ReqId : 166338 Category : Project & Contract Management Location : Darwin, Northern Territory, 0800 undefined : Permanent
* Ventia have been awarded a Defence Base Services contract
* Work for a top 200 ASX listed company based in Australia and New Zealand
* Lead and manage Living & Working Services (LWS) operations across your State portfolio
Lead hospitality services across Defence Bases — join Ventia as a LWS State Operations Manager.
In partnership with the Australian Defence Force, Ventia is seeking a Living and Working Services (LWS) State Operations Manager to lead the delivery of hospitality and living support services across Defence Bases within your designated state. This is a senior leadership opportunity overseeing large-scale operations, diverse service lines, and geographically dispersed teams.
What’s on offer
* A Tool of Trade (TOT) Vehicle
* Opportunity to travel across defence sites: Based at Defence Accomodation Precint - Howard Spring
* Veteran Employer of Choice: Recognised by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
* Access to a wide range of health and wellbeing programs, including discounted health insurance and employee assistance support.
* Access to Ventia’s employee benefits portal—amazing discounts at over 450 retailers nationwide.
* Work with a respected organisation committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
* Safety First: We ensure every job is completed the right way, every time.
About the Role
The LWS State Operations Manager is accountable for leading the operational performance, financial sustainability, compliance, and customer satisfaction across all hospitality-related service lines within the state.
This senior role oversees the full LWS portfolio including:
Catering, Cleaning, Accommodation Management, Laundry, Fitness Centre, Pest Control & Transport Services.
You will drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance, strategic coordination, and ensure that all services are delivered safely, efficiently, and to Defence standards.
This role requires a strong leader capable of managing complex service delivery across multiple locations and fostering a culture of high performance and customer focus.
Key Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):
* Manage six direct reports
* Leadership & Team Development
* Operational Excellence
* Compliance & Governance
* Financial & Business Management
* Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Coordination
About You
* Tertiary qualifications in Business, Facilities Management, Hospitality, Logistics or a related field.
* An MBA or postgraduate qualification is highly regarded.
* Demonstrated experience leading multi-site operations within a service delivery environment.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including the ability to partner with senior Defence personnel.
* Experience coaching and developing leaders to deliver high-performance outcomes.
* Proven ability to manage financial performance and implement contract requirements operationally.
* Aptitude for regulatory frameworks, e.g. HACCP, Safe Pool Operations, and Pesticide Regulations.
* Minimum 8+ years’ experience in a similar senior operational leadership role.
* A strong commitment to safety, governance, and customer service.
Security Requirements
To be eligible for this role, you must:
* Be an Australian Citizen
* Be able to obtain and maintain a Defence Security Clearance
* Undergo and pass an Australian Federal Police Check
Apply now and help shape the future of Defence Base hospitality and support services.
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About Ventia
Ventia is a leading infrastructure services company, operating across Australia and New Zealand. Our clients are the owners and operators of assets that are critical to our local communities. We pride ourselves on working smart, safely and sustainably, harnessing the latest technologies and brightest minds. With a diverse and proud heritage, we have a track record of delivering essential services to the communities in which we operate.
Diversity
Ventia is enriched by the diverse experiences, talents and cultures that our people bring to the organisation, while celebrating and respecting the communities we operate in. We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment that provides equal opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, Women, Veterans and spouses and people with disabilities.
How to apply
If you are looking to expand your career with a business that rewards and values its employees, please apply below by clicking on the apply now button.
Position Reference Number: 166338