Leith Biddell Email & Phone Number

Adelaide, Sa, Au

Adelaide, Sa, Au

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Omni is an Australian-owned business focused on delivering innovative defence, national security, intelligence and critical infrastructure solutions to further our national interest.I lead impactful projects within the Defence sector, spearheading test and trials for crucial military capabilities. Ensuring seamless trial execution, I collaborate with stakeholders to drive success and deliver exceptional results.Key Responsibilities:Proactive Stakeholder Engagement - Champion proactive engagement with trial stakeholders. Through strong relationships, I ensure alignment of objectives and facilitate open communication channels throughout the project lifecycle.Documentation Management - Lead the development and management of all necessary trial documentation, including engineering change requests, environmental, security and WHS assessments, while ensuring industry compliance.Trial Planning Assistance – Support the Logistics Manager to ensure seamless coordination of resources for efficient project execution. Trial Execution - Providing pre- and post-trial briefings to stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment on objectives and outcomes. Provide day-to-day trial administration support and ensure end-of-day activities are completed efficientlyPost-Trial Activities - Play a pivotal role in managing post-trial close-out activities, ensuring thorough documentation and analysis to capture key insights and lessons for improvement.With a passion for excellence and a commitment to delivering results, I thrive in challenging environments and am dedicated to driving success in every project I undertake. Let's connect to explore how Omni can collaborate to achieve your project goals in the defence industry!

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Babcock Australasia is a leading provider of Defence, aviation and emergency services and support, offering comprehensive engineering and technical support solutions to defence and civil markets. Services include fleet and asset management, sustainment, systems integration, technical training and critical life-saving helicopter emergency medical services.I was responsible for identifying, qualifying and pursuing opportunities within the C4ISREW (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare) domain, ensuring alignment with our strategic objectives. Through meticulous research, engagement and analysis, I strengthened Babcock’s reputation and expanded our reach into new markets and sectors.Furthermore, I was accountable for the development, management and delivery of business-winning capture plans and activities specifically tailored to the C4ISR domain. This involved leveraging my expertise to craft compelling strategies that resonated with our target audience and ultimately drove success for Babcock Australasia.I played a crucial role in supporting the overall objectives and activities of the Strategic Growth Team, both regionally and internationally. This collaborative effort involved aligning our efforts with the broader goals of the organisation and working collectively to achieve sustainable growth and expansion.Through my dedication, strategic approach and proactive engagement, I was committed to driving business growth and contributing to the success of our organisation in the dynamic fields of defence and security.

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

In 2022 Omni Executive (Omni) acquired AMW Professional Services. Collaborating with the General Managers to shape company strategy, I drove business development initiatives and enhanced client engagement. This involved strategising with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth and development.I played a pivotal role in the drafting and release of RFQs and tender responses, ensuring our proposals were compelling and aligned with client needs and industry standards.Contributing to the development of the Maritime Division's yearly budget and business plan, I worked with leadership to create clear financial goals for the division, identifying areas for investment and growth.In terms of client engagement, I actively participated in recruitment activities and workforce planning initiatives within the division. This involved engaging industry partners to identify talent needs and develop strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in the industry.Achievements:I generated new 'above the line' consultancy opportunities within the defence sector, contributing to the expansion of our service offerings and revenue streams.I played a key role in the establishment and management of the Adelaide office, as well as the overall expansion of our company footprint in South Australia. I provided technical document review and guidance to engineering teams and leadership, ensuring that our deliverables met the highest standards of quality and compliance.I actively participated in Defence and industry related forums to expand our networks and stay informed about future opportunities for growth and collaboration. This proactive approach helped to position Omni as a thought leader and trusted partner within the defence sector.

