_{26th February, 2026}

This is a unique opportunity to lead the operational backbone of a major Defence education contract, working onsite within a Defence environment while ensuring the highest standards of vocational education compliance, coordination, and service delivery.

As Operations Manager – Defence, you will be responsible for the end-to-end operational management of training delivery, administration, compliance, scheduling, and people processes supporting the Defence contract.
You will act as a trusted operational partner to the Head of Defence, ensuring that systems, people, and processes function seamlessly across campuses and onsite at Simpson Barracks. This role plays a critical part in maintaining client confidence, audit readiness, and a consistently high-quality experience for Defence members and stakeholders.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who values precision, professionalism, and calm authority.
Key responsibilities

• Lead daily operational functions across scheduling, administration, compliance, and resourcing
• Ensure all training delivery, enrolments, records, and reporting meet VET regulatory requirements
• Act as a key point of contact for compliance audits, ensuring documentation and systems are audit-ready at all times
• Oversee student lifecycle processes, timetabling, resources, and learning materials
• Manage operational systems including student and finance databases and LMS platforms
• Coordinate subcontracted or partnered training activity where required
• Support continuous improvement across compliance, delivery, and administrative processes
• Lead and support a small operational team, fostering accountability and professionalism
• Manage WHS, onsite security, and Defence-specific compliance requirements
• Maintain high-quality relationships with Defence stakeholders, internal teams, and external partners

You are someone who is comfortable operating in structured, regulated, and security-conscious environments. You bring credibility through experience rather than noise, and you understand the importance of discretion, accuracy, and follow-through.
You will bring:

• Proven experience working within an RTO environment (essential)
• Strong operational leadership across compliance, scheduling, and administration
• Demonstrated understanding of VET regulatory frameworks and audit requirements
• The ability to manage multiple moving parts while maintaining calm control
• Strong people leadership skills with a clear, respectful communication style
• Confidence working onsite within a Defence environment and aligning to Defence culture
• High levels of professionalism, discretion, and personal integrity

Qualifications & requirements

• Relevant qualification in Business Administration, Leadership or Management (or equivalent)
• Prior RTO experience is highly valued
• Existing or ability to obtain NV1 Security Clearance
• Willingness to work onsite at Simpson Barracks and travel across campuses as required
• Working With Children Check and National Police Check

Why this role is different
This is not a standard operations role. You will be embedded in a Defence environment where trust, consistency, and reliability matter. Your work will directly support Defence capability through high-quality education delivery, backed by rigorous compliance and professional operational leadership.

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