Chief Operating Officer

Join to apply for the Chief Operating Officer role at Defence Housing Australia .

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) leads the Enabling Services Group, which brings together key teams dedicated to delivering essential people, finance, governance, legal and compliance services across the organisation. The COO ensures DHA operates efficiently and effectively at every level, maintaining seamless enabling services delivery to support the organisation's overall objectives.

Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Level: SES Band 2

Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

The COO is an integral part of DHA senior leadership team, providing leadership and advice, overseeing the Finance & Corporate Support, Governance, Communication, Human Resources and Legal business functions across the agency, influencing the development and implementation of strategies for financial, governance, legal and HR related outcomes. The COO is part of DHA's Executive Group and Investment Committee and is a key engagement role across DHA's activities, building and maintaining relationships with DHA's Board and key stakeholders, including joint ministers and government agencies.

• Oversee the Finance & Corporate Support, Governance, Communication, Human Resources and Legal business functions across the agency.
• Influence the development and implementation of strategies for financial, governance, legal and HR related outcomes.
• Build and maintain relationships with DHA's Board, key stakeholders and government agencies.
• Provide leadership and advice to the senior leadership team and Executive Group.
• Lead a team of four direct reports: Chief General Counsel, Chief Governance Officer, Chief People Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

• Demonstrated experience across a broad range of subject matter as well as specialised experience within one or more of the following disciplines: Financial, HR, Legal and Compliance.
• Strong leadership and problem solving skills, personal drive and integrity.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate persuasively.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across functions and portfolios.
• Demonstrated ability to shape strategic thinking and achieve results.
• Experience or capability to work with a board of directors.
• Developed ability to contribute to organisational leadership, implementing strategies, building organisational capability, responsiveness and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated active commitment to the APS Code of Conduct, values, leadership capabilities and performance.

• Security Clearance: AGSVA security clearance to the specified level.
• Probation: Probation period will apply to any new ongoing engagement to the Australian Public Service.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. You will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme. Please visit for more information.

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool. If the applicant agrees, the result may be shared with other APS agencies for filling similar roles. Applicants may be offered a future role without reapplying. The merit list or pool may be used for up to 18 months.

Applications must be submitted through Beaumont and Beaumont's online recruitment system:

Your application should include:

• A written pitch up to 1000 words outlining your skills and experience and how they align to the advertised role.
• Relevant supporting documentation as requested.

Further information may be obtained from Jonathan Beaumont at or

All enquiries will be kept in strict confidence.

Applications close 11:30 PM AEDT 9 November 2025.