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

AMW Professional Services (AMW) is an Australian-owned Defence technology and professional services firm, providing project management and engineering support to industry, Defence, and government.With a Defence Force mindset, I understand the needs of ADF organisations, individuals and their strategic approaches, providing an edge in the civilian roles I have held. I engaged with government departments to assess resource requirements for various programs and projects - building strong relationships with key stakeholders to increase our understanding of their needs and ensure alignment with capabilities.I identified and recruited top-tier engineering, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), and project management professionals, ensuring our team was skilled and suited to project demands of each project.I was responsible for the development and submission of RFQs, playing a pivotal role in ensuring competitive bids through salary negotiations and other strategic measures. This required a keen eye for detail and a commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for AMW.Through overseeing risk assessments and clearance management to maintaining compliance and safeguarding sensitive information, I fulfilled the duties of the company Security Officer.Achievements:I identified opportunities across defence engineering and project management requirements, contributing to AMW’s growth.I played a key role in developing RFT responses for contractor opportunities within Defence and Home Affairs, showcasing AMW’s ability to deliver high-quality solutions.I provided support in tender responses for major Defence programs and projects, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and ability to meet the complex needs of clients.My participation in Defence and industry forums enabled me to expand our networks and stay informed about opportunities, positioning AMW as a trusted partner.

Australia

As a Senior Air Intelligence Officer (A2), I held responsibility for planning and coordinating the Air Force's Intelligence capability to support Defence exercises and operations. This involved strategic planning and effective coordination to ensure intelligence support aligned with operational needs.I identified deficiencies in Air Force Intelligence, developing and implementing remediation strategies to address these gaps. This required a comprehensive understanding of intelligence requirements and the ability to devise effective solutions.I played a crucial role in re-establishing the Air Force Intelligence capability at the operational headquarters level. This required strategic planning, resource allocation and coordination with multiple stakeholders to ensure the successful establishment of the intelligence directorate.I advocated for Air Force Intelligence requirements to enhance future capability, actively engaging with senior leadership to communicate the importance of intelligence support in achieving operational objectives.Achievements:During my tenure, I directed intelligence support for planning Defence Force operations and exercises, ensuring seamless integration of intelligence into operational planning processes.I led the re-establishment of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate for Headquarters Air Command, overseeing the restructuring and staffing of the directorate to meet operational requirements.I managed personnel selections for deployments in support of Australian military operations, while ensuring that personnel were appropriately trained and equipped for their roles.With a focus on policy guidance and submissions for Air Force Intelligence and Joint Operations, I contributed to the development of necessary policies and procedures to enhance intelligence support to military operations.

I returned to my substantive position after six months as the temporary General Manager / Commanding Officer of 460 Squadron. Duties, responsibilities and achievements for the position of 'Operations Manager - 460 Squadron' are outlined below.

Within the scope of this role, I assumed command, leadership and management responsibilities for a team of 70 staff members. I oversaw the day-to-day operations and facility management across several diverse capability areas and geographical locations. This involved strategic planning, resource allocation and effective coordination/communication to ensure operational effectiveness and mission success.I played a key role in facilitating capability development within the squadron, driving innovation and change to enhance operational capabilities. This included identifying emerging technologies, processes and products, all while implementing them to improve efficiency and effectiveness.I managed Human Resource Management (HRM) functions, including succession planning, performance reporting and conflict management. I ensured the development and retention of talent while resolving conflicts and promoting a positive work environment conducive to high performance.Achievements:During this role, I led change initiatives to develop and implement new technologies, processes and products, resulting in improved operational efficiency and effectiveness within the squadron.I proactively assisted key projects in achieving customer requirements, ensuring that the squadron delivered high-quality results that met or exceeded expectations.Additionally, I identified deficiencies in key capability elements, developing and implementing strategies to amalgamate them, resulting in streamlined operations and improved overall capability.Furthermore, I promoted engagement with other organisations to align and streamline production outputs, fostering collaboration and maximising productivity across the board.

