Defence Operations Manager – South Australia

About the role

Shadbolt Group is seeking an experienced Manager to lead its South Australian Defence operations. Reporting to the GM Defence, you will drive operational performance, commercial outcomes and business growth across engineering, maintenance and infrastructure projects.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Defence projects and workshop operations throughout South Australia.
• Drive profitability, operational performance and business growth.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Defence agencies, prime contractors and key clients.
• Manage budgets, forecasting, project performance and commercial outcomes.
• Provide leadership, coaching and support to project, workshop and operational teams.
• Support tender submissions, pricing, negotiations and contract reviews.
• Champion safety culture, quality standards and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required profile

• 8‑10+ years in a senior operational or business leadership role within Defence, engineering, construction, infrastructure or heavy industry.
• Proven experience managing business operations, commercial performance and P&L accountability.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary project and operational teams.
• Strong business development and client relationship management skills.
• Experience delivering complex projects safely, on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Current Australian driver licence.
• Australian Defence industry experience with established relationships.
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Business or Project Management.
• Workshop or fabrication management experience.
• Current or previously held Defence Security Clearance (Baseline, NV1 or higher).

Required skills

What we offer

• A senior leadership role with genuine influence over business performance.
• Opportunity to grow and shape South Australian Defence operations.
• Diverse and challenging Defence projects.
• Collaborative executive leadership team.
• Competitive remuneration package.
• Long‑term career development with a growing national business.