Shape Defence's future test and evaluation capability through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and requirements development-not capability delivery.

Join our Downer Qualified Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia's future.

About the role

We are seeking a proactive Approach to Market (ATM) Project Manager to support a high-profile Defence procurement program within one of our SPO's. Working closely with commercial, engineering, technical and operational stakeholders, you will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of activities that support Defence procurement, contract establishment and future capability outcomes.

This is not a traditional project management role focused on delivering an existing capability. Instead, you will play a key role in shaping future Defence capabilities by leading procurement planning, requirements development, stakeholder engagement and governance activities that enable successful market approaches and contract outcomes.

What You'll Do

This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities including:

- Lead and coordinate Defence Approach to Market (ATM) activities from planning through to contract establishment and transition.
- Develop procurement documentation, Statements of Work (SOWs), requirements, governance papers and tender evaluation artefacts.
- Facilitate workshops and collaborate with commercial, engineering, technical and operational stakeholders to define future capability needs.
- Manage schedules, risks, dependencies and project controls to ensure successful procurement outcomes.
- Support tender evaluations, contract negotiations, vendor mobilisation and performance framework development.

What You'll Bring





Demonstrated experience delivering complex Defence, Government or regulated-industry projects.

- Experience delivering complex projects within Defence, Government or highly regulated environments.
- Strong understanding of procurement, governance, tender evaluation and contract establishment activities.
- Proven ability to coordinate diverse stakeholder groups and manage competing priorities.
- Experience developing requirements, scopes of work, business cases or procurement documentation.
- Excellent communication, facilitation and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and industry partners.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain a clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement.

More than anything, you'll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Why Downer Professional Services

At Downer Professional Services, we're not just a workplace - we're a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country's only sovereign prime, we're committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia's interests.

What is means to belong at Downer Professional Services

- Meaningful work:



Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future.

- Career development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice.

- Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Perks@Downer.

- Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post-service.

You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We're committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with this role, we'd still like to hear from you.

If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we're here to help you put your best foot forward.

📌 Project Manager (Canberra)
🏢 Downer
📍 Canberra