Location:
Barton, Canberra Employment type: Full time Remuneration: $160,000
- $200,000 plus superannuation Applications close: 13 November 2026 Lead significant Defence engagements and help shape the growth of the practice CMAX Advisory is seeking an experienced Deputy Director to lead significant Defence and national security engagements, advise senior clients and help strengthen one of the firm’s most established areas of market capability. Working closely with a Director, you will take substantial responsibility for a defined portfolio of client relationships. You will lead complex engagements, guide multidisciplinary teams and provide senior advice across political, policy, industry, stakeholder and commercial considerations. You will also contribute to deepening client relationships, identifying new opportunities and building the people, products and capability required for CMAX’s continued growth. About CMAX Advisory CMAX Advisory helps organisations navigate government, shape their operating environment and turn strategic intent into practical and commercial outcomes. We combine the senior judgement, trusted relationships and responsiveness of a specialist government relations practice with broader capability across corporate strategy, strategic communications, political and regulatory analysis, market intelligence and execution. Our clients engage us for more than access or advice in isolation. We help them understand complex environments, influence decisions, manage risk, pursue opportunities and translate strategy into action. CMAX has particular depth in Defence and national security, alongside an established and growing portfolio across health, mining, resources, energy and other regulated sectors. Our teams bring together the right expertise around each client challenge rather than approaching it through a single service line. Position summary The Deputy Director is a senior client and engagement leader within CMAX. The role supports the leadership of a defined portfolio of predominantly Defence and national security clients under a Director’s guidance. It is responsible for significant engagements, senior client advice, delivery quality, team coordination and disciplined management of scope and commercial outcomes. The successful candidate will combine political and policy judgement with strong relationship leadership and commercial awareness. They will be able to operate confidently with senior clients and stakeholders, lead teams through complex assignments and convert insight into practical strategy.



The role is also expected to contribute to the development of new and expanded client opportunities and to CMAX’s broader organisational capability.

Key responsibilities
The Deputy Director will:
• support the leadership of a defined portfolio of Defence and national security client relationships
• lead significant engagements, campaigns and complex workstreams
• act as a trusted senior adviser on political, policy, Defence, industry and stakeholder matters
• develop a detailed understanding of clients’ strategic objectives, commercial priorities and operating environments
• shape government relations, market-positioning, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications plans
• prepare clients and senior leaders for engagement with ministers, parliamentarians, departments, the ADF and industry stakeholders
• oversee complex client products and ensure advice is accurate, practical and strategically aligned
• anticipate emerging risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate action
• guide clients through complex, sensitive or high-pressure situations
• lead multidisciplinary teams and maintain accountability for quality, timing and outcomes
• oversee engagements against agreed scope, budget, resourcing and client expectations
• provide clear direction, review and feedback to Managers, Senior Advisors and other team members
• deepen priority client relationships and identify credible opportunities to extend CMAX’s support
• play a substantive role in shaping proposals, pitches and strategic business-development activities
• contribute to CMAX’s products, professional standards, market position and organisational capability. Qualifications and experience You will bring:
• a minimum of 10 years experience in Defence, national security, government, politics, government relations, public affairs, strategic policy, industry or consulting
• strong knowledge of Australian Government, parliamentary and Defence decision-making environments
• demonstrated experience advising senior executives, officials or industry leaders
• a record of leading significant engagements, campaigns or complex advisory programs
• excellent strategic, analytical and communication skills
• strong political judgement and the confidence to provide clear advice in uncertain environments




• experience managing senior client and stakeholder relationships
• commercial acumen, including experience managing scope, budgets, resourcing and client expectations
• strong written communication skills and ability to draft a suite of client and government facing documents
• the ability to lead teams and maintain quality across concurrent engagements
• experience identifying, shaping or progressing new client opportunities
• an established network relevant to government, Defence, national security or Defence industry
• discretion, resilience and a team-oriented leadership style
• a demonstrated commitment to developing the capability of others. Senior experience within the Australian Government, Defence, the ADF, a political office, Defence industry or a relevant consulting environment would be highly regarded. Experience connecting political and policy advice with Defence market entry, industry positioning, capability, capture or commercial strategy would also be valuable. Our values CMAX’s culture is grounded in Integrity, Loyalty, Teamwork and Respect. At the Deputy Director level, these values must be evident in leadership decisions, client advice, commercial judgement and the management of sensitive information. We are looking for someone who earns trust, provides honest advice, supports colleagues and acts in the long-term interests of clients and CMAX. They will create a constructive team environment while maintaining clear standards and accountability. Why join CMAX? CMAX offers senior practitioners the opportunity to remain close to clients and delivery while driving the continued growth of the business. You will work directly with CMAX’s leadership, specialist advisers and Defence clients. You will have meaningful influence over client strategy, team capability, market positioning and the continued evolution of the Defence and national security practice. The role offers the opportunity to lead consequential work, deepen senior relationships and help develop the next generation of CMAX advisers. CMAX is large enough to provide complex and significant work, but sufficiently focused for individuals to be visible, trusted and influential.

How to apply
Please submit your CV and a short covering letter directly to the posting, or alternatively email to Nicole Elliott, Deputy CEO, ([email protected]) outlining the relevant experience and perspective you would bring to CMAX. CMAX Advisory welcomes applications from people with diverse professional and personal backgrounds. We are committed to a respectful, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

📌 Deputy Director (Canberra)
🏢 Cmax Advisory
📍 Canberra