EL 1 - Project Manager

• $124,393 - $140,315 + 10% BDCP + up to 15.4% Superannuation
• Adelaide - SA, Canberra - ACT, Sydney CBD - NSW

The Role
The Maritime Integrated Warfare Systems (MIWS) Branch is seeking multiple professional, motivated, and experienced EL 1 Project Managers to join project teams across the Integrated Warfare Systems Enterprise (IWSE), including the SEA 4000 Phase 6 Hobart Class Guided Missile Destroyer Combat System Upgrade project.

As an EL 1 Project Manager, you will exercise a considerable degree of independence and perform a leadership role. You will operate in a dynamic, high-tempo environment, directly enabling Navy capability, readiness, and warfighting effectiveness. Working under broad direction, you will provide strategic leadership and advice across an integrated Defence industry enterprise, balancing capability outcomes, risk, and value for money.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams to deliver complex warfare capability and sustainment outcomes in a fast-paced and operationally driven environment.
• Plan, manage and monitor project scope, schedule, budget, risk, and resources, applying strong commercial acumen to optimise cost, schedule, and performance outcomes.
• Set clear direction, manage performance, and build a capable, resilient, and high-performing team aligned to Defence priorities.
• Deliver timely, high quality briefs, submissions, and reporting to support senior governance, assurance, and decision making.
• Apply robust project and program management disciplines in a complex environment, ensuring delivery is aligned with Defence capability lifecycle, contracting frameworks, and governance requirements.
• Identify, assess, and actively manage risks, issues, and opportunities, balancing technical, commercial, and operational considerations.
• Engage effectively with Defence, Navy, and industry stakeholders to deliver integrated warfare outcomes, using influence and negotiation to achieve commercially sound solutions.
• Resolve complex and sensitive issues, exercising sound judgement in a contested and evolving operating environment.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, policy, and regulatory frameworks, including procurement, contracting, and sustainment obligations.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team
The Maritime Integrated Warfare Systems (MIWS) Branch, within Major Surface Combatants and Combat Systems Division, offers a unique opportunity to work in a complex, fast-paced, and highly rewarding environment.

MIWS delivers and sustains advanced integrated warfare systems that underpin Navy’s warfighting edge, enabled by a highly skilled sovereign workforce and strong partnerships with industry and allied nations.

MIWS is a geographically dispersed team united by a strong “one team” mindset. We foster a positive, collaborative, and supportive culture where talented professionals work together to solve complex challenges across naval acquisition and sustainment.

You will benefit from meaningful career pathways, high-quality training, mentoring, and ongoing professional development. We are committed to helping our people grow, succeed, and make a tangible impact. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career that makes a difference, this is your opportunity to contribute to some of Australia’s most complex and critical naval capabilities.

Our Ideal Candidate
MIWS are seeking motivated, high-performing professionals who thrive in a dynamic, complex environment and are committed to delivering outcomes that support Navy capability and the continuous naval shipbuilding enterprise.
 
You will bring strong project governance experience, commercial acumen, and a collaborative mindset to operate effectively across Defence and industry. You are a resilient and energetic leader who can solve complex problems, manage competing priorities, and deliver results under pressure. You value teamwork, contribute to a positive culture, and lead with integrity, professionalism, and clear communication.

You will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership, including setting expectations, managing performance, and building team capability.
• Proven delivery of complex projects, managing schedule, budget, risk, and resources.
• Sound commercial judgement and understanding of Defence governance and capability delivery frameworks.
• Ability to analyse performance, manage risks and issues, and make informed decisions.
• Effective stakeholder engagement, with strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• High-quality communication, including preparation of briefs and senior-level submissions.
• Resilience, attention to detail, and persistence in achieving outcomes in high-tempo environments.

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