Defence Area Operations Manager, Western Australia

Wilson Security | Department of Defence Base Security Services
Perth, WA | Full-time | Metropolitan and regional travel

SEEK summary

Lead day-to-day security operations across Western Australia, support our site leaders and build trusted relationships with Defence stakeholders and frontline teams.

Key selling points

• Progress your career in a broad operational management role
• Lead and support security teams across multiple Defence sites
• Build experience in workforce planning, client engagement and contract operations

The Opportunity

Wilson Security is seeking a motivated and capable Defence Area Operations Manager to support the day-to-day delivery of security services across our Western Australian Defence portfolio.

This is a operations management role for someone who enjoys working with people, solving operational problems and being present at the sites they support.

You will work closely with Site Security Managers, supervisors and Security Officers to maintain reliable service delivery, workforce coverage and consistent standards. You will also engage regularly with Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service personnel, requiring you to communicate professionally, confidently and respectfully.

We are looking for someone with energy, initiative and a genuine desire to develop their career. You do not need to know everything from day one, but you must be willing to learn, accept feedback, take ownership and follow through on commitments.

The right person will be equally comfortable participating in a Defence meeting, supporting a Site Security Manager with an operational issue and speaking directly with Security Officers during a site visit.

About the Role

Reporting to the Regional Security Manager, WA Defence, you will help coordinate daily security operations across metropolitan and regional Defence sites.

You will lead through Site Security Managers and supervisors while remaining connected to the frontline workforce. Your focus will include staffing, roster coverage, leadership support, client communication, compliance and the resolution of operational issues.

This is not a role that can be performed only through email, meetings and reports. Regular site visits and direct engagement with our people are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting daily security operations across metropolitan and regional Defence sites
• Providing direction, coaching and practical support to Site Security Managers and supervisors
• Building positive working relationships with Defence representatives and internal stakeholders
• Communicating operational matters clearly and professionally in meetings, reports and site discussions
• Monitoring vacancies, recruitment, onboarding, leave and workforce availability
• Working with Rostering and site leaders to maintain reliable shift coverage
• Identifying roster and workforce risks early and helping implement practical recovery plans
• Monitoring missed hours, overtime and recurring service-delivery issues
• Maintaining a regular site-visit program across different locations and shifts
• Speaking directly with Security Officers to understand workplace conditions, reinforce expectations and identify barriers
• Supporting employee performance, conduct, attendance and wellbeing matters
• Assisting with incidents, complaints, audits and operational escalations
• Ensuring sites follow Defence requirements, Wilson Security procedures and workplace safety obligations
• Coordinating additional services, projects and urgent operational requirements
• Providing clear updates and escalating significant risks early
• Participating in an approved after-hours management or on-call arrangement

About You

You will be a visible and approachable leader who enjoys working with people at all levels.

We are looking for someone who:

• Communicates professionally and confidently with Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service personnel
• Builds genuine rapport with Security Officers, supervisors and site leaders
• Brings energy, enthusiasm and a positive attitude to the workplace
• Is eager to learn and progress into broader operational or contract-management roles
• Remains calm and respectful when managing pressure, disagreement or competing priorities
• Takes ownership of problems and follows actions through to completion
• Sets clear expectations and is prepared to have respectful but direct conversations
• Can work independently while understanding when to seek guidance or escalate an issue
• Uses operational data but also visits sites to understand what is happening in practice
• Supports local leaders without unnecessarily taking over their responsibilities
• Can balance client expectations, workforce needs and company requirements
• Looks for practical ways to improve staffing, communication and service delivery

You may already be working as an Operations Manager, Site Security Manager, Contract Manager or in a comparable leadership position and be ready for your next career step.

Essential Requirements

To be considered, you will need:

Mandatory Certification:

• A current Western Australian security licence appropriate to the role, or the capacity to obtain and maintain one
• Australian citizenship
• The ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government NV1 security clearance
• A current Australian driver’s licence

Essential Experience:

• Experience supervising or managing people in security, protective services or another 24/7 operational environment
• Experience supporting multiple teams, locations or operational work areas
• The ability to communicate confidently and professionally with clients and employees
• Practical experience in workforce planning, recruitment, rostering or service delivery
• Experience coaching staff and addressing performance or conduct concerns
• Strong organisation, problem-solving and follow-up skills
• Clear written communication and reporting skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications
• The ability and willingness to travel regularly across Western Australia
• The ability to meet Defence access, probity and employment requirements

Desirable Experience

The following will be viewed favourably but is not essential:

• Experience working in Defence, government, critical infrastructure or another high-security environment
• Experience as a Site Security Manager, Operations Manager or senior security supervisor
• Previous Australian Defence Force service or experience working alongside Defence personnel
• Experience supporting audits, incident investigations or corrective actions
• Knowledge of contract performance, labour costs, service hours and operational reporting
• Certificate IV in Security Management or another relevant qualification

Why Join Wilson Security?

This role provides an opportunity to broaden your operational experience and build the skills required for future career progression.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop your experience across a large and varied Defence security portfolio
• Work with Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service stakeholders
• Lead and support Site Security Managers, supervisors and Security Officers
• Build capability in workforce planning, client engagement and contract performance
• Gain exposure to regional operations, incident management, audits and service improvement
• Contribute ideas and help improve how services are delivered
• Access development and career opportunities within a national organisation
• Contribute to the protection of Defence people, information, assets and facilities

Our Values

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate Wilson Security’s values through their daily leadership:

• Care: Look after our people, clients and communities.
• Integrity: Be honest, fair and professional.
• Accountability: Take ownership and deliver on commitments.
• Innovation: Look for practical ways to improve how we work.

Apply Now

If you are an energetic and capable operational leader who can communicate professionally with Defence stakeholders, build rapport with frontline teams and is ready to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit a current résumé and a cover letter briefly outlining:

1. Your experience leading security or operational teams
2. How you build relationships with both clients and frontline employees
3. Why this role is the right next step in your career

Wilson Security welcomes applications from suitably qualified veterans, reservists and candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Appointment will be subject to security-clearance eligibility, licence verification, probity checks and Defence access requirements.

Master Licence: WA SA60888