Data Manager

Downer; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Perks@Downer

Reservist Leave (up to 20 days)

Job summary

Downer Professional Services is seeking an experienced Data Manager to lead a Data Analysis Cell supporting critical information warfare environments for the Australian Defence Force. This role focuses on acquiring, integrating and ethically using Defence data to maximise value and trustworthiness.

You will provide leadership across data governance, information management and business transformation, aligning with regulatory obligations while improving data maturity and capability across the SPO.

Qualifications

• Experience leading data management, governance or BI in large organisations.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor staff.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and data standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Data Cell and advise Defence stakeholders on data governance and management.
• Drive data maturity, secure data use and ethical data handling across the SPO.
• Map and improve business processes to standardise data-enabled ways of working.
• Capture and prioritise analytics requirements to support senior decision-making.
• Develop and implement data governance practices to ensure quality and compliance.

Skills

Data governance

Information management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Data analytics

Data quality

Job description

Downer Professional Services (DPS) is seeking an experienced Data Manager to lead a Data Analysis Cell, supporting one of Defence's most critical information warfare and command-and-control environments. This SPO is responsible for acquiring, integrating and information warfare capabilities that are mission-critical to the Australian Defence Force.

Downer Professional Services comprises our Technical, Advisory and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer, which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence. Together, we are a trusted advisory and delivery partner supporting some of Australia’s most important Defence capabilities.

Shape the Future of Defence Data and Decision-Making

Downer Professional Services (DPS) is seeking an experienced Data Manager to lead a Data Analysis Cell, supporting one of Defence's most critical information warfare and command-and-control environments. This SPO is responsible for acquiring, integrating and information warfare capabilities that are mission-critical to the Australian Defence Force. This is a leadership role for a strategic thinker who can bring together data governance, information management, analytics, stakeholder engagement, and business improvement to drive better capability outcomes. You'll lead a specialist data team, influence senior stakeholders, and help shape the way Defence manages and leverages data as a strategic asset.

About the Role

As the Data Manager, you will be accountable for the management of the SPO's Data Cell and the ethical use of Defence data assets to maximise their utility, integrity, trustworthiness and value. You will provide leadership across data governance, information management, strategic planning and business transformation activities, ensuring the Integrated Data Concept aligns with business priorities, decision-making requirements and Defence regulatory obligations. This role has evolved beyond traditional data management and requires someone who can build relationships, influence stakeholders, lead teams and solve complex organisational challenges through data-driven approaches.

What You'll Do

As the Data Manager, you will lead the Data Cell and act as a trusted advisor to senior Defence stakeholders on data governance, information management and data-driven decision making. Working at the intersection of strategy, governance and business transformation, you will drive the effective management of Defence data assets, improve organisational data maturity, and ensure data is leveraged ethically, securely and effectively to support critical capability outcomes.

• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle management of SPO data assets in accordance with Defence policies, standards and governance frameworks.
• Manage and mentor the Data Cell, providing leadership, coaching and capability uplift across data management and information management disciplines.
• Analyse and map business processes, identifying inefficiencies, risks and improvement opportunities to support the transition to standardised and optimised ways of working.
• Ensure data analysis, reporting and intelligence requirements are captured, prioritised and delivered to support senior Defence decision‑making.
• Develop and implement data governance practices that improve data quality, integrity, accessibility and compliance.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for an experienced data leader who combines technical expertise with strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Demonstrated experience leading data management, governance, information management or business intelligence functions within Defence, Government or complex enterprise environments.
• Strong understanding of data governance, metadata management, data quality, lifecycle management and regulatory compliance.
• Experience establishing or improving organisational data management frameworks, strategies, policies and standards.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor staff and build organisational capability.
• Strong business architecture and process improvement experience, including translating business needs into practical data‑enabled solutions

Why Downer Professional Services

At Downer Professional Services, we're not just a workplace - we're a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country's only sovereign prime, we're committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia's interests.

What is means to belong at Downer Professional Services

• Meaningful work: Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future.
• Professional development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice.
• Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Perks@Downer.
• Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post‑service.

You want your work to matter and so do we.

With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We're committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences.

We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals.

Even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with this role, we'd still like to hear from you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.