Strategic Defence Program Director (EL2) — Lead SATCOM Delivery

Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Defence in Canberra seeks an experienced Program Director (EL2.1) to lead SPA9102, align with Defence priorities and drive delivery across complex, high-stakes programs. You will manage a team of Project Directors and Project Managers, providing authoritative advice to senior leadership and ensuring governance, risk management and compliance across the program.

The role emphasises strategic stakeholder engagement with Defence, Government, industry and international partners, and

Qualifications

• Experience leading large program teams and governance.
• Proven ability to manage complex, sensitive project portfolios.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across Defence and government.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication for briefs and submissions.
• Ability to balance competing priorities across services.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and governance for SPA9102.
• Lead Project Directors and Managers; set priorities.
• Advise senior Defence leadership on complex program matters.
• Oversee governance, risk management and compliance.
• Drive delivery within schedule, cost, risk.
• Prepare executive briefs and ministerial submissions.
• Manage strategic risks, dependencies and stakeholder relations.
• Represent Defence at domestic and international forums.
• Foster continuous improvement and high performance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Governance

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Executive briefing

Job description

Department of Defence in Canberra seeks an experienced Program Director (EL2.1) to lead SPA9102, align with Defence priorities and drive delivery across complex, high-stakes programs. You will manage a team of Project Directors and Project Managers, providing authoritative advice to senior leadership and ensuring governance, risk management and compliance across the program.

The role emphasises strategic stakeholder engagement with Defence, Government, industry and international partners, and