Project Manager – Land capability development

Saab Australia Pty Ltd; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks leave

14% superannuation

Income protection insurance

Flexible working options

Shares matching

MySaab discounts

Job summary

Saab Australia seeks an experienced Project Manager to lead Land capability development programmes, delivering feasibility studies and shaping future defence capability. You will manage multidisciplinary teams and partner with Defence customers, industry and subcontractors in a high-pressure environment.

This role is available across Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra or Brisbane with flexible location options. Ideal candidates will have a strong track record in complex Defence projects, governance,

Qualifications

• Experience delivering Defence or complex engineering programs.
• Knowledge of project planning, governance, scheduling, risk management and project controls.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging with Defence customers, industry partners and subcontractors.
• Commercial awareness including contract management and scope control.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM/CSSR) or similar frameworks.
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Science or Business; AIPM CPPM highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Land capability development projects, including Feasibility Study plans covering all functional and programmatic requirements.
• Deliver project outcomes and KPIs in accordance with the Contract Directives and Capability Requirement Acceptance.
• Manage internal and external dependencies to ensure synchronised delivery.
• Ensure Defence customer requirements are met and validated during the required updates and deliverables.
• You’ll be responsible for planning, governance, stakeholder engagement, project controls and risk management.
• Work closely with the Program Director and Capability Modernisation Manager to ensure seamless integration with broader program deliverables.

Skills

Defence projects

Cross-functional leadership

Project planning

Governance

Risk management

Earned Value Management

Contract management

AIPM CPPM

Education

Engineering degree

Science degree

Business degree

Tools

EVM

Job description

About the role

Lead the planning that shapes the future Land capability development, collaborating with government and industry stakeholders that support sovereign capability. This role is available in Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra or Brisbane and can be performed from any of these locations. Saab is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of critical Defence Land capability development projects, including feasibility studies, that inform future capability decisions. As the Project Manager - Land capability development, you will be responsible for driving complex, high-profile work at the front end of major Defence programs, collaborating with Defence customers, engineering specialists and industry partners to deliver evidence-based outcomes. We work in a fast-paced, demanding, challenging as well as time sensitive environment; we're diverse, global, resilient, adaptable and agile, therefore the ability to solve problems is critical. Along with satisfaction & rewards that comes with working for a global defence company, you can expect a generous salary, a range of outstanding benefits & an inclusive working environment.

The Role

As the Project Manager - Land capability development, you will lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver the first three Feasibility Study Official Orders, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute Land capability development projects, including Feasibility Study plans covering all functional and programmatic requirements.
• Deliver project outcomes and KPIs in accordance with the Contract Directives and Capability Requirement Acceptance.
• Manage internal and external dependencies to ensure synchronised delivery.
• Ensure Defence customer requirements are met and validated during the required updates and deliverables.
• You’ll be responsible for planning, governance, stakeholder engagement, project controls and risk management.
• Work closely with the Program Director and Capability Modernisation Manager to ensure seamless integration with broader program deliverables.

About you

You are an accomplished Project Manager with experience delivering Defence or other complex engineering programs. You have a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage competing priorities and build trusted relationships with customers and stakeholders.

You will bring

• Demonstrated experience managing complex Defence or systems engineering projects.
• Strong knowledge of project planning, governance, scheduling, risk management and project controls.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging with Defence customers, industry partners and subcontractors.
• Commercial awareness, including contract management and scope control.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM/CSSR) or similar project performance frameworks.
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Science or Business, with AIPM CPPM (or equivalent) highly regarded.

Personal Attributes

• Self-aware, accountable, and committed to personal and team development.
• Effectively manage time, deadlines, and competing demands through influential communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure when required but able to balance performance and wellbeing.

As Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an NV1 clearance.

Information including past and present nationality and citizenship may be requested to check eligibility for access to materials controlled under various export control regimes, including ITAR.

At Saab, you’ll be part of a team delivering advanced technologies and future-focused capabilities that make a real contribution to Australia’s defence and security landscape. This is an opportunity to shape R&D direction, lead talented technical teams and help translate innovation into meaningful operational outcomes. Join Saab and play a pivotal role in delivering the feasibility work that shapes future Defence capability while working alongside some of Australia's leading Defence professionals.

About us

Saab Australia is a defence, security and cyber solutions provider, specialising in the development and integration of major defence and security systems. For over 30 years in Australia, we have built a reputation for delivering complex systems integration projects that provide proven and advanced capabilities to keep us ahead of today’s challenges. From combat, communications, security and underwater systems to mixed reality, cyber security and deployable health solutions, our extensive portfolio of products and services provide high-technology solutions for defence forces and civil industries across the globe.

Culture and benefits

We employ over 1000 Australians and are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and enriching the employee experience. By joining Saab, you’ll be a part of a collaborative and supportive organisation, where your professional growth and work-life balance are emphasised. You’ll work within an innovative and vibrant workplace, while having the opportunity to develop a long-term, fulfilling career. As a valued team member of Saab Australia, you’ll access a variety of perks and benefits to support you and your family including:

• 6 weeks paid leave each year
• 14% Superannuation
• Free Income Protection Insurance
• Flexible working options
• Access to the Saab shares matching scheme
• Access to MySaab; our online store offering everything from cash back at hundreds of stores to discounts from exclusive partners

For further information about a career at Saab, visit the page adjacent: https://www.saab.com/markets/australia/careers/saab-life

Kindly observe that this is an ongoing recruitment process and in exceptional circumstances, the position might be filled before the closing date of the advertisement. We encourage applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

By submitting an application to Saab, you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities including, but not limited to: reference checks, Australian Federal Police check, verification of working rights and qualifications, sanctions screening and a pre-employment medical declaration.

Saab Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to apply. We also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds.

Saab Australia is a nationally recognised Veteran Employer of Choice and welcomes the interest of ex-service members, veterans and their families.

At Saab, we constantly look ahead and push boundaries for what is considered technically possible. We collaborate with colleagues around the world who all share our challenge - to make the world a safer place. Saab is a global defense and security company operating in the fields of air, land and naval defence, civil security and commercial aeronautics.

We number approximately 26,100 employees and have operations on all continents. Technologically we are leaders in many areas, and one-fifth of our earnings are spent on research and development. Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career.

We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, or disability status.