Job Description

State Operations Manager – Security (VIC/TAS)

Location: Melbourne (Mulgrave Based)
Employment Type: Full-time | Permanent
Industry: Physical Security / Protective Services
Reports to: General Manager – Security

About the business

We are a well-established and growing provider of physical security services across Victoria, delivering solutions to commercial, government and critical infrastructure clients. Our reputation is built on operational reliability, compliance excellence and strong client partnerships.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a highly capable State Operations Manager to lead and oversee our Victorian operations, ensuring consistent service delivery, financial performance and team capability across a diverse portfolio of security contracts.

The opportunity

This is a senior operational leadership role with full accountability for the day-to-day performance, compliance and profitability of our Victorian and Tasmanian security operations.

You will lead a team of Business Managers, Site Supervisors and operational support staff, acting as the escalation point for clients, staff and internal stakeholders. You will balance strategic oversight with hands-on operational involvement, ensuring rosters, resources, budgets and people are aligned to contract requirements.

The role suits an experienced operations leader who understands the realities of a labor-intensive, 24/7 service environment and is comfortable making commercial and people decisions in real time.

Key responsibilities

Operational leadership & service delivery

  • Provide strong leadership across all Victorian security operations, ensuring contractual obligations are met or exceeded at all times.
  • Maintain oversight of multi-site service delivery, including manning levels, incident response, client communication and service continuity.
  • Conduct regular site visits across Victoria to audit service quality, compliance and staff engagement.
  • Act as the senior escalation point for operational issues, incidents and client concerns.

    • People leadership & workforce management

  • Lead, coach and develop Business Managers, Site Supervisors and operational teams to drive performance and accountability.
  • Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training and retention of security personnel in line with operational demand.
  • Ensure all personnel hold appropriate licences, inductions and training certifications.
  • Support performance management, disciplinary processes and employee relations matters in line with company policies.

    • Commercial & financial management

  • Take accountability for state-level budgets, labour hours and cost control across the Victorian portfolio.
  • Review and manage master rosters, Hours reports and labour utilisation to ensure commercial efficiency.
  • Work with senior leadership to monitor P&L performance, identify risks and implement corrective actions.
  • Contribute to operational forecasting, tender transitions and mobilisation of new contracts.

    • Client & stakeholder engagement

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, acting as the senior operational contact.
  • Attend and lead client meetings, performance reviews and KPI reporting forums.
  • Ensure client requirements are clearly communicated and embedded into operational delivery.

    • Compliance, WHS & governance

  • Ensure compliance with all contractual, legislative and regulatory requirements, including licensing and award obligations.
  • Champion WHS, risk management and Return to Work practices across the state.
  • Maintain compliance with internal management systems, audits and reporting frameworks.

    • About you

    You are an experienced operations leader with a strong background in managing people-intensive, multi-site operations. Ideally, you will bring direct experience from the security industry or a closely aligned services environment (e.g. facilities, cleaning, labour hire or guarding services).

    You are commercially minded, decisive and comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels. You communicate clearly, lead from the front and understand how to balance client satisfaction with operational realities.

    Essential requirements

  • Demonstrated experience in a senior operations or state management role overseeing multiple sites or contracts
  • Strong commercial and financial acumen, including roster management and labour-driven cost control
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor and hold managers accountable
  • Level II Security Certificate (mandatory)
  • Current Victorian driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

    • Desirable experience

  • Prior experience within physical security or guarding services
  • Exposure to government or large commercial security contracts
  • Experience with audits, IMS frameworks or ISO-aligned environments

    • What we offer

  • Senior leadership role with autonomy and real operational influence
  • Competitive salary package commensurate with experience
  • Vehicle or vehicle allowance (role dependent)
  • Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation
  • Supportive leadership team and values-driven culture

    • How to apply

    If you are a driven operations leader looking to take ownership of a state-wide security portfolio, we would welcome your application.

    Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role via SEEK.

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