National Operations Manager

Higgins Coatings is Australia's premier commercial painting and building maintenance company, delivering complex projects and long-term asset protection solutions for some of the country's most recognised buildings and organisations.

We are seeking an experienced National Operations Manager to play a pivotal role in driving operational consistency, project performance, capability development and continuous improvement across our national network.

Reporting to the General Manager – Operations / National Accounts, this role provides strategic and hands-on support to our State Operations Teams, helping deliver exceptional project outcomes, operational efficiencies and sustainable growth.

About the Role

As National Operations Manager, you will partner closely with operational leaders across Australia to improve project delivery, strengthen operational capabilities and embed best practice throughout the business.

Key responsibilities include:

Operational Performance

• Conduct post-project reviews and identify opportunities for improved margin performance.
• Support operational teams with project planning, delivery and performance improvement.
• Drive financial discipline through WIP management, billing accuracy and claims processes.
• Assist branches in achieving revenue, profitability and debtor management targets.
• Identify and implement operational efficiency opportunities nationally.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Ensure consistency in operational processes and project delivery standards.
• Drive compliance with quality assurance, ISO and internal operational systems.
• Lead national operational reviews and corrective action programs.
• Support customer complaint resolution and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate monthly national operations meetings.

Leadership, Coaching & Training

• Develop operational capability across Project Managers, Supervisors and operational teams.
• Deliver training programs through the Higgins Training Academy.
• Conduct operational competency assessments and identify development opportunities.
• Partner with suppliers and stakeholders to deliver industry-leading operational training.
• Coach and mentor operational leaders to build future capability.

Project & Supplier Management

• Provide support on critical and complex projects across the business.
• Partner with suppliers to improve service delivery and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Support implementation and compliance of supplier service level agreements.

About You

You are a highly credible operational leader with strong commercial acumen and a passion for developing people and improving performance.

You will ideally bring:

• Significant experience leading operations within construction, coatings, maintenance, facilities management or related industries.
• Strong project management and commercial management capability.
• Proven ability to influence and drive outcomes through others.
• Experience coaching and developing operational teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.
• Ability to travel nationally as required.
• Strong Microsoft Office capability.

Why Higgins?

At Higgins Coatings, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

We offer:

• An opportunity to influence operational performance nationally.
• Exposure to major commercial projects and national clients.
• A collaborative and supportive leadership team.
• Career growth within an established national business.
• A strong focus on safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• The chance to leave a lasting legacy through developing our future operational leaders.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced operational leader looking to make a meaningful impact across a national organisation, we'd love to hear from you.