Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia’s future.
Downer Professional Services is comprised of two business units, our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice and Team Downer, a major service partner to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for our clients in Defence and National Security.
About the Role
Downer Professional Services provides data management services in support of the Integrated Warfighting Networks Systems capability. Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in data management, governance, analytics and business analysis to improve how information is captured, analysed and used for strategic decision-making the capability .
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager who combines strong people leadership with disciplined delivery. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, providing the structure, clarity and direction needed to perform at its best while maintaining a clear focus on meaningful customer outcomes.
You do not need to be the technical expert in every discipline. Success will depend on your ability to see the bigger picture, bring the right people together, balance competing priorities and translate complex requirements into clear, achievable outcomes.
As part of a developing capability within Downer Professional Services, you will also help shape how the team operates, builds its reputation and delivers sustained value to Defence.
What You Will Do
- Lead, support and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning data management, governance, analytics and business analysis.
- Create a collaborative environment in which team members understand their priorities, responsibilities and contribution to broader Defence outcomes.
- Plan and oversee delivery across multiple workstreams, keeping activities aligned with agreed priorities, milestones and outcomes.
- Build trusted relationships with Defence stakeholders, understand their needs and translate them into practical deliverables.
- Set clear direction while empowering technical specialists to apply their expertise and take ownership of their work.
- Proactively manage dependencies, risks, issues, roadblocks and competing priorities.
- Maintain a strong focus on measurable outcomes and customer value, rather than activity alone.
- Communicate progress, priorities and challenges clearly to stakeholders and leadership.
- Support the ongoing development and maturity of the data management capability within Downer Professional Services.
About You
You are an experienced Program Manager who understands that successful delivery depends as much on people, relationships and leadership as it does on plans and schedules.
You are comfortable leading technical specialists without needing to be the subject-matter expert. You ask the right questions, challenge constructively and create the conditions for specialists to deliver their best work.
What you will bring:
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams in complex project or program environments.
- Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, support and unite individuals with different areas of expertise.
- A proven record of taking ownership of delivery and achieving measurable outcomes.
- Strong program and project management capability, including planning, prioritisation, risk management, stakeholder engagement and delivery oversight.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, particularly with senior or complex stakeholder groups.
- The ability to bring structure and clarity to ambiguous or evolving requirements.
- The confidence to make decisions, remove roadblocks and maintain delivery momentum.
- An understanding of data, analytics, reporting or digital environments.
- Experience working within Defence, government or another complex regulated environment will be highly regarded.
Why Downer Professional Services
At Downer Professional Services, we’re not just a workplace - we’re a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country’s only sovereign prime, we’re committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia’s interests.
What it means to belong at Downer Professional Services
- Meaningful work: Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future.
- Professional development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice.
- Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Perks@Downer.
- Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post-service.
You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.
We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.
We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.
As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.
If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.