Azooa is currently preparing a response to RFx27903 – SSN-AUKUS Program Risk and Program Scheduling Services and is seeking an experienced Program Risk Manager (Level 3) to support a critical Defence engagement.
This role sits within the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), supporting the SSN-AUKUS Program Integration Branch—a cornerstone initiative shaping Australia's future sovereign Defence capability.
You will play a key role in ensuring program-wide risk is proactively identified, managed, and embedded into decision-making, contributing directly to the success of one of Australia's most complex and strategically significant programs.
About the Role
As the Program Risk Manager, you will lead the development and ongoing management of the Phase 3 Risk Framework and Risk Register, ensuring alignment with ASA governance, Defence policy, and program delivery objectives.
Operating within a highly integrated and multi-stakeholder environment, you will work across Defence, industry, and trilateral partners, providing expert risk insight to support program execution, governance, and strategic planning.
This role requires strong experience in enterprise-level risk management, particularly within complex Defence or national-scale programs, and the ability to influence decision-making at senior levels.
* Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Phase 3 SSN-AUKUS Risk Management Plan aligned with ASA governance and Defence frameworks
* Establish and embed program-level risk management processes, tools, and workflows across multiple branches and delivery teams
* Provide expert risk input into key program artefacts, including the Phase 3 Project Execution Strategy, ensuring risk is integrated into planning and dependencies
* Support project and engineering teams in identifying, assessing, and mitigating program, technical, commercial, and schedule risks
* Lead and facilitate risk workshops, deep-dive sessions, and stakeholder engagements to ensure robust risk identification and validation
* Engage with Defence stakeholders, industry partners, and trilateral government counterparts to maintain alignment on risk exposure and interdependencies
* Provide authoritative risk advice and recommendations to senior leadership and governance forums
* Maintain and manage risk data within authorised systems (e.g. Predict!), ensuring data integrity, traceability, and auditability
* Deliver high-quality risk reporting, dashboards, and analysis tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences
* Identify systemic risks and emerging threats, providing proactive mitigation strategies and decision support
* Mentor and uplift APS and ADF personnel capability in risk management practices
* Provide ad hoc risk management support as required by the Commonwealth Representative
* Minimum 8+ years' experience in program or project risk management within complex, large-scale environments
* Demonstrated experience supporting major Defence acquisition or sustainment programs
* Strong understanding of Defence governance frameworks, risk methodologies, and integrated program environments
* Proven ability to engage, influence, and advise senior stakeholders across Defence, industry, and government
* Demonstrated capability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across highly interdependent and complex programs
* Experience embedding risk into program planning, scheduling, and execution strategies
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex risk insights into clear, actionable information
* Relevant qualifications or certifications in risk management, project management, or program management
Highly Regarded Experience
* Experience within SSN-AUKUS, submarine, maritime, or national security programs
* Familiarity with AUKUS or trilateral program environments
* Strong facilitation skills across risk workshops and cross-functional teams
* Understanding of Defence compliance, governance, and reporting structures
Start Date: 1 July 2026
End Date: 30 June 2027 (with 2 x 12-month extension options)
Security Clearance: NV1 minimum (mandatory)
Travel: Allowance provisions applicable as per contract
Why Join Azooa?
A rapidly growing digital innovator supporting Federal Government and Defence programs
100% Australian owned and operated – no overseas staff
Trusted partner delivering high-quality capability to the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA)
Actively responding to RFx opportunities across critical national initiatives
Opportunity to contribute to nation-defining programs of global strategic importance
Simple and efficient application process via LinkedIn Easy Apply
At Azooa, we specialise in connecting top-tier professionals with meaningful, high-impact work, ensuring our people are embedded where they can drive real outcomes across Defence and government.
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit:
* A tailored CV aligned to Defence and program risk management experience
* Confirmation of your current security clearance (NV1 or higher)
* Your availability from July 2026
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