The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, London.
Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.
The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.
About the Position
Working under the direction of First Secretary (Management Branch), and in close liaison with Minister Counsellor and Consul-General, the Business Operations Manager is responsible for a large team comprising the facilities, security and event coordination sections under limited supervision. The position is responsible for coordinating operations to ensure optimal management of the office space, security and related building processes and work health and safety requirements.
The role ensures compliance with post security protocols, oversees the maintenance of Australia House and official residences, and promotes the safety of employees and visitors, acting in roles such as Chief Fire Warden for Australia House, Chief First Aider for Australia House, Strategic Work Health and Safety (WHS) lead as well as a member of the WHS Governance Committee. The role requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders and external providers, including outsourced property management partners.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Provide strategic oversight and risk management for security, property and workplace health and safety in line with relevant legislation and Australian government guidelines and procedures.
- Provide high-level advice and expertise to inform decisions by Post Management to ensure outcomes and management of risk are achieved effectively and efficiently.
- Lead and manage a large team, including direct supervision of key roles, providing strategic direction of security, facilities and reception services, establishing work priorities, monitoring performance, providing regular feedback and identifying learning opportunities.
- Oversee outsourced property management and collaborate with service providers to meet organisational needs.
- Deliver strategic advice and manage projects related to property, facilities, procurement and refurbishments.
- Monitor budgets, control expenditure and implement cost-effective solutions in accordance with departmental guidelines.
- Review, negotiate and manage contracts and supplier relationships in compliance with procurement guidelines.
- Establish and maintain strong stakeholder relationships while ensuring quality assurance and control across services and processes.
Required Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge/Skills
- Proficient experience in facilities and property management with specific contract management experience.
- Strong background in security management.
- Demonstrated experience in managing diverse teams, managing performance, mentoring, and developing staff.
- Excellent judgement, problem-solving ability and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, manage and deliver multiple priorities while adhering to policies, procedures and tight deadlines.
- Qualifications and/or demonstrated experience as a Fire Warden and First Aider.
- Qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in Work, Health and Safety strategy and governance.
Desirable
- Comprehensive experience in business operations and security, fostering a team-oriented approach to achieve objectives.
Security Requirements
- Australian [Baseline/NV1/NV2] security clearance or ability to gain same. Therefore, applicants must hold citizenship of Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK or Canada to be considered.
Selection Criteria
Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role.
The word limit is strictly 250 words per response to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.
A. Demonstrated experience in facilities or security management, including but not limited to work health and safety, supplier management and fire evacuation procedures.
B. Demonstrated staff management experience, including ability to lead, drive effective performance management and provide clear strategic direction to ensure team and individual performance objectives are met and staff remain motivated.
C. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to influence and negotiate favourable outcomes with internal and external stakeholders, including supplier contractors. Ability to deliver against key project objectives whilst promoting excellent client service.
D. Strong planning, resource management and organisational skills with the ability to deliver outcomes under pressure and manage a range of competing priorities under limited supervision.
E. Proven record of safety leadership, including taking the initiative to promote safety in the workplace and develop WHS solutions.
The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region. To apply, please use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to recruitment.london@dfat.gov.au.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.
We are looking for a Business Operations Manager to join the Business Operations Team at the Australian High Commission, London.
