Governance Manager

Downer; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Reservist Leave (up to 20 days)

Perks@Downer discounts

Job summary

Downer Professional Services in Canberra is seeking a Governance Manager to lead governance across Defence Intelligence, ICT and Capability projects. You will develop frameworks, coordinate boards and maintain records, ensuring compliance with defence requirements while engaging senior stakeholders.

You should have demonstrable governance experience within complex defence or large ICT programs, strong documentation skills and the ability to drive continuous improvement in governance processes.

Qualifications

• Experience managing governance activities within complex Defence, Government or large-scale ICT programs.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks, assurance processes, records management and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to engage and coordinate across project teams, senior executives, governance bodies and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills with experience maintaining controlled governance artefacts, registers and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and continuously improve project governance frameworks, processes and procedures aligned with Commonwealth and Defence requirements.
• Coordinate governance forums, steering committees, project boards and executive meetings, ensuring effective decision-making and accountability.
• Maintain governance documentation, artefact registers, action registers and decision registers to support project oversight.
• Monitor compliance with governance obligations and escape governance risks, issues and non-compliance matters where required.
• Maintain auditable records of decisions, approvals, endorsements and governance outcomes in accordance with Defence information management requirements.

Skills

Governance management

Stakeholder coordination

Records management

Compliance

Job description

Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia's future.

Downer Professional Services comprises of 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 multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defence and National Security.

We currently have an opportunity for a Governance Manager in Canberra (preferred), with other Australian locations considered, to work on Defence Intelligence, ICT and Capability projects.

What You'll Do

This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities include:

• Develop, maintain and continuously improve project governance frameworks, processes and procedures aligned with Commonwealth and Defence requirements.
• Coordinate governance forums, steering committees, project boards and executive meetings, ensuring effective decision-making and accountability.
• Maintain governance documentation, artefact registers, action registers and decision registers to support project oversight.
• Monitor compliance with governance obligations and escape governance risks, issues and non-compliance matters where required.
• Maintain auditable records of decisions, approvals, endorsements and governance outcomes in accordance with Defence information management requirements

What You'll Bring

• Demonstrated experience managing governance activities within complex Defence, Government or large-scale ICT programs.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks, assurance processes, records management and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to engage and coordinate across project teams, senior executives, governance bodies and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills with experience maintaining controlled governance artefacts, registers and documentation.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain an AGSVA Security clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement.

More than anything, you'll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

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.