Senior Project / Program Manager – Defence Canberra ACT | $130–$140 per hour including superannuation
Contract: 23 November 2026 to 28 November 2027
Current NV1 security clearance required
About the opportunity
Canberra Consulting is seeking an experienced Senior Project / Program Manager within Land Capability Division.
Officially titled Assistant Program Manager, this is a Level 3 qualified contracting position requiring at least 10 years of program management experience. The role combines program planning, technical work coordination, governance, procurement support and stakeholder engagement across a complex Defence environment.
You will help translate technical requirements into clearly defined work packages, coordinate competing priorities and support the delivery of the annual program of work.
What you will do
- Assist in developing and maintaining the Program of Work, translating Army direction and requests from Joint forums and boards into planned activities.
- Manage and coordinate incoming requests for support, helping define scope, deliverables, resource requirements and schedules.
- Synchronise internal activities across teams and functional areas, identifying dependencies and supporting coordinated delivery.
- Support forward work planning, annual budgets, financial phasing, vendor engagement and business support activities.
- Translate complex technical concepts into practical work packages for technical and non-technical delivery teams.
- Help develop and improve project management processes and work intake arrangements.
- Manage the Program Support Officer’s work outcomes in support work intake and delivery priorities.
- Support organisational and project risk management, including governance coordination and secretariat functions.
- Support simple and complex procurement activities in accordance with Commonwealth Procurement Rules and local instructions.
- Prepare clear reporting on deliverables, progress, risks and issues to support management decisions.
- Build productive relationships across Army, Defence, industry and Joint and Coalition stakeholders.
Experience and capabilities we are looking forYou will bring strong organisational, leadership and stakeholder management skills, supported by experience coordinating complex programs and competing delivery priorities.
A strong background in communications engineering and systems engineering is sought to help you understand the technical environment and translate requirements into executable work How to apply
Apply through SEEK with your current CV, clearly outlining:
- Your program management experience and relevant Defence or secure ICT delivery background.
- Your current security clearance level.
- Relevant qualifications and certifications.
- Your availability to commence and preferred hourly rate within the advertised range.
Shortlisted candidates will be provided with an application pack and asked to prepare a tailored response addressing the role requirements. Evidence of relevant qualifications and a completed Personnel Integrity Declaration will also be required for submission.
This position requires a current NV1 security clearance or higher. Please ensure your clearance level is clearly stated in your application.