Expression of Interest - Defence and National Security

KordaMentha Pty; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

Professional development

Study support

Flexible work options

Job summary

KordaMentha is seeking talented professionals to join our Defence and National Security (DNS) practice in Canberra and across Australia. We value pragmatic advisers who can translate complexity into clear, actionable plans for government and industry clients.

You will contribute across capability, commercial, infrastructure, technology and delivery challenges, with opportunities to lead, analyse, and grow our team while solving high-stakes issues in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in Defence, national security, government or an aligned industry.
• Consulting, advisory, delivery or specialist experience relevant to service areas.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to bring structure to ambiguity.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted client relationships and contribute to team success.

Responsibilities

• Support analysis and delivery, lead workstreams where appropriate.
• Advise senior clients and manage engagements or help grow the team.
• Translate complex issues into clear, practical outcomes for high-stakes environments.

Skills

Defence experience

National security

Government sector

Advisory delivery

Job description

For more than 20 years, KordaMentha has supported businesses through some of their most complex matters and opportunities. Founder owned and led; we are an advisory firm that helps corporations, financiers, lawyers, private investors and government clients to grow, protect and recover value.

That’s what we do, but it’s how we do this that makes us who we are.

Proudly independent, strategically local, and with a bias for action to get things done, we focus on doing what is right by our clients, our people, and the wider community. Our track record shows that we help navigate the best path forward in challenging times, and do so across cities, regions and territories.

In the most stressful or demanding environments, we continue to drive change where it really counts.

Job Description

Our Defence and National Security (DNS) team help government and industry clients turn challenges across capability, commercial, infrastructure, technology, sustainment and delivery into practical outcome and executable plans.

The team is growing, with opportunities for individuals and teams at all levels across Melbourne, Canberra, Perth and Sydney. Joining DNS means working on nationally and strategically significant matters, supported by a strong and expanding pipeline of work.

We provide a platform to achieve your goals. Our focus is on matching people to meaningful client engagements where they can create immediate value, build momentum and accelerate their professional development from the outset. Appointment timing is tailored to align each person’s expertise and experience with the right opportunities, supported by open communication throughout the recruitment process.

Depending on your experience, you may support analysis and delivery, lead workstreams, advise senior clients, manage engagements or help grow our team and market presence. In every role, you will help clients make confident decisions and deliver practical outcomes in complex, high-stakes environments.

If you have relevant experience and want to work on important Defence and National Security challenges, we want to hear from you.

We are looking for people who bring sound judgement, curiosity and a practical approach. You will be comfortable working through ambiguity, collaborating with diverse stakeholders and translating complex issues into clear advice and action.

We welcome relevant experience across one or more of the following areas:

• Estate, facilities and infrastructure strategy, planning, investment, delivery and assurance
• Asset management, intelligence and optimisation – covering maintenance, sparing, inventory, operational performance improvement, AI / data / model-driven methods, digital-twins and complex analyses
• Complex program performance improvement, governance, risk and delivery
• Commercial advisory and optimisation, including business cases, commercial models, pricing, cost assurance and contract performance
• Supply chain, integrated logistics support and warehousing

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• Relevant experience in Defence, national security, government or an aligned industry
• Consulting, advisory, delivery or specialist experience relevant to one or more of our service areas
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, actionable and compelling insights.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a natural curiosity and the ability to bring structure and clarity to ambiguous situations.
• Sound judgement, commercial acumen and a pragmatic approach to navigating complex challenges and competing priorities.
• The ability to build trusted relationships and credibility with clients, colleagues and stakeholders through authenticity, professionalism and integrity.
• A collaborative mindset and a genuine desire to contribute to team success, share knowledge and support those around you.
• A growth mindset, embracing continuous learning, seeking feedback and looking for opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Confidence to challenge thinking constructively, offer new perspectives and contribute to better outcomes for clients and teams.
• Resilience, adaptability and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone to tackle new opportunities and challenges.
• A strong sense of accountability and ownership, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes and following through on commitments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance.

Join KordaMentha- Build your future, shape ours

We don’t just hire talent; we invest in it - with support that accelerates your success in every way

Why Join Us?

• Professional Development: Expert mentorship, tailored training via KordaMentha Business School, study support, and our Accelerate program for Analysts to Associate Directors - build your brand, expand your network, and gain strategic insights from senior leaders
• Flexibility: We champion work/life integration with options that fit your lifestyle.
• Career Growth: Merit-based promotions, secondments, and opportunities to work alongside senior leaders on impactful projects.
• Leave That Works for You: Buy extra leave and access volunteer, generous parental leave and career break options.
• Culture & Connection:Social events, cultural celebrations, be part of our diversity and inclusion program, KMConnect.
• Family Support: Flexible parental leave, return-to-work support.
• Health & Wellbeing: Inclusive wellness initiatives and confidential and industry leading EAP for you and your family.

This isn’t just a job — it’s a place where your ambitions are nurtured, your wellbeing is valued, and your contributions celebrated. Ready to shape your future with us?