportunities: Work across Australia and Southeast Asia as part of your regular responsibilities.
• Career development: Build experience in a specialised operational environment without needing a Defence background.
• Meaningful responsibility: Coordinate people, services and logistics to support important naval operations.
• Transferable skills valued: Bring your existing operations or logistics experience and apply it in a new setting.

Please note: The successful candidate must be able to obtain an Australian Government NV1 security clearance.