| JOB SPEC | |
|---|---|
| Job Reference: | BD2843 |
| Position Type: | Full Time |
| Sector: | Defence |
| Location: | Melbourne, Australia |
| Salary | Basic to £60k DOE + 40% Commission |
| Contact: | Barrie Dewhirst |
| Phone: | 0113 2460062 or 07487508210 |
| E-mail: | [email protected] |
| APPLY FOR THIS JOB | |
| PRINT THIS JOB | |
| E-MAIL THIS JOB | |
RECRUITMENT PROFESSIONALS SOUGHT — ALL LEVELS
Defence | Melbourne, Australia Basic Salary up to £60,000 tax-free | Commission up to 40% | OTE £130,000+ | Medical Insurance
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are a globally established recruitment agency specialising exclusively in the Property, Construction and Energy sectors, with offices across Australia, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and beyond. With a track record spanning over a decade, we have built an unrivalled reputation for connecting exceptional talent with leading organisations across complex, highly specialised industries worldwide.
As we continue to grow our Melbourne operation, we are looking to appoint recruitment professionals at all levels — from Recruitment Consultant through to Associate Director — to join our team. These are desk-based roles specialising in permanent recruitment across the defence sector, supporting defence contractors, systems integrators, government agencies, and specialist technology and engineering firms across Melbourne and the wider Australian market.
This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing, internationally connected team at a pivotal moment for the Australian defence industry. Australia is currently undertaking one of the largest defence capability investment programmes in its history, with significant government commitment to naval shipbuilding, aerospace, cyber, land systems, and defence infrastructure — creating exceptional and sustained demand for specialist defence talent across all disciplines and levels.
THE ROLES
We are open to candidates at the following levels:
- Recruitment Consultant
- Senior Recruitment Consultant
- Principal Consultant
- Associate Director
Regardless of level, you will be building and managing client and candidate relationships across the defence sector in Melbourne and the wider Australian market. Day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with defence prime contractors, systems integrators, specialist technology firms, and government defence agencies across Melbourne and Australia
- Managing the full 360° recruitment cycle for permanent roles across the breadth of the defence sector, including systems engineering, programme management, cyber and electronic warfare, naval architecture, aerospace, logistics, and defence technology
- Sourcing, screening, and presenting high-calibre candidates across all defence disciplines and seniority levels, from specialist engineers through to programme directors and senior government advisors
- Providing informed market intelligence and salary benchmarking to both clients and candidates
- Proactively identifying and developing new business opportunities within your specialist area
- Collaborating with colleagues across our international office network to leverage global candidate pipelines
- Representing the company with the professionalism and credibility that our client relationships demand
More senior candidates will be expected to take on additional responsibilities including team leadership, strategic account management, and contribution to the growth and direction of the Melbourne office.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for driven and commercially minded recruitment professionals with relevant sector experience at any stage of their career. You don't need to have worked in the Australian market previously — candidates with strong experience placing professionals within the UK or other international defence markets are very much encouraged to apply.
Essential requirements:
- Proven track record in recruitment within the defence sector or a closely related discipline, such as aerospace, systems engineering, cyber, government, or advanced manufacturing
- Demonstrable experience of managing a 360° permanent recruitment desk
- Strong commercial acumen and a consultative approach to business development
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Self-motivated, resilient, and target-driven with a genuine passion for the defence and national security industry
Desirable:
- Prior experience working in or recruiting for the Australian defence market
- Existing candidate or client networks within defence prime contractors, systems integrators, or government defence agencies
- Familiarity with Australian defence capability programmes including AUKUS, the naval shipbuilding programme, or land and aerospace acquisition projects
- For senior roles: demonstrable experience of leading, mentoring, or developing junior recruitment staff
PACKAGE & BENEFITS
- Basic Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum (commensurate with experience and level)
- Commission: Up to 40% — uncapped earning potential
- OTE: £130,000+
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive cover provided
- Relocation: Assistance available for the right candidate
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
- Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
ABOUT US
We are a globally connected recruitment firm with a deep specialism in Property, Construction and Energy. With offices spanning Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, we have spent over a decade building trusted partnerships with leading organisations across complex and highly specialised industries worldwide. Our long-term, relationship-led approach is what sets us apart — we take the time to truly understand the organisations and individuals we work with, ensuring we consistently connect the right people with the right opportunities.
Joining our Melbourne team means becoming part of an ambitious, internationally connected business with an established and highly regarded presence in the Australian market — and the global reach to support your career at every stage.
How to Apply
If you are ready for the next stage of your recruitment career, contact Barrie Dewhirst in the strictest confidence on 07487 508210 or email [email protected]
Equal Opportunities Employer: We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Confidential applications are welcome. All enquiries treated in strict confidence.


