Product Controls Manager

Downer Professional Services; Canberra; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on healthcare

Access to professional development programs

Veteran support initiatives

Job summary

A key player in National Security is seeking a Product Controls Manager in Canberra. This role involves managing Defence project activities, providing project management guidance, and ensuring project governance. Candidates should have relevant tertiary qualifications and proven experience in technical deliverables. Strong understanding of Defence methodologies and the ability to engage stakeholders effectively are essential. Join a team committed to contributing to Australia’s future in Defence and enjoy a range of professional development opportunities and employee perks.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing complex technical deliverables.
• Strong understanding of Australian and international standards relevant to Defence.

Responsibilities

• Plan and estimate Defence project activities.
• Provide project management guidance and ensure governance.
• Develop and deliver high-quality project artefacts.

Skills

Project management

Technical knowledge

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications in engineering or management

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 three business units 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 Product Controls Manager in Canberra to work on Joint projects.

What You’ll Do

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

• Plan, schedule and estimate Defence project activities, ensuring alignment with requirements while overseeing governance across schedule, cost and risk.
• Provide expert project management guidance, including PMMv2 application, risk management, business improvement and support to Defence stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver high‑quality project artefacts, such as briefings, presentations, capability reports and status updates.
• Manage complex program interdependencies, including capability and benefits management, CLC controls, stakeholder engagement, financial and resource coordination.
• Resolve issues proactively, using expertise to identify alternative solutions and support continuous improvement across project and product teams.

What You’ll Bring

• Relevant tertiary qualifications with strong domain knowledge aligned to engineering, technical, or product management disciplines.
• Proven product or project management experience, demonstrating capability to manage complex technical deliverables.
• Strong understanding of Australian and international standards, regulations and Defence methodologies, appropriate to the required skill level.
• Ability to apply industry best practice, including awareness of international export control provisions and compliance expectations.
• Knowledge of the Defence Capability Life Cycle (CLC) and how it informs planning, governance and product management activities.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain a minimum Negative Vetting 1 or higher 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. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do 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.