Project Director – Defence & Nuclear Infrastructure

Laing O'Rourke; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 300,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-house training programs and on-the‑

Six months paid parental leave

Purchased leave options

Volunteering leave

Exclusive discounts across Australia

Job summary

Laing O’Rourke is leading Australia’s largest-ever defence infrastructure program and seeks a Project Director to join the AUKUS team in Osborne, South Australia. You will direct the end‑to‑end delivery of complex projects, collaborating with JV partners and government stakeholders.

You will shape delivery strategies, lead a multidisciplinary leadership team, and ensure safety, quality, and program performance while managing budgets and contractual obligations.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience delivering major infrastructure, defence, transport, energy, resources or complex construction projects.
• Proven ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams and manage complex governance environments.
• Australian citizenship and ability to obtain Australian Defence NV1 clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for successful delivery of the project across safety, quality, programme, commercial and client objectives.
• Develop and execute project delivery strategies for safe, efficient, and profitable outcomes from design through commissioning and handover.
• Lead multidisciplinary project leadership teams with a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive project performance through management of programme, cost, risk, resources and delivery activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, Joint Venture partners, government stakeholders and supply chain partners.
• Ensure compliance with contracts, statutory, regulatory and governance requirements with high safety and quality standards.
• Identify and manage project risks and opportunities with proactive mitigation strategies.
• Act as senior representative for the project, engaging with client executives and key stakeholders on strategic matters.
• Champion safety, inclusion, wellbeing and high performance across all teams.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Budget management

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Defense/defence sector knowledge

Clearance eligibility (NV1)

Education

Engineering degree (or related)

Job description

Laing O’Rourke is leading Australia’s largest-ever defence infrastructure program and seeks a Project Director to join the AUKUS team in Osborne, South Australia. You will direct the end‑to‑end delivery of complex projects, collaborating with JV partners and government stakeholders.

You will shape delivery strategies, lead a multidisciplinary leadership team, and ensure safety, quality, and program performance while managing budgets and contractual obligations.