Skip to content Go to main navigation Go to language selector
Saab Global
information technology services 334524531

Senior Project Manager

Melbourne,
Australia
Closing date: 18 September 2026

The opportunity

Saab Australia is an industry participant in the Combat Systems Integration – Integrated Project Team (CSI-IPT) Collaboration Agreement (CSI-IPT CCA). The CSI-IPT CCA forms a collaborative enterprise organisation to execute scopes of work across Hobart Class Destroyer (SEA4000 Phase 6 and other related Destroyer Capability Enhancement (DCE) upgrades) and the Hunter Class Frigates (HCFs - SEA5000 Phase 1). This will see independently executed programs such as SEA4000 Phase 6 and SEA5000 Phase 1 brought under one umbrella enterprise organisation, the CSI-IPT.

The CSI-IPT consists of personnel from three industry participants and the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA) to form a collaborative team working across multiple programs to leverage synergies between platforms.

The role

The DDG Senior Project Manager will be driving  a high performing engineering and project management team to achieve challenging and complex project outcomes as well as managing project activities across a large number of diverse internal and external stakeholders within SA and interstate. You will be immersed in the full project lifecycle and will have opportunities to demonstrate and grow your project management skills and experience in a complex and multi-party collaborative environment.

Further, the successful candidate will:

  • 5 years of experience as Project Manager within the Defence sector (desirable)

  • Lead the development and estimation of scope, schedule, and cost for project tasking statements.

  • Develop traditional and bespoke performance metrics to provide deep visibility into stream progress and technical efficiency.

  • Manage the end-to-end planning and execution of project scope to drive technical outcomes within compressed delivery windows.

  • Lead comprehensive risk and opportunity assessments, converting complex engineering challenges into managed project outcomes to optimise program success.

  • As the Control Account Manager, provide expert advice and assistance to program management and line managers to ensure cross-functional alignment.

  • Direct monthly project reporting, integrating progress, schedule, Earned Value Management (EVM), and R&O data for executive review.

  • Provide proactive leadership for engineering activities, tracking deliverables across the multidisciplinary team to ensure all milestones are met.

  • Review and analyse OEM CDRL project management deliverables to ensure compliance with project requirements.

  • Drive the monthly project "drumbeat," including schedule progress, R&O reviews, and Estimate at Completion (EAC) updates to maintain financial rigor.

  • Identify and implement opportunities to optimise team performance, ensuring schedule adherence and maximum efficiency of resource utilisation.

  • Manage two Project Managers and influence a large multidisciplinary team of up to 50 specialists by leading by example, fostering an outcome-focused culture that aligns with the program’s standards of excellence.

  • Mentor and develop a core team, providing daily operational support and professional guidance to build a long-term sovereign capability.

  • Develop and update comprehensive Project Management Plans and critical program artifacts.

Strategic input and project management representation during Integrated Baseline Reviews and Major System Reviews, ensuring the Systems Engineering and Specialty stream meets all technical and schedule exit criteria.

Flexible work arrangements such as hybrid work from home / office and a 9-day fortnight will be considered for this role.

About you

Your skills and experience will include:

  • Tertiary qualifications in Science, Engineering or in a Business discipline.

  • Post graduate qualification in Project Management (desirable)

  • Experience meeting the requirement of the competency level as per above.

  • Good understanding of best practice Project Management.

  • Proven ability to lead and drive outcomes across large, multidisciplinary.

  • Dedicated to the professional growth and development of direct reports, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

  • Thrives on decomposing complex system requirements into manageable work packages and identifying critical path solutions.Meeting the requirements of Australian Institute of Project Management CPPD accreditation or similar.

  • Expert proficiency in planning, complex scheduling, and Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques to maintain rigorous control over multi-million dollar budgets and accelerated delivery timelines.

  • Proven track record of high-level stakeholder engagement

  • Demonstrated experience in leading and influencing multidisciplinary, matrixed teams of up to 50 personnel, fostering a high-performance culture without direct line management authority.

  • Demonstrated understanding of the lifecycle of system development projects.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead staff within a team environment.

  • Proven excellent ability in internal and external customer liaison.

  • Experience in producing and reviewing project documentation.

  • Demonstrated scheduling and planning skills.

  • Knowledge and experience across system domains.

Applicants must be Australian citizens and hold or be able to obtain an Australian Defence Security Clearance to NV1 level. Information including past and present nationality and citizenship may be requested to check eligibility for access to materials controlled under various export control regimes, including ITAR.

About us

Saab Australia is a defence, security and cyber solutions provider, specialising in the development and integration of major defence and security systems. For over 35 years in Australia, we have built a reputation for delivering complex systems integration projects that provide proven and advanced capabilities to keep us ahead of today’s challenges.

From combat, communications, security and underwater systems, to mixed reality, cyber security and deployable health solutions, our extensive portfolio of products and services provide high-technology solutions for defence forces and civil industries across the globe.

Apply today to join our crew and deliver solutions with purpose!

What you will be part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here.

Culture and benefits

We employ over 1000 Australians and are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and enriching the employee experience.

By joining Saab, you’ll be a part of a collaborative and supportive organisation, where your professional growth and work-life balance are emphasised. You’ll work within an innovative and vibrant workplace, while having the opportunity to develop a long-term, fulfilling career.

As a valued team member of Saab Australia, you’ll access a variety of perks and benefits to support you and your family including:

  • 6 weeks paid leave each year

  • 14% superannuation

  • Free Income Protection Insurance

  • Flexible working options

  • Access to the Saab shares matching scheme

  • Access to MySaab - our online store offering everything from cash back at hundreds of stores to discounts from exclusive partners

For further information about a career at Saab, visit the page adjacent: https://www.saab.com/markets/australia/careers/saab-life

Applications

Click ‘Apply’ to submit your CV and cover letter in support of your application. Kindly observe that this is an ongoing recruitment process and in exceptional circumstances, the position might be filled before the closing date of the advertisement. We encourage applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

By submitting an application to Saab, you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities including, but not limited to, reference checks, Australian Federal Police check, verification of working rights and qualifications, sanctions screening and a pre-employment medical declaration.

Saab Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to apply. We also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds.

Saab Australia is a nationally recognised Veteran Employer of Choice that welcomes the interest of ex-service members, veterans and their families.