The Role The EL 2 Director Business Management Unit leads the Business Management Unit (BMU) and is responsible for delivering business, governance, workforce, commercial and program management functions enabling the Surveillance, Intelligence and Life Support Systems Program Office (SILSPO) to acquire, integrate, transition and sustain Defence capabilities.

Key accountabilities include

- Leading SILSPO business strategy, planning and prioritisation, and aligning business operations, governance and workforce planning with Defence objectives
- Providing strategic direction for organisational performance and capability delivery
- Establishing and maintaining governance, assurance and compliance frameworks supporting decision-making and continuous improvement
- Implementing and maturing Capability Program Management practices, including project controls, reporting, risk and performance oversight, to support cost, schedule and capability outcomes
- Delivering commercial support for acquisition and sustainment activities and industry engagement
- Leading and developing the BMU workforce, including workforce planning, organisational design, and people, financial and resource management
- Representing the SPO Director in engagements with Air Force, ASR Branch / SPOs Executives, and Strategic Partner Agencies, fostering effective relationships and supporting strategic outcomes.

About our Team

SILSPO is the acquisition and sustainment agency for leading edge Surveillance, Intelligence, and Aeronautical Life Support capabilities. It acquires, integrates, and transitions capabilities into service to provide the joint force with a decisive warfighting advantage. SILSPO is responsible for the acquisition, integration, and through life support of the MC-55A Peregrine and Aeronautical Life Support Equipment (ALSE).

This includes aerial systems and ground control segments, simulator and training systems,



associated infrastructure, and ongoing support arrangements.

The organisation integrates all elements of the Fundamental Inputs to Capability (FIC) to ensure a seamless transition to service and the achievement of Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and Final Operational Capability (FOC) on time and within budget. SILSPO operates as an integrated workplace comprising ADF, APS, and contracted personnel and is committed to flexible and inclusive work practices.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a high-performing and motivated leader who can provide strategic direction while delivering practical business outcomes in a complex and dynamic Defence environment. The successful candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes across APS, ADF, industry and senior Defence stakeholders.

You will be a confident and adaptable leader, capable of shaping organisational strategy, driving business transformation and establishing effective governance, workforce and program management frameworks. You will demonstrate sound judgement, strong analytical capability and the ability to apply structured thinking to solve complex problems and deliver outcomes.

The role requires a proactive and outcomes-focused professional who can lead multidisciplinary teams, manage competing priorities and operate effectively within an evolving capability acquisition and sustainment workplace. Strong commercial awareness, an understanding of Defence business practices and experience developing and implementing organisational improvement initiatives will be highly regarded.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake domestic and occasional international travel.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 2”.

📌 Director - SILSPO Business Management Unit (Adelaide)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Adelaide