Senior Operations Manager
Location: Woomera, SA (DIDO 14:7 roster from Adelaide or regional SA)
About the Role
The Senior Operations Manager supports the delivery of Living and Working Services (LWS) across site, with a strong focus on hospitality-led service delivery and customer experience.
Reporting to the Living and Work Services Manager, this role provides day-to-day operational leadership across catering, accommodation and cleaning services, ensuring consistent, high-quality outcomes for Defence personnel.
The role is offered on a DIDO (Drive in Drive out) roster, 14 days onsite, 7 days off.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the safe, compliant and efficient delivery of all site operations across catering, accommodation and cleaning
- Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality hospitality and service standards in line with contract KPIs
- Drive workforce performance, capability and accountability across site leadership teams
- Optimise labour utilisation, rostering and operational costs in line with budget
- Maintain strong on-site presence, ensuring service quality, presentation and customer experience standards are met
- Manage operational risk, including safety, compliance and service delivery
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Defence and key stakeholders
- Oversee planning and delivery of operational requirements, including functions, events and site demand
- Champion continuous improvement across service delivery, team performance and customer experience
- Ensure effective governance through accurate reporting, financial oversight and operational controls
Skills & Experience
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- Strong leadership capability with a hands-on approach and a focus on service standards
- Proven experience in hospitality, catering or multi-service environments (e.g. villages, remote sites, large-scale operations)
- Experience managing high-volume service delivery with a strong customer focus
- Ability to build effective working relationships with Defence, clients and operational teams
- Solid understanding of labour management, rostering and cost control
- Strong awareness of safety, compliance and risk in a live operational environment
- Confident decision-making with the ability to identify issues early and implement practical solutions
- Clear, influential communication skills across all levels
- Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing operational requirements
Special Requirements
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the role and respond to emergency protocols
- Comfortable liaising with clients, staff and meeting strict deadlines
- Ability to work effectively with technical staff, subcontractors, senior military officers and client representatives
- Must be able to obtain and maintain an AGSVA Security Clearance
- Australian Citizenship is essential
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to play a key role in supporting Defence capability while leading high‑impact operations in a fast‑paced environment. You’ll be part of a team that values safety, service excellence and continuous improvement.
What We Offer
- Competitive annual salary package
- Lifestyle roster
- Career development and training within a global organisation.
- Supportive leadership and a commitment to your growth and success.
- Access to a wide range of company benefits and employee programs.
How to Apply:
Click on the 'apply' link and complete the online application.
Our Commitment:
ISS fosters a culture of inclusion and diversity, welcoming applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and LGBTIQA+ communities. We are committed to fair pay and a safe working environment.
Learn more about ISS in Australia and New Zealand on our website.
Please note: No agency applications are accepted
