Intelligence Manager / Senior Manager

McGrathNicol; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 weeks parental leave

Additional leave options

Employee assistance

Health and wellbeing programs

Social and community engagement

Job summary

McGrathNicol in Canberra seeks an experienced intelligence professional to lead complex open-source intelligence engagements and grow the national security advisory team.

You will produce written assessments, provide strategic insights to government stakeholders, and mentor analysts, with the opportunity to shape national security outcomes.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience drafting written intelligence assessments.
• Strong understanding of intelligence collection, analysis and assessment methodologies.
• Exceptional written communication and briefing skills.
• Experience managing projects, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement in complex and sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead open-source intelligence collection and analysis in support of national security priorities.
• Produce and review high-quality intelligence assessments, reports and client deliverables.
• Provide strategic insights and advice to government and national security stakeholders.
• Lead, coach and develop analysts and junior team members.
• Manage project delivery, stakeholder engagement and client relationships.
• Identify emerging defence, intelligence and security risks through advanced analytical methodologies.
• Contribute to business development activities and the continued growth of the national security practice.

Skills

Open-source intelligence

Written communication

Team leadership

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Location: Canberra, ACT, AU, 2601

Company: McGrathNicol

Division: Advisory

Department: National Security

Employment Type: Full Time Permanent

Application Closing Date: 31 December 2026

About Us

McGrathNicol is an independent professional services firm specialising in Cyber, Deals, Forensic, Performance, Restructuring, and Risk & Compliance. For more than 20 years, we have supported organisations to navigate critical moments, from growth and transformation through to financial stress and uncertainty, across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Guided by our values – Understanding, Commitment and Impact – we are client-focused, collaborative and committed to creating an environment where our people can do their best work and continue to grow their careers.

The Opportunity

As our national security practice expands, we are seeking an experienced intelligence professional to lead complex analytical engagements and contribute to the continued growth of our Canberra-based team of open-source intelligence analysts.

This role is ideally suited to candidates with experience producing written intelligence assessments within Australia's national security community, who are passionate about delivering meaningful outcomes to advance Australia’s national interest.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and lead open-source intelligence collection and analysis in support of national security priorities.
• Produce and review high-quality intelligence assessments, reports and client deliverables.
• Provide strategic insights and advice to government and national security stakeholders.
• Lead, coach and develop analysts and junior team members.
• Manage project delivery, stakeholder engagement and client relationships.
• Identify emerging defence, intelligence and security risks through advanced analytical methodologies.
• Contribute to business development activities and the continued growth of the national security practice.

About You

• Demonstrated experience drafting written intelligence assessments, ideally within Australia's national security community.
• Strong understanding of intelligence collection, analysis and assessment methodologies.
• Exceptional written communication and briefing skills.
• Experience managing projects, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement in complex and sensitive environments.
• Chinese language capability is highly regarded but not essential.
• A current Australian Government security clearance (NV1/NV2), or the ability and willingness to obtain one.

Why Join Us?

At McGrathNicol, you’ll thrive in an empowering environment where your expertise drives real impact. We offer a competitive annual bonus program, alongside exceptional training and career development opportunities. Our inclusive culture fosters growth through personalised mentorship. You’ll also benefit from comprehensive support such as 26 weeks parental leave, additional leave options, employee assistance, health and wellbeing programs, and opportunities for social and community engagement. Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your success.