Carly Bakes
What first drew Carly to Birdon wasn’t its logo, but the sheer ambition of an Australian company with a truly global footprint. She wasn’t looking for a brand name; she was looking for a real challenge. It was clear from the start that the breadth of the portfolio; from defence vessels to essential marine services, meant there was an opportunity for immediate contribution on a massive scale.
The variety of work, and the chance to engage with complex programs that would genuinely matter, was the hook. That initial draw is what still keeps her inspired today.
A typical day for Carly is anything but typical. Her career at Birdon hasn’t been about ticking boxes; it’s been about an increasing scope of influence rooted in trust. She spends her time engaging directly with clients, suppliers and other stakeholders, whether they are major defence organisations like the Australian Army, or Australian-based organisations within Birdon’s supply chain. Her job is to help them navigate complex challenges and find a tailored path forward. This diversity means she is constantly working across different divisions and teams, keeping the work dynamic and rewarding.
A key milestone that proves her work truly counts was being part of the team developing a uniquely Australian solution for a major defence vehicle fleet. Collaborating closely with the Engineering and Design teams to deliver this project was an incredible experience. This work is about far more than just a sale; it’s about making sure that the Australian-made solutions Birdon delivers are supported throughout their entire lifecycle. That commitment to delivering long-term value and reliability to the end user, that’s where her role makes a lasting, tangible difference.
“‘Making It Happen’ means approaching a problem with resourcefulness, finding the solution others might not see, and then simply delivering it. That’s the core of how they operate.”
In Carly’s view, ‘Make It Happen’ isn’t a slogan; it’s how the team solves problems. To her, it means approaching a challenge with genuine creativity and resourcefulness, actively trying to find a unique solution that others might have missed, and then having the Trust from the leadership and the team to execute on it.
This pragmatic, action-oriented approach is deeply connected to the Family Culture at Birdon. That strong, supportive internal environment is what gives the team the agility and confidence to deliver complex, high-stakes work reliably, time and time again. She feels empowered to act, and she sees the result of her action directly in the success of their long-term programs.