As the Operations Manager of 460 Squadron within the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), I was responsible for providing effective operations management to support ongoing Defence Force operations. I oversaw the day-to-day activities of the squadron, ensuring seamless coordination and execution of tasks to meet operational requirements.I developed and monitored Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure effective outputs and alignment with strategic goals. This involved setting clear performance targets, tracking progress and implementing necessary adjustments to optimise performance.I managed financial expenditure, while adhering to directed budgetary constraints, ensuring responsible allocation of resources to support operational needs while maintaining fiscal discipline.I also handled Human Resource Management areas such as scheduling and leave management, personnel conflict resolution along with welfare and morale initiatives. This involved fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment conducive to high performance and staff well-being.Achievements:I led an organisational restructure aimed at generating greater effectiveness in operations management within 460 Squadron. This initiative resulted in improved efficiency, streamlined processes and enhanced overall operational effectiveness.I empowered staff to drive innovation and change initiatives to meet end-user requirements effectively, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation within the squadron.Additionally, I achieved 80% of predicted performance measures across all routine business outputs, demonstrating consistent operational excellence and achievement of organisational goals.I provided mentorship to staff on leadership, communication and emotional intelligence, contributing to their professional development and enhancing team cohesion and effectiveness.

Through this intensive program, I successfully completed a Master of Military and Defence Studies (MMDS), which included specialised training and education focused on Command, Leadership and Management within the Australian armed services. This comprehensive curriculum equipped me with a profound understanding of military strategy, organisational leadership and effective management practices tailored to meet the diverse challenges of modern warfare and defence operations.

I conducted extensive liaison activities to identify emerging capabilities for Australia's defence needs, fostering collaboration across Electronic Warfare (EW), Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) disciplines. Developing policy frameworks and multi-nation information sharing arrangements, I strengthened cooperation between Australia and the U.S., requiring diplomatic skill and strategic vision. I drafted and implemented Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) supporting the integration of emerging capabilities into Australia’s Defence strategy, ensuring resource effectiveness and alignment with national security objectives. I cultivated relationships at executive levels within the United States Air Force and other branches, fostering trust and cooperation to achieve common goals. Achievements: Consulted on project arrangements for the 'Distributed Ground Station, Australia' capability, enhancing Australia's intelligence capabilities. Improved data sharing through ongoing negotiation of a five-nation Memorandum of Understanding, promoting collaboration among allied nations. Identified Information Assurance and Cyber Defence capabilities for Air Force requirements, ensuring the security of critical Defence systems against cyber threats. Provided consultation on initial scoping for Joint Strike Fighter Intelligence Mission Data considerations, strengthening Australia's alliance with U.S. forces.

Within this role I assumed command, leadership and operations management responsibilities for a team of 88 staff. I orchestrated the day-to-day activities, ensuring smooth functioning and optimal performance of the unit.I oversaw the management of Electronic Warfare data essential for programming systems on military aircraft and warships. This involved meticulous coordination to ensure accurate and timely data updates to support operational requirements.I managed the Electronic Order of Battle (EOB) database for the ADF, maintaining a comprehensive store of electronic warfare assets and capabilities essential for mission planning and execution.I provided analysis and threat reporting to operational aircrews, both deployed and in garrison, enabling informed decision-making and enhancing mission effectiveness.Achievements:During my tenure, I spearheaded an organisational restructure aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of operations management within the Electronic Warfare Support Unit. This initiative resulted in streamlined processes, improved coordination and enhanced overall performance.I also led engagement and capability enhancements with Intelligence agencies and the Services, fostering collaboration and synergy to maximise operational effectiveness.I developed the initial 'reach-back' support capability for military platforms, enabling remote assistance and troubleshooting to optimise operational readiness and mission success.

I held a central role in leading and managing the implementation of the RAAF’s initial squadron-level targeting capability. This encompassed a range of responsibilities aimed at establishing and optimising the targeting capabilities of the squadron.My duties included providing leadership and general management oversight for a team of 12 staff spread across three capability sections within the targeting flight. Through effective leadership and coordination, I ensured the smooth functioning of the flight's operations and the achievement of strategic objectives.I played a key role in leading and coordinating capability development initiatives in the targeting domain. This involved identifying emerging requirements, evaluating technological advancements and implementing strategies to enhance the squadron's targeting capabilities.Among my notable achievements, I successfully led the targeting efforts of the squadron, laying down the foundations for capability expansion and future growth. Through meticulous planning and execution, I ensured that the squadron's targeting capabilities were developed and implemented effectively, setting the stage for further enhancements.I also established exercise requirements and ensured that effective and timely support was provided to meet operational needs. By coordinating closely with stakeholders and exercise planners, I ensured that the squadron's targeting capabilities were effectively used during training exercises, contributing to overall mission readiness and operational success.

