Jessica Blayden

In my role as a Team Manager, I oversee a team of 20, adeptly balancing job requirements and addressing fatigue-related issues. I navigate competing priorities by effectively communicating with both customers and team members. My confidence in handling difficult conversations has grown, and I proactively address issues as they arise. I am also able to reference publications as required and rely on a strong professional network for guidance and support in uncertain situations. My experience includes managing both small and large teams across various environments, from office spaces to remote locations. This role has reinforced the importance of strong leadership and effective team management in achieving organisational success.

I worked in remote locations across Western Australia, managing cargo and passenger movements, including schedule planning, movement planning, and load planning. During this time, I was entrusted with Higher Duties, overseeing a team of approximately 15 personnel. My role involved coordinating with foreign forces to facilitate the entry and exit of cargo and passengers, which directly related to project management by requiring meticulous planning and execution. I also pursued a Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management, further enhancing my skills in managing complex operations and responding to critical situations. Participation in leadership forums and working groups deepened my understanding of the broader organisational context, allowing me to apply these insights and improved planning strategies effectively within my team.

I worked in a tri-service environment encompassing the Army, Air Force, and Navy, coordinating the movement of personnel and cargo before and after training exercises and deployments. I briefed large groups of personnel and managed a team to provide 24-hour service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I implemented control measures for international arrivals to ensure safety and compliance. Additionally, I played a key role in the Afghanistan evacuation at an intermediate point, working closely with government officials to ensure the safe passage of individuals to Australia. This role honed my project management skills and demonstrated my ability to effectively communicate with high-level stakeholders in high-pressure situations.

At 13SQN RAAF Base Darwin, I consolidated my training by handling dangerous goods and using material handling equipment to load and unload aircraft. I was trained in aircraft refueling, performing Fuel Quality Control (FQC) and conducting daily inspections on vehicles ranging from Heavy Rigid to Heavy Combination. I gained experience working in small teams under unpredictable conditions and advanced to managing a small team in the refueling section during high-tempo exercise periods. I also assisted with the implementation of the new JP157 refueling vehicles, overseeing continuous quality and control testing to ensure their serviceability. This role was pivotal in shaping my leadership skills, as I developed proficiency in managing difficult conversations, personnel management, and prioritisation. It provided me with a solid foundation in team dynamics and operational excellence, significantly influencing my professional growth.