Business Operations Manager

About the business

JFD is a world leader in the design, manufacture and operation of diving and underwater systems in the Defence and Commercial markets. Our customers rely on us and our equipment to protect personnel operating in deep and hostile conditions. 

We pride ourselves on the quality of the products and solutions we supply and our close work with our customers to ensure that our products remain safe and reliable in the most challenging subsea environments. 

The key to building and maintaining our world class reputation is the recruitment and retention of the very best people. 

About the role 

We are seeking a passionate commercially orientated Manager whose strategic thinking and excellent problem-solving skills will influence decisions across the business. 

No two days are the same in this challenging role where you are accountable for the management, leadership and delivery of key shared services including Commercial & Contracts, Supply Chain management and Business Systems as an integrated functional support group for the Australian business. 

We are looking for a multi-skilled, intellectually curious, solution provider, who strongly supports a positive and professional culture, who has an interest in the underwater domain and is looking to join a business at the forefront of unique and exciting projects. 

Reporting to the Managing Director and part of the Australian Leadership team, this role is perfectly matched for someone who wants to apply their extensive commercial knowledge to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Primary duties include: 

• Identify commercial risks and liabilities and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Challenge areas of contract costing, identifying cost drivers, commercial risk and proposing solutions for contractual issues.
• Lead the bid and tender process for contracts across the business and coordinate the annual business planning.  
• Working with engineering, finance, manufacturing, project management and supply chain functions to lead and deliver the tender/contract outcomes.
• Lead the Supply Chain function, including management of AIC reporting and export control.
• Manage contracts and work with Subcontractors as part of wider Supply Chain oversight.
• Management of IT and Business Systems for Australia in conjunction with the wider James Fisher Group

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in commerce, business, law or a related discipline.
• At least 6 years’ experience in a Business or Commercial Management role. 
• Defence commercial exposure to ASDEFCON, Maritime or Subsea services sector experience (desirable) 
• Knowledge and experience with business software and business analytics, including a demonstrated knowledge of the principles of continuous improvement.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision making through detailed analysis, issue identification and problem solving.
• Additionally, the role requires annual travel to JFD headquarters in the UK, regular travel to Sydney, NSW and occasional travel to Canberra, ACT. 
• A track record in building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to show initiative, work autonomously and manage a broad range of responsibilities in a high-tempo, multi-tasking environment.

Why work for JFD? 

• Join a team of people who are passionate about their job. 
• Opportunity to expand the role and obtain new skills and experience. 
• Contribute to a growing and successful business with an exciting order book.
• Wellbeing programs – employee assistance program to support you and your immediate family with counselling and support as needed.
• Flexible working arrangements, including a condensed working week to support a half day every Friday. 
• Generous paid community service leave to support your local community or serve as a defence reservist. 
• Weekly fruit baskets to keep hunger at bay on busy days. 
• Free on-site parking. 
• Novated car leasing options available. 

How to apply

• Applicants must have existing Australian work rights and ability gain security access to Australian defence establishments. To check your eligibility please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website.
• Any offer of employment will be subject to a preemployment health screen which includes a drug and alcohol screening.  
• Apply through the Seek website with your current resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you think you’re a good fit for JFD. 
• Veterans are encouraged to apply!