Within this position I meticulously analysed systems' requirements and acquisitions tailored to enhance the operational capabilities of the Air Force Intelligence community. My role was pivotal in bridging the gap between intricate technological solutions and the strategic intelligence needs of the Air Force. Throughout my time, I conducted comprehensive analyses of systems' requirements to align with the evolving demands of the Air Force Intelligence Community. I collaborated closely with contract and project staff, overseeing the seamless implementation of cutting-edge technologies designed to bolster intelligence capabilities. Acting as a liaison between internal stakeholders and external vendors, I ensured the seamless integration of new technologies into existing intelligence frameworks.Achievements:I orchestrated successful engagements with the Air Force and external partners, facilitating the implementation of new program requirements aimed at enhancing intelligence gathering and analysis. I proactively engaged with customers to define their unique requirements, thereby ensuring the introduction of relevant and impactful programs tailored to meet their specific needs.

Within this position I held a pivotal role in the career management of up to 180 personnel. My responsibilities encompassed various aspects of Human Resource Management (HRM) aimed at fostering career development and ensuring organisational effectiveness.One of my key duties was to conduct interviews and recruitment selection boards to identify and select qualified candidates for positions within the Maritime Patrol Group. This involved assessing candidates' qualifications, skills and suitability for specific roles within the organisation.Additionally, I took the initiative to develop and implement new processes and procedures to enhance HRM practices within the Group. This included streamlining administrative processes, improving communication channels and implementing best practices to optimise internal related operations.Among my notable achievements, I developed techniques and procedures that enabled more effective personnel management within the Maritime Patrol Group. These initiatives led to improved efficiency, increased employee satisfaction and enhanced organisational performance.In close consultation with General Managers, I convened personnel management boards to address various HR-related matters, including career progression, promotions and performance evaluations. These boards played a crucial role in ensuring fairness, transparency and consistency in personnel management decisions.Moreover, I proactively identified future opportunities for workforce postings and career development, aligning individual career aspirations with organisational needs and objectives. By facilitating career planning and development opportunities, I contributed to the professional growth and retention of talented personnel within the Maritime Patrol Group.

My primary responsibility within this position was to operate various systems including Radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Infra-red/Electro-Optics and Acoustics. I played a crucial part in gathering and analysing electronic intelligence to support maritime surveillance and reconnaissance missions.Among my notable achievements, I successfully qualified on all requisite positions on the aircraft, demonstrating proficiency and expertise in operating complex EW systems in dynamic operational environments. This achievement underscored my dedication to mastering the technical skills and knowledge required for effective performance in aircrew roles.I served as a valuable member of the Standards and Training team, where I contributed to the development and implementation of training programs for aircrew personnel. My role as a qualified Aircrew Instructor allowed me to impart my knowledge and expertise to fellow crew members, ensuring the continuous improvement and readiness of the aircrew team.Overall, my experience as an Aircrew EW Systems Operator on the P3C 'Orion' aircraft equipped me with a diverse skill set and valuable expertise in electronic warfare operations, contributing to the success of maritime patrol missions and enhancing the capabilities of the RAAF.

Master Of Military And Defence Studies (Mmds)

Master Of Military & Defence Studies, Military And Strategic Leadership

Diploma Of Leadership & Management

Communication; conflict resolution; critical thinking; lead workforces; business planning; innovation

Associate Diploma Of Applied Science In Data Analysis

Collection, analysis and dissemination of Electronic and Acoustic signals in the airborne environment.

Certificate Iv Government Security (Personnel Vetting)

Handle sensitive information; comply with legislation; gather/analyse information; identify and treat risks.

Master Of Military And Defence Studies (Mmds)

Operations management; organisational strategy; command and leadership; capability acquisition.

Advanced Diploma Of Air Force Studies

Management; strategic leadership; communication; culture, values and ethics.

Diploma Of Applied Science: Airborne Intelligence Analysis

Analysis & dissemination of intelligence in the airborne EW/AW, Acoustic Warfare and ISR domain.