National Operations Manager – Dangerous Goods
This role leads the Bulk Dangerous Goods and Explosives operation, setting clear direction and building a high-performing, safety-first team capable of delivering consistent, compliant, and cost-efficient outcomes.
Accountable for team capability, engagement, and performance, the role drives a culture of ownership, discipline, and continuous improvement. It provides decisive leadership, ensuring people are aligned, supported, and held to clear standards in a high-risk, safety-critical environment.
Through strong operational control, workforce leadership, and optimisation of resources, the role delivers productivity, reliability, and positive customer outcomes while maintaining uncompromising safety and regulatory compliance.
Location: Gladstone
What You’ll Be Doing
- National Operational Leadership & Execution
- Cost, Asset & Productivity Performance
- Operational Control, Fleet & Maintenance Governance
- Execution Discipline & Continuous Improvement
- Stakeholder & Network Alignment
- Commercial Alignment (Execution-Focused)
- People Leadership & Capability
- Safety & Regulatory Accountability (Non-Negotiable)
What You’ll Bring
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Financial acumen with a focus on cost management and revenue generation
- Excellent negotiation and contract management abilities
- Strategic thinking and ability to align business goals with market dynamics
- Knowledge of industry regulations and market trends
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy in financial reporting
- Ability to adapt to changing business environments
- Extensive knowledge of the relevant state DG/EXP legislation
- Broad knowledge of DG/EXP vehicle transport requirements
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Strong relationship skills and ability to influence employees positively
- Strong leadership, mentoring and management skills
- Compliance with all Centurion policy and procedures
- Practical understanding of continuous improvement and process management
Essential (non-negotiable)
- Demonstrated compliance capability and working knowledge of Dangerous Goods and explosives transport legislation, including the Australian Explosives Code and relevant state-based regulations
- Senior leadership experience in transport, logistics, or heavy industry operations within a safety-critical environment
- Proven experience managing large-scale operations, including fleet, workforce, and cost accountability
- Strong financial acumen with demonstrated responsibility for budgets, cost control, and asset utilisation
Preferred (Highly Regarded)
- Tertiary qualification in:
- Supply Chain / Logistics
- Business / Commerce
- Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial or related)
- Formal qualifications or certifications in:
- Dangerous Goods / Explosives handling and transport
- Chain of Responsibility (CoR) / Heavy Vehicle Compliance
- Work Health & Safety (e.g. Cert IV or Diploma in WHS)
- Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MBA or equivalent) for candidates operating at enterprise level
Desirable (Value-Add)
- Lean / Six Sigma or continuous improvement certification
- Experience with national regulatory environments across multiple jurisdictions
- Exposure to complex contract logistics or resource sector operations (mining, energy, bulk haulage)
- Advanced capability in operational systems (TMS, telematics, fleet optimisation platforms)
Why People Choose Centurion
- Reliable weekly pay
- Well-maintained, modern fleet and equipment
- Safety-first culture across every shift
- Training and development to support your career
- Salary packaging including novated leasing and retail discounts
- Bring Ya Mate & earn up to $1,000 through Centurion’s referral program
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program for mental wellbeing support
- Discounted private health insurance
- Recognition and financial rewards through quarterly and annual awards
- Service milestone rewards for long-term employees
- PPE supplied
The Centurion Difference
At Centurion, we know the hard work our team puts in every day, and we believe it should be recognised. That’s why we focus on the things that matter on the job, from reliable weekly pay to well-maintained equipment and a safety-first culture across every shift.
With backing from our team and ongoing training to build your skills, you’ll have what you need to get the job done safely and efficiently. Alongside this, we provide clean, well-equipped depot facilities and a range of benefits that support you both at work and at home.
Company Overview
Centurion is a premier logistics company with a long-standing reputation for excellence in transportation services across Australia. Founded in 1971, our business provides nationwide service with 34 branches across Western Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia and Victoria.
How to Apply
Ready to take the next step with Centurion? If you have the experience, ability and skills, we want to hear from you.
Centurion is an Equal Opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from women and First Nations People.
Please note that we do not accept applications from recruitment agencies. Direct applicants only.