AIC Manager

IAG Defence and National Security; Canberra; On-site; AUD 230,000 - 246,000; Full time

Job summary

IAG Defence & National Security is seeking an experienced AIC Manager to lead Australian Industry Capability activities for a major Defence program. You will engage with Australian SMEs, primes, and industry bodies, while ensuring reporting and compliance with AIC obligations across acquisition and sustainment phases.

The role requires senior commercial judgment and the ability to work with Commonwealth stakeholders, OEMs and industry partners to advance sovereign industrial capability outcomes.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Experience with Australian Industry Capability (AIC) policies.
• Experience in major Defence acquisition or sustainment programs.
• Ability to engage with Commonwealth agencies, OEMs and primes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain AIC Plans, annexes and documentation.
• Identify Australian SMEs and lead engagement with SMEs and primes.
• Track AIC commitments, milestones and performance metrics; prepare reports.

Skills

Stakeholder management

AIC policy knowledge

Defence acquisition experience

Commercial acumen

Analytical thinking

Engagement with SMEs

Reporting and governance

Programme/portfolio coordination

Education

Engineering, Commerce, Project Management or Defence studies

Job description

Canberra, ACT (preferred) also open to Perth, based | Requires a current AGSVA NV1 Clearance

About Us

IAG Defence & National Security (DNS) is part of IAG, a specialist advisory firm supporting complex infrastructure, Defence and national security programs across Australia. Our DNS team works closely with Commonwealth agencies and industry partners to deliver specialist expertise into nationally significant programs. Our success depends on our ability to identify, engage and mobilise highly specialised talent quickly and effectively. IAG is recognised as a Veteran Friendly Employer under the Veteran Employment Program.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced AIC Manager to lead Australian Industry Capability activities on behalf of a major Defence program. This is a great opportunity for a senior commercial professional to drive structured engagement with Australian SMEs, ensuring accurate reporting and full compliance with AIC obligations across acquisition and sustainment phases.

You’ll bring strong commercial acumen and mature judgement, operating credibly with senior Commonwealth, OEM and industry stakeholders while supporting sovereign industrial capability outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain AIC Plans, annexes and supporting documentation in line with contractual requirements
• Identify Australian SMEs and lead engagement with SMEs, primes, industry bodies and research organisations
• Track AIC commitments, milestones and performance metrics, preparing reports and briefings for Commonwealth reviews
• Maintain governance artefacts, including registers, engagement logs and compliance evidence
• Provide advice on AIC risks, opportunities and emerging industry capability

Required

• Current NV1 security clearance
• Experience in major Defence acquisition or sustainment programs
• Strong understanding of AIC policy, Defence procurement frameworks and Commonwealth reporting requirements
• Proven experience in industry engagement and SME capability assessment
• Demonstrated capability preparing AIC Plans, reports and compliance artefacts
• Experience working with Defence, CASG, OEMs or major primes
• High-quality written communication and strong stakeholder management skills
• Ability to analyse capability, commercial and technical information
• Experience coordinating activities across dispersed teams
• Navy or Maritime domain experience (shipbuilding, sustainment, combat systems)
• Understanding of SME capability development and Defence innovation pathways
• Experience with AIC performance measurement or analytics
• Knowledge of ASDEFCON frameworks and DID AIC requirements
• Experience facilitating workshops or capability demonstrations
• Qualifications in engineering, commerce, project management or Defence studies

Salary

$230,000 - $246,400 package

What We Offer

With offices in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, we're a tight-knit team working across some of Australia's most critical Defence and national security programs. We value expertise, collaboration and flexibility, providing our people with opportunities to contribute to meaningful and technically challenging projects.

We can offer great work, great people, great culture, great conditions, and an all-round great time whilst you continue building a rewarding career in the Defence and national security sector. As part of IAG, you'll be joining a team of more than 250 professionals.

Most opportunities advertised by IAG Defence & National Security are subject to client approval, security validation and contractual confirmation. Employment or engagement will only be offered following successful client acceptance and completion of all required pre-engagement checks and onboarding activities.

Please note: as this role may support a Defence program, a Defence employment moratorium period may apply to current or recently separated ADF/APS personnel seeking to move into industry roles. If you are currently serving or have recently left Defence, we'd recommend confirming your eligibility to apply before submitting.