After 29 years in uniform, James wasn’t quite sure what was next. But thanks to a well-timed Soldier On event, a lifetime of operational instinct and a strong desire to give back, less than a year later he’s thriving as a Quality and Completions Manager with Sitzler – all while mentoring other veterans to achieve similar success.
‘I have always been passionate about growth, development and giving back to organisations that have supported me and my family,’ James says.
And now, he’s doing exactly that – helping others navigate their own path forward.
A life of cross-continental service
James’ military story began as a child of Defence, growing up across the UK, Germany and Cyprus. It was always clear where his future lay.
‘Joining the military was all I wanted to do after leaving school,’ he says.
He enlisted in the British Army straight out of school and spent 18 years in the Royal Horse Artillery and Army Aviation, with roles in recruit instruction, overseas training and advisory roles. His operational career included working closely with host nation forces in Bosnia and Afghanistan, developing leadership and technical skills he still draws on today.
In 2013, James and his family made the move to Australia, and he joined the Australian Regular Army. His initial posting was to 1 Aviation Regiment in Darwin supporting Tiger helicopters, followed by a role at 6 Aviation Regiment in Sydney supporting the Blackhawk.
‘Both regiments are fantastic, but conducting Forward Arming and Refuelling Point (FARP) operations – my preference will always be Attack Aviation,’ he says.
The next decade saw James take on a broad range of postings: aviation operations, deployments aboard Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs) in the IndoPacific and contact tracing with NSW Health during COVID. He even spent 18 months in the Defence Australian Public Service (APS), with key roles in Navy Engineering Training and Defence Learning Branches—a break in uniform that further shaped his understanding of integrated workforce environments.
Throughout this time, James was focused on professional development. He completed courses in project management, procurement, contracting and adaptive leadership – positioning himself for a future role in Defence industry or the APS.
Finding purpose in the space in between
In 2023, despite preparing for a role with the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), James was informed that a full-time spot was not allocated for his role.
‘I assessed what I had achieved and what I wanted to achieve – and decided it was time to move on,’ he says.
James officially transitioned from Defence on 31 July 2024. While his chain of command was incredibly supportive throughout the process, the path ahead was far from straightforward. Despite submitting a number of job applications, roles in the APS were frozen and industry hiring was not possible due to a moratorium.
‘It was beyond frustrating being told “reach out again in 12 months,’ he says.
His backup plan was to join the NT Police and reassess his options after 12 months. Having completed the prerequisites and received his uniform, he was set to start Police College. Then came a moment of serendipity he calls a ‘Swiss cheese moment’.
He spotted a Soldier On and Mates4Mates Pathways Networking Event happening the next evening and made the decision to go.
‘I recognised a few company names from signage around the base, including Sitzler,’ James says. ‘But I didn’t have a construction background, so I didn’t plan to approach them.’
Fortunately, Sitzler approached him.
‘They asked about my background and offered me a follow-up interview,’ he says. ‘I asked to work on Defence projects for a softer landing into civilian life – and they said yes.’
The next chapter of service
That evening changed everything. It was the right place, the right time – and the right people. Today, James is working on the AIR7000 Phase 1B project at RAAF Tindal – part of a $1.1 billion upgrade supporting Australia’s future maritime surveillance capability. He’s employed as a Quality and Completions Manager with Sitzler, a company ranked #12 on Australian Defence Magazine’s Top 40 Defence Contractors list.
‘Sitzler is a national construction specialist with projects across Defence, civil, commercial and space sectors,’ James says. ‘They’ve got incredible staff retention and collective knowledge – people who’ve been with the company for 10, 20, even 30 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey so far.’
Importantly, James stresses that construction companies like Sitzler offer far more than trades or engineering roles.
‘There’s also HR, accounts, WHS – all the normal business functions,’ he says. ‘If you’re transitioning, look at the whole organisation. See if they have a veterans employment program. Sitzler certainly does.’
Of course, the transition wasn’t without its doubts. James experienced moments of imposter syndrome early on – until a LinkedIn post from a former OC, now a retired Brigadier, helped him reframe:
- Cherish the positives of change
- Harness your operational instincts
- Cling on to imposter syndrome – it’s rooted in humility
- Be patient with the learning curve
- Nourish your network without conditions
- And never forget – transition happens to your family too.
Giving back and paying it forward
True to his values, James continues to serve the veteran community.
In 2024, he raised over $8,000 during Soldier On’s March On campaign and now supports others as a Soldier On Mentor.
‘Soldier On has been my way of helping others through their journey,’ he says. ‘My advice? Get out. Attend the industry events. Research companies. Use the resources available to enable success.’
James also sees the next generation forging their own paths. His daughter Freya, now 17, has moved 11 times and attended nine different schools throughout her life. Today, she’s renting independently and building her own career – also with Sitzler as an apprentice carpenter.
Looking ahead
James’s current work schedule sees him onsite for three weeks, followed by one week back in the Darwin office. But later this year, he’ll start a new Sitzler project based closer to home.
‘My partner Anita has been amazing,’ he says. ‘Her support has made this transition possible. After years of service, it’s good to finally be building a new future – together.’
Interested in a career with Sitzler?
Established in 1976, Sitzler has grown from its roots in the NT to become one of Australia’s most respected national construction specialists, delivering major projects across Defence, civil, space and commercial sectors. The company actively supports veteran employment. Learn more at sitzler.com.au
