Portfolio and Operations Manager

Cakum Global is recruiting a Portfolio and Operations Manager for our client, an established provider of global expeditionary integrated operational support services. The role is initially based in Manus Island, Papua New Guinea for 60 to 90 days, followed by returning home to Australia.

Role Overview:
Our client holds the Defence Head Maintenance Contract for HMPNGS Tarangau, Lombrum Naval Base, Manus Island, Papua New Guinea. Reporting to the Australian-based Director of Operations, you will be a hands-on operations leader to take the contract through start-up and transition-in to steady-state delivery.

As the Contractor's Representative, the successful candidate will be our client's single point of accountability to Defence, resident on site for the first 60 to 90 days to run operations while the site team is built. From early February 2027, the role shifts to program oversight from Australia, with site visits, contract reviews and fly-in support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Phase One: On-Site, 60 to 90 Days

• Primary contact for the Defence Contract Administrator. Chair weekly contract and monthly performance meetings and lead monthly reporting.
• Lead daily site operations, allocate planned and reactive maintenance, and supervise local staff and subcontractors.
• Close out Transition-In from the incumbent: assets, test equipment, registers, open work orders and site knowledge.
• Implement the Contract Management Plans (Operational, WHS and supporting), including inductions, hazard and chemical registers, incident reporting and fitness for work.
• Manage subcontractor performance, compliance and KPI flow-down within delegation.
• Establish SLA, KPI, maintenance system and Local Industry Capability reporting.
• Recruit, induct and mentor two Site Managers, handing over site management by early February 2027.

Phase Two: Program Oversight, Remote and Fly-In

Remote oversight from Australia: scheduled site visits, contract reviews and audits, Defence engagement, plan updates, and leave and incident cover.

SUCCESS MEASURES

• Unbroken accountability to Defence through transition.
• Transition-In items closed. KPI, SLA and Local Industry Capability reports issued on time monthly.
• Two local Site Managers running the site by early February 2027.
• All staff and subcontractors inducted; no overdue WHS actions.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• 10+ years in operations, facilities or project management.
• Proven experience leading a contract start-up, mobilisation or transition-in.
• Managed multi-trade subcontractors and a local workforce.
• Strong leadership, planning, time management and report writing.
• Fit for a remote posting, able to pass a pre-deployment medical and eligible for a PNG work permit.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Australian Defence contract experience or ex-ADF service.
• Remote, austere or Pacific experience (PNG ideal).
• Australian citizenship preferred; able to obtain a PNG work visa.
• Language abilities in Tok Pisin.
• WHS or project management qualification.

LOCATION AND PACKAGE

• Location: Lombrum Naval Base, Manus Island, PNG (on base during Phase 1)
• Phase 1: 60 to 90 days on site
• Phase 2: program oversight as agreed
• Start: Late November to early December 2026
• Engagement: Contractor (day rate) or fixed-term employee; remuneration negotiable

Referrals and confidential enquiries are welcome and can be made via Cakum Global.

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