Program Governance Manager

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 comprises of three business units our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer , which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence . Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defence and National Security.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Program Governance Manager to join the Land Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems (LC4S) Branch, working as an embedded member of the Program Management Office (PgMO). This is an opportunity to play a key role in the ongoing development of program management for the LC4 Program, supporting a complex portfolio of current and future Defence capabilities spanning acquisition, sustainment and the broader Fundamental Inputs to Capability.

Working across the LC4S Branch and Capability Management Office, you will help shape and manage the governance frameworks, processes and controls that support effective program delivery, informed decision-making and capability outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to contribute at the program level, helping establish the governance and controls required to manage a complex capability environment and support Defence preparedness into the future.

What You’ll Do

Working as part of a small specialist team, you will play a key role in strengthening program governance across a complex Defence capability environment. You will provide expert governance advice, coordinate reporting and governance activities, and collaborate across risk, scheduling, program controls, cost, resourcing and change to support successful program delivery.

This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities including:

- Support dashboards and reporting that provide visibility of program performance, issues, risks and emerging priorities.
- Analyse complex issues, identify critical success factors and recommend practical improvements to governance and program delivery.
- Build strong relationships across Defence and work collaboratively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure governance activities align with relevant Defence policy, legislative and regulatory requirements.

What You’ll Bring

You will bring proven experience in program governance within complex environments, supported by strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder engagement skills. You will be comfortable providing specialist governance advice and working across multiple organisational and technical areas to support successful program outcomes.

- Experience developing and implementing work plans, policies and governance processes to support successful program outcomes.
- Previous CASG experience, particularly supporting Defence acquisition projects or capability sustainment programs, will be highly regarded.
- Knowledge of the One Defence Capability System, Defence capability management processes and/or experience within an ICT or business change environment would also be advantageous.

About the Program

The LC4 Program brings together capabilities supporting Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) across the Land environment. As Defence implements its Capability Program Architecture, the LC4 Program brings together in-service capabilities, current and future projects, sustainment funding and the Fundamental Inputs to Capability required to deliver effective capability outcomes.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute at the program level, helping establish the governance and controls required to manage a complex capability environment and support Defence preparedness into the future.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain an AGSVA Security clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with   International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)   requirements may also be an inherent requirement.

More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

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 is 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.