Policy and Program Managers

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

Job summary

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of a federal government agency for an experienced Policy and Program Manager to influence national security strategies and oversee complex policy initiatives.

You will craft high‑impact policies, manage large defence programs, and engage with government, industry, academia and international partners to deliver Australia’s long‑term submarine and defence capabilities.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in policy development, program management, or strategic assessment within government, defence, or industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of defence policies, industrial capabilities, workforce initiatives, and supply chain development.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of producing high-quality briefs, reports, and strategic documents.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and sound judgment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic policies supporting defence industrial capabilities and workforce growth.
• Oversee complex programs, ensuring timely delivery, compliance with standards, and achievement of organisational objectives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across government, industry, and academia to align objectives and promote industrial resilience.
• Provide high-level advice on policy impact, industrial strategies, and risk management.
• Monitor program performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and support continuous process enhancements.
• Maintain security clearances and ensure all activities meet security and confidentiality standards.

Skills

Policy development

Program management

Strategic assessment

Defence policies

Industrial capabilities

Workforce initiatives

Supply chain development

Leadership

Communication

Briefs and reports

Stakeholder management

Security clearance

Job description

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our client for an exceptional opportunity within a high-profile Federal Government agency supporting Australia's most significant long-term capability program.

This is a unique chance for an experienced Policy and Program Manager to influence national security strategies, oversee complex policy and program initiatives, and contribute to a pivotal defence project that will shape Australia’s industrial and defence capabilities for decades to come.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the senior leadership team, the Policy and Program Manager will provide expert leadership in policy development, program management, and strategic oversight of key defence initiatives. You will be responsible for crafting high-impact policies, managing large projects, and engaging with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, industry partners, academia, and international allies to ensure the delivery of Australia’s long-term submarine and defence capabilities. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for national security.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic policies supporting defence industrial capabilities and workforce growth
• Oversee complex programs, ensuring timely delivery, compliance with standards, and achievement of organisational objectives
• Collaborate with stakeholders across government, industry, and academia to align objectives and promote industrial resilience
• Provide high-level advice on policy impact, industrial strategies, and risk management
• Monitor program performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and support continuous process enhancements
• Maintain security clearances and ensure all activities meet security and confidentiality standards

About You

You will demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in policy development, program management, or strategic assessment within government, defence, or industrial environments
• Strong knowledge of defence policies, industrial capabilities, workforce initiatives, and supply chain development
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of producing high-quality briefs, reports, and strategic documents
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and sound judgment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance at "Negative Vetting Level 1".

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse individuals, people living with a disability, and the LGBTIQA+ community. You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.