Program Manager

Job Description

Job Location: This role is based in Melbourne

This is a full -time permanent role which offers hybrid and flexible working arrangementsincluding a 9 day fortnight.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

As the Program Manager, you will provide senior leadership across the Weapons portfolio, ensuring integrated planning, prioritisation, and alignment with enterprise strategy and Line of Business (LoB) objectives. Reporting to the Director – Integrated Defence and Autonomy Systems (IDAS), you will provide senior oversight and guidance to Project and Senior Project Managers, supporting consistent delivery standards, risk management practices, and escalation pathways across the portfolio. You will also be responsible for driving growth by identifying, prioritising, and qualifying organic opportunities that align with enterprise strategic direction.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage value creation at the portfolio level, engaging with senior customer stakeholders, internal executives, and cross‑functional teams to ensure outcomes support long‑term strategic goals
• Managing stakeholder value through stakeholder engagement and integrated planning and performance management with optimisation of the program outcomes through informed decision making
• Responsible for the maintenance and coordination of updates of the Weapons Strategic Growth Pillar
• Responsible for the maintenance and coordination of updates to, or creation of, business cases and/or R&D investments in the Weapons portfolio
• Lead customer and internal governance forums, ensuring transparent communication and alignment across all stakeholders involved in the portfolio
• Optimise performance across a diverse set of delivery activities, making informed trade‑offs that balance cost, schedule, capability, and risk across the entire portfolio
• Maintain consolidated oversight of portfolio financials, including budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, and investment planning to support enterprise decision‑making
• Provide clear, strategic reporting to senior leadership, consolidating program performance, risks, dependencies, and benefits realisation into portfolio‑level insights
• Lead the development of integrated capability across multiple programs, identifying synergies, shared resources, and opportunities to uplift delivery maturity and operational efficiency
• Champion professional development across the delivery community, coaching and mentoring Project and Senior Project Managers to uplift capability in line with the SQEP framework

About You

You will have:

• Senior management professional with significant project management leadership experience gained within the defence industry
• Program management experience in acquisition, sustainment or service delivery, including assurance and governance
• Proven experience of translating business analysis, requirements definition and business case production into practical implementation within a program of projects
• Proven influencer and communicator with stakeholders at all levels, with experience in influencing senior leadership and senior customer representatives
• An ability to analysis investment opportunities relative to the program environment
• Ability to integrate across the program environment and identify dependencies, risks and opportunities
• Strong interpersonal, leadership and motivational skills with high self-motivation
• Experience in Guided Weapons (highly desirable)
• Tertiary qualifications in Project Management or equivalent (highly desirable)
• Must hold an active Negative Vetting 1 Defence Security clearance

About the Team

The Integrated Defence and Autonomy Systems (IDAS) portfolio delivers advanced defence capability across the full lifecycle, spanning acquisition, sustainment, and cutting-edge research and development. It brings together expertise in guided weapons, defence sustainment solutions, and autonomous systems to support sovereign capability and operational readiness for Australian and international customers. Through disciplined delivery and innovation, IDAS transforms emerging technologies into mission-ready solutions that strengthen defence outcomes and long-term customer confidence

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances. (Remove for non-ITAR role) International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Please visit this webpage for more information