Account Executive–Defence

F5 Networks, Inc.; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working mode

Career growth opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

F5 Networks, Inc. in Canberra seeks an experienced Defence-focused sales leader to own and grow our Australian Defence engagements.

You will navigate complex procurement cycles, build trusted relationships with agencies and SIs, and drive multi-year opportunities in sovereign infrastructure, secure app delivery, and Defence cloud/AI platforms. The role demands security clearance (NV2 or the ability to obtain) and a track record in strategic sales within regulated environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or equivalent level of experience.
• 8+ years’ experience in Account Management or Strategic Sales within Defence/government.
• Direct experience selling into Australian Defence; familiarity with procurement and tender processes.
• Clearance to engage in sensitive Defence discussions (NV2 or ability to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Own and manage F5’s Defence engagement with Australian Defence and agencies.
• Partner with Systems Integrators to position F5 solutions in Defence programs.
• Identify, qualify, and progress Defence opportunities (sovereign infrastructure, mission-critical apps, cloud/AI platforms).
• Maintain pipeline, forecasting, and account documentation in line with governance.
• Coordinate internal resources for Defence bids, tenders, and engagements.
• Ensure engagement aligns with Defence security requirements.

Skills

Account Management

Strategic Sales

Public Sector

Security Clearance

Defence Knowledge

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Job description

At F5, we strive to bring a better digital world to life. Our teams empower organizations across the globe to create, secure, and run applications that enhance how we experience our evolving digital world. We are passionate about cybersecurity, from protecting consumers from fraud to enabling companies to focus on innovation. Everything we do centers around people. That means we obsess over how to make the lives of our customers, and their customers, better. And it means we prioritize a diverse F5 community where each individual can thrive.

Role Overview

This is a strategic sales role responsible for managing and growing F5’s relationship with the Australian Department of Defence, including Defence agencies and the Systems Integrators (SIs) that deliver managed and professional services into Defence. This role is focused on long-term, trusted engagement, navigating complex Defence environments, and embedding F5 solutions into sovereign, secure, and mission-critical Defence architectures. The role requires appropriate security clearance to engage in classified or sensitive project discussions and to operate effectively within the Defence ecosystem.

What You’ll Do

• Defence Account Ownership & Strategy
  • Own and manage F5’s strategic engagement with the Australian Defence account, including relevant agencies and business units
  • Develop and execute long-term account strategies aligned to Defence procurement cycles and multi-year programs
  • Build trusted relationships across Defence stakeholders, including technical, operational, and commercial decision-makers
  • Act as the primary point of accountability for F5’s Defence engagement
• Systems Integrator & Partner Engagement
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with Systems Integrators and Managed Service Providers delivering services into Defence
  • Partner with SIs to position F5 solutions within Defence-led programs, managed services, and long-term contracts
  • Support joint account planning and opportunity development with SI partners
• Long-Term Opportunity Development
  • Identify, qualify, and progress Defence opportunities with a focus on:
    • Secure and sovereign infrastructure
    • Mission-critical application delivery
    • Defence cloud, hybrid, and AI-enabled platforms
  • Manage complex, long-cycle sales motions that may span multiple years
  • Ensure F5 is embedded early in Defence architecture and design discussions
• Internal Collaboration & Execution
  • Work closely with:
    • Federal / Public Sector sales leadership
    • Solution Architects and technical specialists
    • Channel and Partner teams
  • Coordinate internal resources to support Defence bids, tenders, and ongoing engagements
  • Maintain accurate pipeline, forecasting, and account documentation in line with F5 governance requirements
• Governance, Compliance & Security
  • Operate in accordance with Defence and Government security requirements
  • Maintain discretion and compliance when handling sensitive or classified information
  • Ensure engagement aligns with F5 policies and public sector procurement standards

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor degree or equivalent level of experience
• 8+ years’ experience in Account Management or Strategic Sales within: Defence Government National security or regulated industries
• Direct experience selling into Australian Defence, and familiarity with Defence procurement and tender processes is highly preferred
• Exposure to sovereign cloud, secure infrastructure, or Defence ICT programs
• Experience working within a team-based quota / target model
• Proven experience managing complex, long-cycle accounts
• Strong ability to build trust with senior stakeholders in highly regulated environments
• Experience working with Systems Integrators and partner-led delivery models
• Strong understanding of enterprise or government IT infrastructure
• Clearance is necessary to participate in sensitive Defence discussions and projects. Australian Government security clearance at NV2 is required, or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

What You’ll Get

• Hybrid working mode
• Career growth and development opportunities
• Recognitions and Rewards
• Employee Assistance Program
• Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and cool perks
• Culture of Giving Back
• Dynamic Diversity & Inclusion Interest Groups

Hybrid: Employees within 30 commutable miles of an F5 office are required to work from the office a minimum of 30 business days per quarter.

Remote: Primarily work from designated home location but can come into an F5 office to work or travel to an offsite location as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity It is the policy of F5 to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, sensory, physical, or mental disability, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, benefits, training, discipline, and termination. F5 offers a variety of reasonable accommodations for candidates. Requesting an accommodation is completely voluntary. F5 will assess the need for accommodations in the application process separately from those that may be needed to perform the job. Request by contacting [e-mail].

Founded in 1996, F5 is a global leader in application delivery and security. Our premier platform helps customers secure and deliver every app, API, and piece of infrastructure across all environments. Backed by over three decades of expertise and 553 patents, our solutions protect against threats while ensuring fast, reliable digital experiences. With over 6,400 employees, we serve more than 23,000 customers in over 170 countries. To continue this work, we need people like you - the best minds in the industry. We're committed to a unique, human-first culture that encourages authenticity, prioritizes diversity and inclusion, and fosters the growth and success of our employees.