Defence Environment Market Leader - Australia

GHD; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD is seeking an experienced Defence Environment Market Leader to strengthen our environmental capability across Defence projects in Australia and the Pacific. You will provide visible environmental leadership, grow our offering, and build senior client relationships, translating Defence priorities into sustainable opportunities.

The role involves leading across Defence pursuits and client programs, collaborating with national teams, and ensuring high-quality environmental services aligned with

Qualifications

• 15+ years in environmental consulting, environmental management or major project environments with Defence sector experience
• Strong knowledge of Defence market policies, processes, requirements
• Track record in senior client engagement and winning work
• Established environmental credibility and ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Strong networks and cross-regional collaboration capabilities
• Commercial acumen with risk and opportunity management
• Access or ability to obtain AGSVA Security Clearance (Baseline or higher)
• Willingness to travel up to 1 week per month
• Full-time preferred; part-time arrangements may be considered

Responsibilities

• Lead growth of GHD’s environmental offering within Defence, shaping strategic opportunities
• Provide environmental leadership across Defence pursuits and client programs
• Build trusted relationships with senior clients and translate Defence needs into opportunities
• Collaborate with Defence and regional leaders to connect capability nationally
• Balance client outcomes with technical excellence and risk in delivery

Skills

Environmental leadership

Defence market knowledge

Senior client engagement

Business development / winning work

Relationship building

Commercial acumen

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications

Job description

Job Description

There’s no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment.

Join GHD’s global network of engineers, scientists, planners and environmental specialists working together to create a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in.

GHD’s National Defence Team provides leadership and coordination across our portfolio of Defence projects throughout Australia and the Pacific, connecting our clients with the breadth of GHD’s technical capability to address the diverse infrastructure and sustainment needs of the Department of Defence and associated Clients.

As Defence continues to be a key part of GHD’s growth strategy, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Defence Environment Market Leader - Australia to strengthen our environmental capability and support the pursuit and delivery of strategic opportunities across the sector.

Working nationally across our Defence and Environment businesses, you’ll provide visible environmental leadership, strengthen senior client relationships, connect technical capability with Defence needs, and help shape and win strategic opportunities. This is an opportunity for an established environmental professional with strong Defence experience to help position GHD as a trusted adviser while translating market demand into sustainable growth and outstanding client outcomes.

This diverse and exciting role will see you working on:

• Leading the growth of GHD’s environmental offering within the Defence market, identifying and shaping strategic opportunities and strengthening our position with key clients.
• Providing environmental leadership across major Defence pursuits and client programs, bringing together the right technical expertise and capability from across GHD.
• Building trusted senior client relationships, understanding Defence priorities and translating emerging needs into opportunities for GHD’s environmental business.
• Collaborating with Defence, Environment and regional leaders to connect capability nationally, strengthen GHD’s market profile and create a sustainable pipeline of opportunities.
• Bringing a strong commercial mindset to pursuits and delivery, balancing client outcomes, technical excellence and risk while supporting consistent, high-quality environmental services aligned with Defence requirements.

What would you bring to the team?

• Relevant tertiary qualifications, backed by 15+ years’ experience in environmental consulting, environmental management and/or major project environments, including demonstrated Defence sector experience.
• Strong knowledge of the Defence market, including an understanding of relevant policies, processes, requirements and ways of working.
• A demonstrated track record in senior client engagement and winning work, with the ability to identify, shape and convert opportunities into sustainable business growth.
• Established environmental expertise and credibility, with the ability to confidently engage and influence senior clients, technical leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong networks, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect capability nationally and collaborate effectively across a geographically dispersed business.
• Strong commercial acumen, including the ability to recognise and effectively manage risks and opportunities.
• An existing AGSVA Security Clearance, or the ability to obtain a minimum Baseline clearance, with Negative Vetting 1 preferred.
• Travel is a requirement of this position, approximately up to 1 week per month.
• A full-time appointment is preferred; however part-time arrangements can be considered.

GHD is an equal opportunity employer, and we want everyone to be able to fully participate in our recruitment process. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

GHD embraces a range of flexible work practices to create a work environment focused on well‑being, flexibility and productivity where our people can thrive.

We are a veteran friendly employer and encourage applications from those who have defended our nation.

About Us

Come together and make a meaningful impact.

We bring our people together to create something bigger and solve some of the world's most complex problems. Come and experience the power of commitment and see strategy and ideas come to life when you join GHD.

Let's drive real change.

Our Pledge to You

At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.

That’s why we pledge to empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners, we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today.

See where your commitment could take you.

That’s the #PowerOfCommitment

Who We Are

GHD is a global professional services company that leads through engineering, architecture, and construction expertise. We are an employee‑owned company with over 11,000 diverse and skilled individuals, across more than 200 offices spanning five continents.

The Power of Commitment is our brand promise. It’s what makes us different. We are bound to our stated vision and determination to address humanity’s most urgent needs: to make water, energy and urbanisation sustainable for generations to come.