Program Director

About this role

The Role As the EL 2 Program Director for the Air Base Operations Management Unit, you will provide strategic leadership, governance oversight and program management direction for the sustainment and ongoing development of Air Base Operations Air Base Operations capability. Operating with a high degree of independence and accountability, you will lead the delivery of complex capability outcomes across a diverse stakeholder environment. You will be responsible for ensuring Air Base Operations capability remains effective, available, integrated and aligned with Defence requirements and operational priorities. The role requires strong leadership to drive long term capability planning, informed decision-making, performance management, governance compliance and financial stewardship across a portfolio of product schedules. You will influence strategic outcomes through effective engagement with Defence stakeholders and industry partners. Key responsibilities include: • Providing strategic leadership for the sustainment, integration and continuous improvement of Air Base Operations capability. • Developing and maintaining long term capability strategies that support Defence priorities and operational requirements. • Leading Product Schedule reviews and capability performance measurement activities. • Overseeing governance, assurance, compliance and accountability requirements, including relevant legislative, regulatory and Defence policy frameworks. • Managing financial planning, resource allocation and expenditure to ensure delivery of Air Base Operations capability outcomes. • Coordinating and integrating stakeholders across Defence to achieve cohesive and effective capability management. • Providing authoritative advice to senior leaders on complex capability, governance, and sustainment matters. • Building and leading a high performing workforce that promotes collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. • Managing product sustainment requirements and supporting informed decision making across the Air Base Operations capability system. This will be a non-ongoing opportunity for an initial 18 months, with the potential for on-going at a later stage if appropriate. About our Team The Air Base Operations Management Unit is a key business unit within the Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office, which is part of the Airlift and Tanker Systems Branch within Aerospace Systems Division of the Defence Delivery Group. Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office is responsible for the acquisition and sustainment of critical Air Force capabilities, including the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, C-17A Globemaster, and Air Base Operations capabilities. These capabilities form a vital component of Australia's strategic air mobility and air basing support activities ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief through to high-end operational missions. Air Base Operations Management Unit provides product management of the CAF43 Product Schedule that delivers Air Base Operations capability for Combat Support Group within Air Force. Working within an integrated Defence environment, the team collaborates closely with Combat Support Group, Headquarters Air Command, and Air Force Headquarters stakeholders to ensure Air Base Operations capability remains sustainable, interoperable and ready to support Defence objectives. The Air Base Operations Management Unit is a key business unit within the Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office, which is part of the Airlift and Tanker Systems Branch within Aerospace Systems Division of the Defence Delivery Group. Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office is responsible for the acquisition and sustainment of critical Air Force capabilities, including the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, C-17A Globemaster, and Air Base Operations capabilities. These capabilities form a vital component of Australia's strategic air mobility and air basing support activities ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief through to high-end operational missions. Air Base Operations Management Unit provides product management of the CAF43 Product Schedule that delivers Air Base Operations capability for Combat Support Group within Air Force. Working within an integrated Defence environment, the team collaborates closely with Combat Support Group, Headquarters Air Command, and Air Force Headquarters stakeholders to ensure Air Base Operations capability remains sustainable, interoperable and ready to support Defence objectives. This is a unique opportunity to lead the development of Air Base Operations capability and guide a team delivering critical capabilities that support Defence objectives and operational effectiveness. Our Ideal Candidate This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced individual who can provide strategic direction, drive organisational performance and influence Defence capability outcomes. The role requires a highly capable leader who can successfully balance operational delivery, workforce leadership, governance accountability and stakeholder engagement across a complex and integrated Defence environment. The successful candidate will possess strong strategic thinking skills, exceptional stakeholder engagement capability and a proven ability to lead integrated teams to deliver organisational outcomes. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate: • Proven leadership experience in a complex operational, capability or program management environment. • Experience developing strategy, priorities and business plans to deliver complex capability outcomes. • Excellent judgement and decision making skills, particularly in environments governed by complex policy, regulatory and legislative frameworks. • Proven ability to build productive relationships across integrated stakeholders. • Experience managing governance, assurance, risk and compliance activities. • Financial management experience, including planning, prioritisation and resource stewardship. • Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders. • A commitment to continuous improvement, workforce development and integrated ways of working. • The ability to translate technical, operational and product management considerations into strategic outcomes. • A commitment to developing people and building a positive, inclusive and high performing workplace culture.