Operations Manager - Defence in Watsonia, Australia

Expression of Interest - Operations Manager

We are seeking expressions of interest from experienced operations and business leaders interested in supporting Box Hill Institute's Defence Faculty at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia . Working in a secure Defence environment, this leadership role is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of operational, administrative, compliance and support services that contribute to high-quality Defence training outcomes.

As our Defence operations continue to evolve, we are interested in connecting with professionals who can provide strong operational leadership, foster high-performing teams, drive continuous improvement, and build productive relationships with Defence and industry stakeholders.

This EOI is an opportunity to register your interest in a future Operations Manager - Defence role within the Defence Faculty. This role offers attractive remuneration inclusive of 12% superannuation.

Why work with us?


At Box Hill Institute, we offer more than just a job - we offer a supportive and rewarding work environment where your wellbeing, growth, and achievements are celebrated. Our benefits are designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally:

• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
• On-site parking for added convenience
• Career progression opportunities and reward & recognition programs to celebrate your success
• Generous leave options such as Defence Reserve Service, Emergency Response, up to 20 days paid Family Violence leave and up to 16 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Health & wellbeing supports and resources , including FREE flu-vaccinations, FREE skin checks, FREE health checks and corporate health insurance discounts
• Financial perks like novated leasing and salary packaging
• Unique campus experiences to support student learning , including $5 haircuts, shaves and grooming at our Barbershop as well as discounted treatments at our Day Spa and Beauty Salons located at our Elgar campus
• Exclusive staff discounts on CAE/Box Hill Institute short courses for staff and their immediate family as well as discounted access to our floristry, beauticians, restaurant, Vet & dog grooming

In this role, you will:

• Lead the effective delivery of operational, administrative, compliance and business support functions across the Defence Faculty
• Provide operational advice and support to the Head of Defence, including overseeing projects, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives
• Monitor performance, compliance, scheduling and resource utilisation to support contractual and organisational objectives
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a high-performance and service-focused culture
• Ensure compliance with legislative, contractual and Box Hill Institute requirements, including audit and reporting obligations
• Manage operational systems, scheduling processes and student lifecycle functions to ensure efficient service delivery
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Defence personnel, internal stakeholders and external partners
• Support the implementation of projects, process improvements and operational initiatives that enhance service delivery and client satisfaction

About you

• You're an experienced operational leader with strong people management skills and a demonstrated ability to lead complex business functions in a fast-paced environment. You bring:
• Qualifications in Business Administration, Leadership, Management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Current TAE40122 - Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (mandatory)
• Extensive experience managing operations, business support functions and service delivery teams
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and manage high-performing teams
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Experience managing compliance, reporting, scheduling and continuous improvement initiatives
• Demonstrated project management, organisational and problem-solving capabilities
• Experience working within Vocational Education and Training, Defence or Government environments will be highly regarded
• Existing NV1 Security Clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain NV1 Security Clearance

About us:


For over 100 years, we've been changing lives for the better, continuing to make this world a better place for all. By providing people with opportunities to expand their knowledge, experience and understanding of the world, we empower them to change their lives.

Our students can pursue everything from short courses through the Centre for Adult Education (CAE), Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major (VCEVM), Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships certificates, diplomas, and higher education degrees. We support our students' ambitions to study through our well-equipped classrooms at our campuses in Box Hill, Lilydale and the Melbourne CBD, as well as remotely with blended and online courses.

We are committed to a highly motivated and aligned workforce, so we'll be by your side to enable you, help you grow, and offer you benefits which enhance your work life balance.

APPLY NOW!

All applications must be submitted online and include a cover letter and current resume.

For specific enquiries relating to this position, please contact Martin Bottos, Head of Defence via email [email protected].

Expressions of interest will be reviewed periodically. Although you may not hear from us straight away, we're excited to connect with talented professionals and will be in touch if your background is a strong match.

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.

Box Hill Institute is a welcoming, safe and respectful work environment. We are work-life friendly and an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply for our vacancies.

Box Hill Institute is a Child Safe Organisation and has a zero tolerance towards the harm or abuse of children and young people. We believe that child safety is everyone's responsibility. All employees, volunteers, contractors and service providers are required to promote a culture of child safety, comply with the Child Safe Standards and other relevant legislation and reporting obligations of suspected child abuse as per the Institute's Child Safety Policy and Procedures. All employees are required to hold and maintain a current, valid Working with Children Check for the duration of their employment at their own expense.

Candidates for employment at Box Hill Institute will be subject to pre-employment probity checks, and must satisfy Box Hill Institute's pre-conditions for employment.

Box Hill Institute reserves the right to withdraw an advertised position at any stage.