Head Of Defence

Ugl Pty Limited; South Australia; On-site; AUD 280,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

UGL Pty Limited in Adelaide seeks a Head of Defence to lead growth across Defence opportunities, BID strategy, and major captures. The role focuses on developing a sustainable growth plan, expanding national client relationships and guiding the opportunity lifecycle from market analysis to contract award.

You will drive win strategies, collaborate with CIMIC and ACS groups, and manage budgets while influencing revenue forecasting and margin growth. An executive leadership mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading business development, growth, capture, strategy or proposal functions within the Defence sector.
• Strong understanding of Defence capability lifecycle, sustainment and industrial landscape.
• Experience working for a major Defence Prime, Tier 1 contractor or equivalent Defence industry organisation.
• Demonstrated success securing major contracts and strategic partnerships.
• Strong commercial, contractual and financial acumen.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and inspire high performance.
• A strategic mindset supported by strong analytical and decision‑making capability.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing Defence growth strategies aligned to UGL, CIMIC and ACS priorities.
• Building and managing a robust pipeline of Defence opportunities.
• Leading major bids, tenders and strategic pursuits.
• Developing compelling win strategies and customer value propositions.
• Establishing and strengthening executive‑level relationships across Defence, government and industry.
• Identifying market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities.
• Collaborating across UGL, CIMIC Group companies and international operations to maximise growth outcomes.
• Managing pursuit, proposal and growth budgets.
• Contributing to revenue forecasting, margin growth and business planning.

Skills

Defence sector experience

Business development

Growth strategy

Capture

Proposal functions

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Leading multidisciplinary teams

Analytical decision‑making

Education

Engineering or Business degree

Job description

Job Description

Head of Defence UGL Pty Limited Adelaide, SA, AU

Shape the Future of Defence Growth At UGL, we're delivering critical infrastructure, essential services, and innovative solutions that support Australia's most important industries. As we continue to expand our presence in the Defence sector, we are seeking an accomplished and commercially astute Head of Defence to lead our growth strategy and drive the next phase of market expansion.

Reporting directly to the Executive General Manager - Services, this high-profile executive role will be responsible for identifying, securing and converting significant Defence opportunities across infrastructure, sustainment, logistics, asset management and capability support markets. This is a unique opportunity to influence strategic direction, build national client relationships, lead major pursuits and represent UGL within the broader ACS and CIMIC Defence ecosystem. This role also offers the flexibility of being in any East Coast Capital City.

About the Role

As Head of Defence, you will be accountable for developing and executing a sustainable Defence growth strategy while leading all aspects of the opportunity lifecycle, from market analysis and opportunity qualification through to contract award.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing Defence growth strategies aligned to UGL, CIMIC and ACS priorities.
• Building and managing a robust pipeline of Defence opportunities.
• Leading major bids, tenders and strategic pursuits.
• Developing compelling win strategies and customer value propositions.
• Establishing and strengthening executive-level relationships across Defence, government and industry.
• Identifying market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities.
• Collaborating across UGL, CIMIC Group companies and international operations to maximise growth outcomes.
• Managing pursuit, proposal and growth budgets.
• Contributing to revenue forecasting, margin growth and business planning.

About You

We are seeking a recognised Defence sector leader with a proven track record of delivering growth outcomes in complex and highly competitive environments.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience leading business development, growth, capture, strategy or proposal functions within the Defence sector.
• Strong understanding of Defence capability lifecycle, sustainment and industrial landscape.
• Experience working for a major Defence Prime, Tier 1 contractor or equivalent Defence industry organisation.
• Demonstrated success securing major contracts and strategic partnerships.
• Strong commercial, contractual and financial acumen.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and inspire high performance.
• A strategic mindset supported by strong analytical and decision‑making capability.
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Business or a related discipline (preferred).

Why UGL?

At UGL, you'll join a business with a strong reputation for delivering complex projects and services across Australia and internationally. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Influence the future direction of UGL's Defence business.
• Work alongside highly capable executive leaders and industry experts.
• Access opportunities across the broader CIMIC Group network.
• Contribute to nationally significant Defence programs.
• Build a lasting legacy through sustainable business growth and client partnerships.