Base Manager Staging

The Role

We're looking for a confident and capable leader to become the Base Manager at Staging and Support Base Rockhampton - a pivotal position at the heart of Defence operations. The ideal candidate will BE self-motivated, have the ability to work autonomously and have a strong commitment to the strategic outcomes of the Australian Defence Force and their international partners.

Staging and Support Rockhampton plays a critical role in enabling large-scale multinational exercises, which are vital to enhancing Defence capability and supporting both domestic and international military training objectives.

Due to its close proximity to Shoalwater Bay Training Area, the Staging and Support Rockhampton provides ongoing and essential support for a wide range of Defence activities. This includes ensuring that military personnel and equipment have access to appropriate, fit-for-purpose facilities. The base plays host to a diverse array of users, from Defence Force cadet organisations to high-level international military contingents, which requires the ability to build and sustain effective relationships across varied stakeholder groups to ensure operational success.

Central Queensland's strategic significance to the Australian Defence Force is reflected in continued investment in infrastructure and capability, often managed remotely without key personnel on site. With a high operational tempo, frequent training exercises, and ongoing infrastructure development, this role demands strong leadership to directly enable and enhance Defence capability. You will play a critical role leading teams to ensure the base functions effectively, manage complex issues, to create a safe, well-supported environment for Defence personnel to train, live, and work.

The Base Manager sits at the intersection of strategic planning, estate optimisation, base security, infrastructure management, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will work closely with Defence members, contractors and other government partners to make sure everything from maintenance to security is effectively managed. It is fast-paced, people-focused work with a strong sense of purpose and community impact.

You will take ownership of base operations, risk management, and support activities. You will play a critical leadership role in aligning the base's functions with broader Defence priorities, supporting senior Defence leaders, and contributing to government readiness. This role and service delivery environment requires a strong leader who is a sharp thinker and can lead on the ground. You will manage the staff, facilities, and services that support Defence personnel and operations.

You will be responsible for ensuring the base remains a safe, secure, and highly functional environment for ADF, Defence staff and contractors. You will provide high-level advice and reporting to senior officials and, when required, support engagement with Defence leaders, government departments, and ministers.

About our Team

Northern and Central Zone is a branch of Service Delivery Division within the Security and Estate Group. Service Delivery Division is at the forefront of enhancing Defence capabilities and personnel readiness through innovative service delivery and support mechanisms. Our work directly contributes to the operational excellence and welfare of Australia's Defence force, offering unparalleled opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Northern and Central Zone is a critical business enabler of Defence capabilities, prioritising base resources and ensuring service delivery standards across the Defence Estate.

Northern and Central Zone is instrumental in facilitating critical Defence exercises and operations, focused on optimising support for the ADF. Northern and Central Zone manages the most significant and largest training areas and ranges in Australia, enabling substantial multinational and bilateral exercises such as Pitch Black and Talisman Sabre. We provide essential, on-the-ground services and support to Defence personnel at locations throughout Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region in Western Australia.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are after someone who is not just organised and reliable-but a strong leader who can bring people together and solve problems in a fast-paced environment.

This role suits someone with strong leadership skills, practical experience in complex operational environments, and a commitment to excellence and service. You are calm under pressure, skilled at managing people and resources, and driven to achieve high standards in everything you do.

You should be able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, managing both short-term issues and long-term planning. You are comfortable working in a structured, security-conscious environment and understand the importance of supporting Defence operations with professionalism and integrity.

The skills that we seek in you:

• Exceptional leadership and team management capability, including the ability to drive positive outcomes in an operational and service delivery environment.
• Excellent communication (both written and verbal), planning, and reporting skills, including preparation of briefs and high-level correspondence.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including experience supporting senior leaders, government departments, or ministers and the ability to build trusted relationships with customers, contractors, service providers and community partners.
• High-level problem solving and decision making skills with a collaborative and strategic mindset to align local activities to broader Defence priorities.
• Resilient, adaptable, and skilled at prioritising work in fast-paced and complex operational environments, while maintaining a focus on safety, security, risk, compliance and operational continuity.
• An experienced, supportive people-leader who can motivate and develop a high-performing and accountable team.

In turn, we will provide you with the following:

• Performance-related salary progression.
• Up to 15.4% superannuation.
• Standard hours of 37.5 hours per week.
• Negotiated flexible work arrangements.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Annual leave of 20 days per year.
• Personal/Carers leave of 15 days per year.
• An additional day of leave per calendar year in addition to regular leave.
• Christmas stand down (a paid break during the Christmas and New Year period in addition to standard leave).
• A range of Parental and Reservist leave.
• Several health, well-being, diversity and inclusion networks.
• Defence Employee Assistance Program provided by Converge International.

We are looking for an enthusiastic leader to join our team. This role is ideal for energetic and motivated people and operational leaders who are focused on ongoing self-improvement and professional development. A Merit Pool of suitable candidates may also be created for future placement.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 4 December 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference SEG/08713/25 on