Lead Operations.
Drive Growth.
Deliver Excellence.
Shadbolt Group is seeking an experienced Manager (Defence, SA) to lead our South Australian Defence operations and play a key role in delivering complex engineering, maintenance and infrastructure projects.
Reporting to the GM Defence, you'll be responsible for the operational leadership, commercial performance and continued growth of our South Australian Defence business, including project delivery and workshop operations.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, developing client relationships and delivering exceptional outcomes.
About The Role
As the senior operational leader for our South Australian business, you will:
Lead Defence projects and workshop operations across South Australia.Drive operational performance, profitability and business growth.Develop and maintain strong relationships with Defence, government agencies, prime contractors and key clients.Manage budgets, forecasting, project performance and commercial outcomes.Provide leadership, coaching and support to project, workshop and operational teams.Support tender submissions, pricing, negotiations and contract reviews.Champion a strong safety culture, quality standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
About You
To Be Successful, You'll Bring
8-10+ years' experience in a senior operational or business leadership role within Defence, engineering, construction, infrastructure or heavy industry.Proven experience managing business operations,



commercial performance and P&L; accountability.Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary project and operational teams.Strong business development and client relationship management skills.Experience delivering complex projects safely, on time and within budget.Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities.Current Australian Driver Licence.
Highly Regarded
Australian Defence industry experience.Established relationships with Defence, Defence Prime Contractors or government agencies.Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Business or Project Management.Workshop or fabrication management experience.Current or previously held Defence Security Clearance (Baseline, NV1 or higher).
Why Join Shadbolt Group?
Shadbolt Group is a growing Australian engineering and project delivery company supporting Australia's Defence industry through innovative engineering, fabrication and project solutions.
We Offer
A senior leadership role with genuine influence over business performance.The prospect to grow and shape our South Australian Defence operations.Diverse and challenging Defence projects.A collaborative executive leadership team.Competitive remuneration package.Long-term career development with a growing national business.
If you're an experienced operational leader ready to make a significant impact within the Defence sector, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and become part of a team delivering critical outcomes for Australia's Defence industry.

📌 Manager (Defence, Sa) (Adelaide)
🏢 Shadbolt Group
📍 Adelaide