Alan Somers
Port Kennedy,VIC
Summary
An experienced compliance professional and former Royal Navy senior serviceman. I bring a values-driven approach centred on integrity, accountability, and operational excellence, with a proven ability to lead teams, manage risk, and deliver outcomes within statutory and organisational timeframes.
Most recently, as Operations Manager – Veterans Transition Centre, I led the delivery of crisis accommodation and transitional support services for veterans. I was responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, supporting veterans in crisis with housing stability, employment pathways, and assistance navigating Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) processes. This role required decisive leadership, sound risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to manage complex and sensitive cases with empathy and professionalism.
In addition to direct service delivery, I fostered strong partnerships with veteran organisations, local community groups, and sporting teams, designing and facilitating leadership development weekends to build resilience, teamwork, and community connection. This role strengthened my capability in strategic coordination, stakeholder relationship management, and program delivery.
My 17-year career in the Royal Navy developed my capability to lead under pressure, manage competing priorities, and make sound decisions in dynamic operational environments. I undertook mine clearance operations in the Baltic and Iraq, fishery protection duties in UK waters, and later served as a Leadership Instructor, mentoring and developing personnel for promotion. This role strengthened my skills in coaching, performance management, structured training delivery, and cultivating high-performing teams.
I lead with a calm, personable, and principled style. I am committed to developing others, fostering accountability, and building strong working relationships across teams and stakeholders. My leadership approach combines operational discipline with empathy and clear communication, ensuring both compliance outcomes and positive organisational culture.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Veterans Transition Centre
Jarrahdale, WA
12.2023 - 03.2025
- Oversaw provision of crisis accommodation and transitional support services to assist veterans in navigating high-risk and complex situations.
- Oversaw day-to-day operational management of the Veterans Transition Centre, ensuring safe, structured, and effective service delivery.
- Supported veterans in crisis to achieve housing stability and access sustainable employment pathways.
- Provided guidance and practical assistance in navigating Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) processes and entitlements.
- Applied decisive leadership and sound risk assessment to manage sensitive and high-pressure situations.
- Engaged effectively with stakeholders, veteran organisations, and community partners to coordinate holistic support outcomes.
National Program Manager
Buddy Up Australia
Perth, WA
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Lead the national delivery of community-based wellbeing programs supporting veterans, first responders, and their families across multiple regions.
- Provide strategic direction aligned with organisational mission, government priorities, and evidence-based mental health frameworks.
- Oversee program governance, risk management, compliance, and quality assurance to ensure safe and sustainable service delivery.
- Manage and mentor geographically dispersed staff, facilitators, and volunteers to foster high performance and consistent program standards.
Senior Building & Development Compliance Officer
City Of Rockingham
Rockingham, WA
10.2020 - 10.2022
- Conducted thorough inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia and local government policies.
- Advised management and external stakeholders on compliance and enforcement processes, ensuring clarity and accuracy in technical discussions.
- Prepared comprehensive prosecution briefs of evidence to facilitate legal proceedings in magistrates court and state administrative tribunal.
- Supported building and development compliance officers in addressing intricate matters that necessitate advanced expertise and political acumen.
- Ensured adherence to applicable laws during all investigative processes.
- Oversaw project management, procurement, and recordkeeping processes to maintain compliance with relevant council policies and procedures.
- Evaluated operational risks and compiled detailed reports, emphasising compliance with established risk management protocols.
- Implemented safety risk assessment and management strategies to uphold workplace health and safety in compliance with WHS roles and responsibilities.
Team Leader
Anaconda
Rockingham, WA
11.2019 - 10.2020
- Streamlined workflows, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced turnaround times.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Led and supervised a team of 15 staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment while delivering exceptional customer service.
- Built strong, professional relationships with team members to facilitate open communication and achieve timely resolution of operational and customer issues.
- Managed inventory control, including stock ordering, replenishment, and monitoring to ensure optimal product availability and minimise shortages.
- Maintained a safe and efficient workplace by proactively identifying and removing hazards, ensuring compliance with safety standards and improving operational flow.
Store Manager Trainee
Aldi
Kwinana, WA
05.2019 - 11.2019
- Supervised daily store operations, ensuring compliance with Aldi's standards and procedures.
- Trained staff on customer service protocols and efficient product handling techniques.
- Analysed sales data to identify trends and optimize inventory management practices.
- Implemented merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and drive customer engagement.
Stay at Home Parent
Home
Jervis Bay, ACT
06.2014 - 05.2019
- Managed daily operations of a busy household, overseeing scheduling, budgeting, logistics, and long-term planning.
- Coordinated appointments, school activities, extracurricular programs, and family commitments with strong time-management skills.
- Developed and managed household budgets, tracked expenses, and implemented cost-saving strategies.
- Demonstrated crisis management and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations requiring quick decision-making.
- Led conflict resolution and fostered a positive, supportive home environment focused on wellbeing and development.
- Organised events, volunteer activities, and community engagements, strengthening local relationships and networks.
- Supported children’s learning and development through structured routines, educational planning, and mentoring.
- Balanced multiple competing priorities while maintaining efficiency, resilience, and adaptability.
Arrears Representative
Rentlo
Adelaide, SA
05.2013 - 06.2014
- Acted as primary point of contact for customers experiencing payment issues to resolve outstanding balances.
- Conducted outreach to customers in default to facilitate payment resolution.
- Designed and maintained structured payment plans to support customer satisfaction and retention.
- Facilitated financial counseling sessions to empower individuals in managing their financial hardships.
Petty Officer (Mine Warfare)
Royal Navy
UK
02.1996 - 03.2013
- Cultivated supportive relationships with subordinates, fostering their professional development and personal well-being.
- Coordinated and optimized operations room functions for RN minehunters, enhancing situational awareness and response capabilities.
- Facilitated leadership training and development programs at Royal Naval Leadership Academy.
- Implemented and facilitated CBRN training programs focused on damage control, firefighting techniques, and chemical response protocols.
- Delivered comprehensive training on small arms weapon systems to enhance operational readiness.
- Coordinated sea safety drills and conducted regular maintenance checks on safety equipment to enhance crew preparedness.
Education
St Andrews High School For Boys
Worthing, UK02-1992
Skills
- Workplace health and safety diploma
- Security and risk management diploma
- Certified in first line management at Level 3
- NVQ Level 2 in engineering maintenance
- Certified in merchant shipping operations
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Staff management
- MS office
- Maintaining compliance
Timeline
Operations Manager
Veterans Transition Centre
12.2023 - 03.2025
National Program Manager
Buddy Up Australia
10.2022 - 11.2023
Senior Building & Development Compliance Officer
City Of Rockingham
10.2020 - 10.2022
Team Leader
Anaconda
11.2019 - 10.2020
Store Manager Trainee
Aldi
05.2019 - 11.2019
Stay at Home Parent
Home
06.2014 - 05.2019
Arrears Representative
Rentlo
05.2013 - 06.2014
Petty Officer (Mine Warfare)
Royal Navy
02.1996 - 03.2013
St Andrews High School For Boys