At Compass Group Australia, we don’t just serve meals — we create unforgettable experiences. As part of the world's largest food and support services company, we partner with iconic brands and industries to deliver exceptional service across workplaces, hospitals, schools, stadiums, remote sites, and more. From fuelling major mining operations to crafting gourmet moments at world-class venues, our team thrives on challenge, passion, and purpose. If you're looking to be part of something bigger, where your contribution truly matters — this is your moment to join us!

Join a global leader that feeds innovation, drives hospitality, and powers possibility!

The Position

Based in Wagga Wagga, south of NSW, this exciting senior leadership opportunity is within one of our specialist portfolios at Compass Group – ESS Defence. ESS Defence specialises in delivering hospitality and catering services to Defence personnel onsite. Our work in this space is essential to keeping our Australian Defence Force nourished, healthy and comfortable.

The region you will be responsible for, includes 5 sites across Wagga Wagga and Blamey Barracks in the Kapooka area with their own operational manager reporting to you.

Reporting to the Senior Regional Operations Manager, the focus of your role will be to:

• Develop and maintain client relationships in proactive service, identifying areas of support and engaging on any challenges identified at a regional level.
• Drive operational efficiency maximising commercial results whilst not compromising on quality and service delivery.
• Promote a collaborative high-performance culture through continuous improvement.
• Develop leadership and employee capability driving engagement and career development.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Regional Operations Manager to operationalise strategic plans and drive on-going and sustainable improvement in our safety performance.

Excitingly, this position is available at a unique time for ESS Defence as there is opportunity for the right candidate to step-up a management level in the short-medium term. It is the perfect opportunity to join and learn, and then fast track your career to a new level.

The Person

• To be successful in this role you must have excellent attention to detail, experience in understanding and meeting client needs, navigating policies and procedures, and inspiring a team of leaders.
• Your previous experience ideally comes from a services, hospitality, or facilities management background, however any experience from sectors such as construction, large community or Disability support services, or project services are also highly regarded. 
• We value experience from different lenses that enrich our approach to service delivery and employee engagement. 
• To apply, you may be a seasoned professional or looking to step-up into the next management level.  The training and the support you will receive will be tailored to you and the level of experience you have.

Please note: For this position, you must provide evidence of your Australian working rights, undertake a Police Check and pass a site Security clearance.

The Benefits

Working with a large global company means you can be assured that we have an attractive benefits program! This includes comprehensive learning & development offerings, a variety of recognition programs and company discounts, an excellent salary benchmarking matrix and at this management level also includes an incentive bonus scheme! You can read all about these here: Why work at Compass

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all. If you require adjustments or alternative methods of communication in the recruitment process, please reach out to us on either 1300TALENT or talisson@compass-group.com.au