Senior Manager

McGrathNicol; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 weeks parental leave

Health and wellbeing programs

Employee assistance

Job summary

McGrathNicol, an independent professional services firm, seeks an experienced intelligence professional to lead complex open-source analytical engagements for its Canberra-based national security team. The role focuses on producing written assessments that inform government priorities and client deliverables.

You will coach analysts, manage projects and stakeholder relationships, and contribute to business development while maintaining high standards of integrity and judgement in sensitive

Qualifications

• Experience drafting written intelligence assessments within national security.
• Strong understanding of intelligence collection, analysis and assessment methodologies.
• Exceptional written communication and briefing skills.
• Experience managing projects, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement in complex environments.
• Chinese language capability is highly regarded but not essential.
• A current Australian Government security clearance (NV1/NV2), or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead open-source intelligence collection and analysis in support of national security priorities.
• Produce and review high-quality intelligence assessments, reports and client deliverables.
• Provide strategic insights and advice to government and national security stakeholders.
• Lead, coach and develop analysts and junior team members.
• Manage project delivery, stakeholder engagement and client relationships.
• Identify emerging defence, intelligence and security risks through advanced analytical methodologies.
• Contribute to business development activities and the growth of the national security practice.

Skills

Intelligence analysis

Written communication

Project management

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Multidisciplinary teams

Chinese language

Job description

Application Closing Date: 31 December 2026

McGrathNicol is an independent professional services firm specialising in Cyber, Deals, Forensic, Performance, Restructuring, and Risk & Compliance. For more than 20 years, we have supported organisations to navigate critical moments, from growth and transformation through to financial stress and uncertainty, across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Guided by our values – Understanding, Commitment and Impact – we are client-focused, collaborative and committed to creating an environment where our people can do their best work and continue to grow their careers.

Location: Sydney, NSW, AU, 2000

Company: McGrathNicol

Division: Advisory

Department: National Security

Employment Type: Full Time Permanent

Application Closing Date: 31 December 2026

McGrathNicol is an independent professional services firm specialising in Cyber, Deals, Forensic, Performance, Restructuring, and Risk & Compliance. For more than 20 years, we have supported organisations to navigate critical moments, from growth and transformation through to financial stress and uncertainty, across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Guided by our values – Understanding, Commitment and Impact – we are client-focused, collaborative and committed to creating an environment where our people can do their best work and continue to grow their careers.

The Opportunity

As our national security practice expands, we are seeking an experienced intelligence professional to lead complex analytical engagements and contribute to the continued growth of our Canberra-based team of open-source intelligence analysts.

This role is ideally suited to candidates with experience producing written intelligence assessments within Australia's national security community, who are passionate about delivering meaningful outcomes to advance Australia’s national interest.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and lead open-source intelligence collection and analysis in support of national security priorities.
• Produce and review high-quality intelligence assessments, reports and client deliverables.
• Provide strategic insights and advice to government and national security stakeholders.
• Lead, coach and develop analysts and junior team members.
• Manage project delivery, stakeholder engagement and client relationships.
• Identify emerging defence, intelligence and security risks through advanced analytical methodologies.
• Contribute to business development activities and the continued growth of the national security practice.

About You

• Demonstrated experience drafting written intelligence assessments, ideally within Australia's national security community.
• Strong understanding of intelligence collection, analysis and assessment methodologies.
• Exceptional written communication and briefing skills.
• Experience managing projects, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement in complex and sensitive environments.
• Chinese language capability is highly regarded but not essential.
• A current Australian Government security clearance (NV1/NV2), or the ability and willingness to obtain one.

Why Join Us?

• competitive annual bonus program
• exceptional training and career development opportunities
• inclusive culture fosters growth through personalised mentorship
• 26 weeks parental leave
• additional leave options
• employee assistance
• health and wellbeing programs
• opportunities for social and community engagement