Project Manager

Your New Company

A well‑established Defence services organisation is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead site‑based operations at Garden Island. Operating within a highly regulated Defence environment, this organisation supports complex operational and maintenance activities in partnership with Commonwealth stakeholders and Defence primes.

Your new role

As the Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading day‑to‑day operations and project delivery at Garden Island, ensuring safe, compliant, and commercially effective outcomes. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will act as the primary interface between site operations, Defence stakeholders, and internal management, while leading a small on‑site team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing site‑based operations to ensure high‑quality service delivery
• Site based opportunity within secure Defence environment on Garden Island
• Planning, scheduling, resourcing, and delivering projects and maintenance activities
• Managing and motivating a small team to achieve performance and productivity targets
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with Defence stakeholders, primes, suppliers, and Commonwealth representatives
• Acting as the primary point of contact for all site‑related matters
• Overseeing commercial aspects of site operations, including contract performance and opportunities
• Ensuring compliance with Defence governance, regulatory, and WHS requirements
• Promoting and leading a strong safety culture across all activities
• Supporting medium‑ and long‑term operational planning
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and business growth

What you'll need to succeed

• Demonstrated experience working at Garden Island within a Defence SME or Prime environment - Exposure to industrial and maritime environments, including noise, machinery, and outdoor conditions
• Proven project management experience, including planning, scheduling, and resourcing
• Experience leading and managing small teams in operational environments
• Strong understanding of Defence expectations, processes, and compliance requirements
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills as this role will involve regular interaction with Defence personnel, contractors and multiple stakeholders
• Commercial awareness and contract delivery experience
• Strong problem‑solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Experience with project management tools and ERP systems (desirable)
• Ability to operate effectively in a high‑pressure, regulated Defence environment
• Compliance with Defence security, access, and PPE requirements

What you'll get in return

• Opportunity to work in a critical Defence environment supporting national capability
• Autonomy and accountability in a senior site‑based leadership role
• Long‑term stability within an established Defence services organisation
• Great company culture