The UK in Australia Network consists of five Missions – the British High Commission in Canberra, as well as Consulates-General in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. The Corporate Services Team is responsible for ensuring that the network operates effectively and efficiently: providing HR, finance, procurement, security, transport, IT, and estates services to approximately 150 staff across Australia.
The Corporate Services Manager (CSM) works closely with, and reports to, the Director of Corporate Services (HCS), providing leadership, direction, and management of the wider corporate services team and budgets. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring services are delivered in line with FCDO policy and procedures, while also being focused on continual improvement and adapting to the needs of an evolving Network.
The role requires expertise and experience in corporate services and/or operational delivery. The successful candidate should have excellent interpersonal, problem-solving and decision-making skills. They will need to develop a good understanding of compliance and legal requirements, both from the UK and in Australia, and be comfortable delivering at pace.
Strategic Planning, Leadership and Management
The CSM supports the CS Director deliver high quality corporate services, engaging with local leadership and partners on platform to identify needs, and respond to feedback. Use horizon-scanning and data to support proactive resource and activity planning and improve service resilience.
Set short and long-term priorities to ensure workloads within the CS team are managed effectively, and risks are identified and mitigated. Line manage corporate service officers responsible for specific functions such as HR and finance, and oversee team management of c12 people, championing wellbeing and inclusion. Instil a continuous improvement mentality within CST and Australia Network, leading on corporate projects and the change management required to deliver them
Operational Delivery
Oversight of local budget management: oversee local procurement and contract management processes, and monthly budget forecasting and reconciliation of accounts. Check and authorise expenditure or claims for reimbursement. Ensure accurate records are kept for audit purposes, and expenditure is in line with FCDO policy and processes.
Provide guidance and act as an escalation point on sensitive HR matters, including performance management issues and dispute resolution, engaging with regional Hubs, Country Based Staff Association, and legal counsel if necessary.
Act as a decision or escalation point for CS staff responsible for estates, IT, and transport where required. Work closely with specialist colleagues based in the UK or in regional Hubs to access relevant advice and guidance and ensure this is applied appropriately.
Governance support
Provide data and reporting to enhance performance monitoring or effective application of audit controls. Support the effective operation of governance committees, including through the preparation of papers and recommendations, and follow-up to agreed actions, to ensure policies are aligned to global and local requirements.
Champion Business Continuity ensuring plans are regularly reviewed, tested, and understood across the network.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure): Local budget of approximately £3-4 million. Team management for approximately 12 staff.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
* Experience (at least three years) in leading a team at middle management level
* Strong interpersonal, decision making and relationship building skills
* Good budget management (planning, forecast and implementing)
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
* Experience managing suppliers and outsourced service delivery.
* Experience working for international organisation or government agency.
Interested applicants may submit applications on or before 23:55 of 2nd June 2026 through this link: https://tinyurl.com/mwyfx2w8