ESS delivers the best hospitality and support services to remote and Defence sites across Australia. From mess halls to accommodation and recreation facilities, our teams keep Defence communities running smoothly every day. 

Join Compass Group, Australia’s largest hospitality and support services provider, as we continue to deliver exceptional Living and Working Services (LWS) to our Defence client portfolio across Australia. 

As an Area Manager, you’ll oversee multiple Defence bases within your zone—driving performance, supporting Base Managers, and ensuring consistent service excellence. You’ll play a key leadership role in delivering on contractual commitments, operational efficiencies, and client satisfaction. 

About the Role 

In this critical leadership role, you will: 

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and performance across multiple bases. 
• Lead, coach, and support Base Managers to achieve business objectives. 
• Build strong client relationships and ensure contractual requirements are met. 
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and cost efficiencies across sites. 
• Manage operational budgets, including labour, food, and consumable costs. 
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, compliance, and food safety across all locations. 
• Promote a culture of excellence, diversity, and engagement within your teams. 

About You 

You’re an experienced multi-site leader with a background in Defence, facilities, hospitality, or large-scale operations. You thrive on building strong relationships, solving challenges, and motivating teams to deliver results. 

You’ll bring: 

• A business or hospitality qualification (preferred). 
• Minimum 6 years’ management experience in a similar environment. 
• Proven commercial acumen and P&L management experience. 
• Strong people leadership and client relationship management skills. 
• Excellent understanding of safety, compliance, and workplace legislation. 
• Proficiency with IT systems and reporting tools. 

Why Compass Group? 

We are driven by our values—Responsibility, Teamwork, and Passion for Quality. 
At Compass Group, you’ll enjoy: 

• Opportunities for career growth and national mobility. 
• Supportive leadership and professional development programs. 
• Access to employee benefits and recognition programs. 
• The chance to make a meaningful impact across Defence communities. 

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?careers@compass-group.com.au.  

Our people’s unique backgrounds, experience, and abilities are at the heart of our vibrant workforce. We strive to create workplaces that reflect the diverse communities that we serve, where everyone feels empowered and valued. By building diverse teams means we are creating inclusive environments for all our people and those we connect with through our day-to-day operation. We welcome & encourage applications from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, gender expressions, gender identity and people with disability.