Marcel Pacific is an Australian maritime technology company developing a next-generation Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) engineered for sovereign defence applications. Built for stealth & modularity, our platform is designed to meet the evolving needs of the ADF and allied underwater operations.
As we expand the program from R&D into capability demonstration and early production, we're seeking a Director of Operations to take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the company. This is a critical leadership position that bridges strategic execution and operational discipline across all departments. The successful candidate will support the CEO and board by ensuring all teams perform at a high standard, aligning with business objectives and operational best practices.
Key Responsibilities
* HR Leadership: Own all human resources functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, terminations, and disciplinary processes. Implement and track KPIs for senior and technical staff to ensure accountability and output.
* Financial Oversight: Take ownership of company financials, including budgets, cash flow, payroll oversight, and regular reporting in coordination with our accountant or finance team.
* Staff Management: Ensure all staff maintain professional standards across punctuality, conduct, and performance. Lead a culture of discipline, transparency, and continuous improvement.
* Defence Client Liaison: Serve as the key operational point of contact for defence and government clients. Coordinate communications, reporting, and project alignment with client expectations and contractual requirements.
* Engineering & R&D Oversight: Maintain a high-level view of all engineering and product development activity, especially AUV programs. Work closely with technical leads to ensure progress, strategic alignment, and team cohesion.
* Field Operations Management: Direct the operations and logistics of deployed test activities, including boat crews, safety compliance, scheduling, and equipment readiness for field trials and system demonstrations.
* Strategic Execution: Implement CEO and board-level strategies across all areas of the business. Track initiatives and ensure alignment with timelines, resources, and intended outcomes.
* General Operations: Take initiative to identify and resolve bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or cross-team misalignments. Maintain a focus on safety, compliance, and delivery throughout all operations.
Ideal Candidate Profile
* Strong background in defence or military environments, with a solid grasp of client expectations and culture.
* Understanding of engineering processes, ideally in robotics, maritime, aerospace, or autonomous systems.
* Proven leadership experience in business management, HR, or general operations.
* Highly organized, outcomes-driven, and confident in managing diverse teams and responsibilities.
* Holds or is eligible for NV1 security clearance.
Highly Valued Qualifications:
* Degree in Engineering, Business Management, or Human Resources.
* Experience managing field operations, including marine testing or defence trials.
* Familiarity with DISP, ITAR, or related compliance frameworks.
Note
This job posting is active and open for applications.
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