Program Controls Manager

Assemble Solutions; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Assemble Solutions in Canberra is seeking an experienced Program Controls Manager to lead and uplift program-wide controls across a major Defence capability program. The role is a long-term, day contract-based position with a hybrid work setup from the client site in Canberra.

Applicants must hold NV1 or above clearance and be based in Canberra. You will oversee risk, cost, schedule and integration across multiple technical workstreams, partnering with senior stakeholders to drive alignment and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in program controls across large defense programs.
• Strong risk management and cost control capabilities.
• Exposure to scheduling within complex programs.
• Background in marine, Navy or nuclear environments is preferred.
• Experience supporting or leading program management in technical domains.
• Must be based in Canberra and hold NV1 or higher security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage all program controls: risk, cost, schedule and integration.
• Deliver two core program-wide controls outputs with consistency and rigour.
• Maintain and uplift controls frameworks, reporting rhythms and governance processes.
• Integrate information from multiple areas to align the program.
• Provide authoritative advice on risk posture, cost pressures and dependencies.
• Support leadership with clear insights that inform direction and decisions.
• Work with engineering stakeholders to reflect real-world technical delivery.
• Oversee program-level integration work bringing teams and data together.

Skills

Program controls

Risk management

Cost control

Scheduling

Stakeholder engagement

NV1 clearance

Job description

On behalf of our clients who operate in the Australian Defence sector, we are currently seeking an experienced Program Controls Manager to oversee and uplift program wide controls across a major capability program. The structure is already in place, you’ll learn the environment, take ownership, and drive program wide integration across a major Defence capability program.

The role is being offered as a long term (multi-year) day contract and will be based from client's site in Canberra with flexibility to work from home a few days each week.

Please note that due to the nature of the work and urgency of the role only candidates that hold a current NV1 or above security clearance can be considered.

Candidates MUST also be based in Canberra.

About the Role

You’ll lead the program controls function, overseeing risk, cost, schedule and integration across multiple technical workstreams. This role is central to ensuring the program operates cohesively, with clear visibility, aligned priorities and credible reporting.

Ideal for someone with a marine, Navy or nuclear background,

You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, including technical leads, program managers and engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage all program controls functions: risk, cost, schedule and integration.
• Deliver two core program‑wide controls outputs with consistency and rigour.
• Maintain and uplift controls frameworks, reporting rhythms and governance processes.
• Integrate information from multiple areas to ensure the program is aligned and working as one.
• Provide authoritative advice on risk posture, cost pressures, schedule impacts and dependencies.
• Support program leadership with clear, defensible insights that shape direction and decision‑making.
• Work closely with engineering stakeholders to ensure controls reflect real‑world technical delivery.
• Oversee program‑level integration work, bringing teams, data and deliverables together.

What You Bring

• Strong, hands‑on project/program controls experience.
• Demonstrated capability in risk management and cost control within complex programs.
• Exposure to scheduling (you’ve touched it, even if you’re not a scheduler).
• Background in marine, Navy or nuclear environments — ideally with engineering exposure.
• Experience supporting or leading program management in technical domains.
• Ability to quickly understand an existing controls function and run it independently.
• NV1 or above security clearance (mandatory).
• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
• Natural integrator, you bring structure, cohesion and clarity across a program.

Why This Role Matters

You’ll be the person who ensures the program is connected, coherent and under control. Your work directly influences program stability, decision‑making and delivery confidence.