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About the Role

The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for leading and integrating internal operations across Counsellor and First Secretary functions, ensuring the effective coordination of activities, resources and priorities across the UK and Europe. The role provides centralised operational leadership, enabling the efficient delivery of business outcomes and supporting senior leadership to focus on strategic engagement, external partnerships and priority initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate internal operations across Counsellor and First Secretary functions, aligning activities, priorities and resources to support integrated delivery across the UK and Europe.
Lead, manage and develop a high-performing team, setting priorities, allocating work, monitoring workflows and building capability to deliver agreed business outcomes aligned to organisational priorities.
Oversee governance, reporting and performance management arrangements, including tracking progress against objectives and ensuring visibility of risks, issues and outcomes.
Drive continuous improvement of operating models, processes and governance frameworks to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication and strengthen delivery.
Support international business development and portfolio growth in alignment with CASG, GWEO and NSSG objectives.
Act as a central coordination point for internal and external stakeholders, improving integration, communication and responsiveness across Defence, industry and international partners.
Oversee financial and resource management activities, including budget coordination, expenditure monitoring and performance reporting.
Identify, manage and mitigate operational, commercial and reputational risks impacting delivery.
Provide high-quality, timely advice, briefings and support to the Counsellor Defence Materiel and CASG-London leadership, exercising sound judgement and initiative.

Requirements

Tertiary qualifications in commerce, international relations, public policy, business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Demonstrated experience providing operational, business or commercial management support within Defence, government or a defence-related international environment.
Sound understanding of Defence industry, procurement and commercial frameworks, preferably within Australian, UK or European defence context.
Proven experience in managing or coordinating complex activities, resources and stakeholders, including in fast-paced or high-expectation environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports, submissions and advice for senior leadership and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated capacity to work with autonomy and judgement, analyse issues, manage risk, and deliver outcomes while aligning with Defence policies and priorities.
Australian NV1 security clearance or ability to gain same.
Applicants must hold citizenship of Australia to be considered.

Skills

Excellent communication skills
Ability to influence senior stakeholders
Ability to balance competing priorities
Ability to negotiate favourable outcomes
Highly developed research and analysis skills
Ability to draft briefings and presentations for senior stakeholders
Demonstrated experience in managing financial governance and assurance activities
Experience applying applicable financial policy regarding complex high-value procurement activities
Demonstrated staff management experience
Ability to lead, drive effective performance management
Ability to provide clear strategic direction
Ability to identify and deliver innovations to create efficiencies and deliver high quality outcomes

Location

London

Work Type

Permanent - Full Time

Experience Level

Senior

Education Level

Tertiary qualifications in commerce, international relations, public policy, business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Salary/Compensations

£66,624 / year

Benefits

Up to 11% employer pension contribution
Flex time provisions
20 days of recreational leave
Up to 14 public holiday days

About the Company

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is constituted under the Defence Act 1903, its mission is to defend Australia and its national interests. In fulfilling this mission, Defence serves the Government of the day and is accountable to the Commonwealth Parliament which represents the Australian people to efficiently and effectively carry out the Government's defence policy. Australia's Defence policy is founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct Defence of Australia, but with a capacity to do more where there are shared interests with partners and allies.
The primary role of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) is to equip and sustain the Australian Defence Force’s materiel capabilities to meet Australia's defence and national security needs. The CASG London branch (CASG-L) manages the delivery of equipment, training, services and repairs, and provides Defence clients with procurement support and management, and specialist advice and assistance on procurement.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.