Project Manager

Client 1; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleared Recruitment in Canberra is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead delivery across Defence and National Security initiatives. You will manage projects from planning to delivery, coordinating clients, technical teams, vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.

The role requires managing complex projects, strong stakeholder engagement, and balancing delivery, commercial and technical requirements while working within governance and security constraints.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience.
• Experience delivering complex projects from initiation to completion.
• Strong client and stakeholder management.
• Experience coordinating technical teams, vendors and multidisciplinary delivery teams.
• Understanding of project financials, contractual commitments and delivery milestones.
• Clear communication, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and work packages from initiation through to completion, ensuring delivery within scope, timelines, budgets and quality.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, forecasts and resource requirements.
• Manage scope, requirements, changes, risks, issues and dependencies.
• Monitor performance, financials and milestones; address delivery issues.
• Prepare status reports and updates for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Lead project meetings and coordinate with vendors, subcontractors and delivery partners.
• Maintain governance, documentation and reporting in line with requirements.
• Apply Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies and identify process improvements.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting & forecasting

Risk & issue management

Vendor coordination

Agile & Waterfall

Tools

Agile

Waterfall

Job description

Project Manager - Defence & National Security

Location: Canberra, ACT

The Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced Project Manager to join a delivery team in Canberra, supporting a diverse portfolio of projects across the Defence and National Security sectors.

This role offers the opportunity to lead projects and work packages from planning through to delivery, working closely with clients, technical teams, vendors and internal stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.

We're interested in candidates from either a consulting or technology vendor background who can manage complex projects, build strong stakeholder relationships and balance delivery, commercial and technical requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage projects and work packages from initiation through to completion, ensuring delivery meets agreed scope, timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, forecasts and resource requirements.
• Manage project scope, requirements, changes, risks, issues and dependencies.
• Monitor project performance, financials and milestones, identifying and addressing potential delivery issues.
• Prepare project status reports, forecasts and updates for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Lead project meetings, communicate progress and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Coordinate technical teams, vendors, subcontractors and other delivery partners to ensure project objectives are met.
• Work closely with technical specialists to align business requirements with project delivery.
• Maintain project governance, documentation and reporting in line with organisational, contractual and government requirements.
• Support project assurance activities and apply appropriate delivery methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall.
• Identify opportunities to improve project processes, delivery practices and overall performance.
• Provide leadership and guidance to project team members, supporting collaboration and successful delivery.

About You

You're an organised and proactive Project Manager who can take ownership of delivery, manage competing priorities and work confidently with a range of stakeholders.

You'll bring:

• 5+ years' project management experience, with a track record of delivering complex projects from initiation to completion.
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, forecasts, risks and resources.
• Strong client and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence outcomes and manage expectations.
• Experience coordinating technical teams, vendors, subcontractors or multidisciplinary delivery teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of project financials, contractual commitments and delivery milestones.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with project governance, reporting, risk management and process improvement.
• A balanced understanding of business requirements and technical delivery.
• The ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively with clients and internal teams.

Security Clearance

Candidates must hold an Australian Government Top Secret Positive Vetting (PV) security clearance, subject to the role's specific requirements.

Why Apply?

Take the next step in your project management career and make a real impact across Australia's Defence and National Security sectors. You'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful projects, work alongside experienced professionals and be rewarded for your expertise and contribution.

• Be rewarded for holding a Top Secret Positive Vetting security clearance.
• Get recognised and rewarded for your performance and contribution to successful project outcomes.
• Grow your skills, take on new challenges and build your career across complex Defence and National Security projects.

Cleared Recruitment is leading the way for Defence recruitment services, bringing together some of Australia's best talent in ICT, Engineering and business and connecting those with specialised and future thinking Defence industry suppliers to ensure Australia is mission-ready at all times.