Program Manager

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

Thales Australia’s Secure Communications & Information Systems (SIX) business is a strategic domain delivering sovereign, secure capabilities to the Australian Defence Force.

Working from Canberra on Ngunnawal Country, you will lead the delivery, performance and growth of a strategically significant Secure Communications and Information Systems (SIX) program, delivering sovereign cloud and digital infrastructure capabilities that support critical Australian Defence outcomes.

• Lead the delivery and growth of a strategically significant Google Cloud infrastructure program supporting critical Defence outcomes.

• Drive program performance across safety, quality, schedule, cost, risk and customer satisfaction.

• Build trusted relationships with Defence customers and key stakeholders, acting as a strategic delivery partner.

• Lead and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary workforce in a complex matrix environment.

• Ensure strong governance, commercial performance and contractual compliance across the program lifecycle.

• Contribute to portfolio growth through customer engagement, capture activities and future business opportunities.

• Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration and delivery excellence.

On day one, you will bring:

• Proven experience leading large-scale cloud, infrastructure or technology programs in Defence, Government or similarly complex environments.

• Strong understanding of cloud and digital infrastructure, ideally within Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or other hyperscale ecosystems.

• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and influence outcomes across complex matrix organisations.

• Track record of building trusted customer relationships and engaging effectively with senior stakeholders.

• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing contracts, budgets, forecasting, risk and program performance.

• Understanding of Defence governance frameworks, ASDEFCON and Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Technology or a related discipline.

• Resilient and authentic leader who thrives in complex environments and delivers results through others.

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Recognised leader in reservist employee support

• Veterans Leave

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

• Access to a network of the best people (A Noble Prize winner on our staff list!)

• And much more!

Good to Know

A NV 1 Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.

Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/. In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role.

The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.