Project Manager

The Role

The EL 1 Project Manager role will lead the Project Management Office function within the Health Program Directorate of the Defence Secret Environment Delivery Branch.

As the PMO Lead, you will lead the Program Management Office (PMO) function, providing governance, assurance, reporting, program controls, and strategic oversight to support the successful delivery of program outcomes. 

You will establish and maintain effective governance arrangements, oversee project and program schedules, manage scope, risks and issues, and provide financial oversight to ensure delivery remains aligned with strategic priorities and value-for-money objectives. You will drive continuous improvement of governance frameworks, delivery methodologies, and Defence Digital Group ways of working, ensuring transparency, compliance, and informed decision-making. 

The role provides strategic advice, insights to senior stakeholders, manages interdependencies across projects, and coordinates diverse internal and external stakeholders. The role is also accountable for the development, maintenance, and quality assurance of program documentation, executive reporting, and governance artefacts.

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 DSED is part of the Military Systems Division in the Defence Digital Group (DDG). The Health Program Directorate is responsible for delivery of the Health Knowledge Management (HKM) Program. The HKM Program is a major Defence capability initiative that will deliver an integrated, secure, and future-focused health information system to support the delivery of healthcare services across the Defence Health System. 

The Program will replace the existing Defence eHealth System (DeHS) and establish a single, longitudinal electronic Health Record (eHR) that supports Australian Defence Force (ADF) members throughout their service life, from recruitment through to transition from service.

Our work environment is dynamic and diverse with a strategy-led approach to shaping, delivering and sustaining Defence’s technology landscape in a faster, more agile way. Our team is a collaborative, integrated workforce of ADF and APS.

Our Ideal Candidate

• You are an experienced project management professional with a demonstrated ability to lead the delivery of complex projects in dynamic and challenging environments. 
• You apply strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a high degree of initiative to solve complex problems, manage competing priorities, and achieve organisational outcomes. 
• You have proven experience leading PMO functions and applying governance, assurance, reporting, program controls, and performance management practices to support successful delivery. 
• You are able to identify emerging risks and issues, manage interdependencies, and provide trusted advice and evidence-based insights to senior leaders to support informed decision-making and program outcomes. 
• You build and sustain productive relationships across Defence, industry and project teams, using strong communication and influencing skills in complex stakeholder environments. 
• You operate under pressure and lead through ambiguity and change. 
• You drive the continuous improvement of PMO frameworks, governance practices, and project management capabilities, ensuring consistent delivery across the program environment.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers