Assistant Program Manager

Support complex Defence ICT integration programs within a highly technical Canberra-based environment

Your new company 
This Commonwealth organisation supports the integration of digital networks and complex technical capabilities across Defence environments. Its specialist teams deliver systems integration, engineering, technical assurance, testing, digital design and program coordination activities. Operating at the intersection of project management, communications engineering and systems engineering, the organisation works with stakeholders across Defence, government and industry to support informed capability and investment decisions. This contract opportunity sits within a multidisciplinary program environment focused on coordinating technical work, managing risk and delivering structured programs of work
Your new role 
As Assistant Program Manager, you will support the development and execution of forward work planning, project governance, risk management and work-intake processes. Working with senior management and technical teams, you will help translate complex requirements into clearly scoped and executable work packages.

• Developing and maintaining the program of work, including tasks arising from Defence and joint governance forums
• Coordinating external and internal work-intake activities, scopes, deliverables, resources and schedules
• Supporting annual work programs, budget planning, vendor engagement and business operations
• Improving project management and program support processes
• Coordinating risk-management activities and providing secretariat support for stakeholder engagements
• Supporting procurement activities in accordance with Commonwealth requirements
• Preparing project documentation, schedules, reports, executive briefs and governance updates
• Supporting planning for Land, Joint and Coalition exercises and related activities

What you'll need to succeed 
You will be an experienced program or project management professional who can operate independently in a secure, technically complex stakeholder environment.

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in project or program management, or an appropriate certification such as PMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, an Agile certification or an AIPM credential
• Proven industry experience in program management
• A current Australian Government NV1 security clearance
• The ability to work full-time from the nominated Canberra site
• A strong background in communications engineering and systems engineering
• Excellent organisational, leadership, communication and stakeholder-management capabilities
• The ability to obtain and maintain an NV1 clearance if subsequently required
• Desirably, Defence Capability System knowledge, organisational risk-management experience, secure ICT exposure and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Jira or other agile project software

What you'll get in return 
This engagement offers substantial ownership across a varied technical program and exposure to stakeholders across Defence, government and industry.

• A contract running from 23 November 2026 to 28 November 2027
• Exposure to complex Defence ICT, network-integration and capability activities
• A central role in project planning, governance, risk and stakeholder coordination
• Full-time, on-site facilities in Symonston, ACT
• The opportunity to work across multidisciplinary technical and program teams 

What you need to do now 
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV to holly.powell@Hays.com.au , or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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