Program Manager Propulsion and Advanced Warheads & Fuzes – Melbourne, Australia
At Thales, we believe that technology can make our world more secure, sustainable and inclusive – and that it's all driven by human intelligence. We stay curious, embrace diverse points of view, and challenge what's possible. From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we're driving progress in some of the world's most important industries and building a future we can all trust.
Thales Australia is leading efforts to develop the Australian industry capabilities in the design, development and industrialisation of militarily‐relevant tactical and strategic solid rocket motors and advanced warheads. We are seeking an analytical, practical and industrious Program Manager to lead projects from bid to delivery across a portfolio of solid rocket motor propulsion and advanced warhead projects that drive national capability and align with Thales Australia's strategic objectives.
Role Overview
* Deliver program leadership, ensuring delivery excellence, capability uplift and strong customer outcomes.
* Drive performance across integrated project teams to meet scope, schedule, cost and growth targets.
* Guide bid‐to‐project transition, manage risks and oversee financial and workforce planning.
* Build high‐performing teams and mentor emerging project leaders.
* Lead internal and external stakeholder engagement, strengthening relationships with customers, partners and suppliers.
* Support opportunity analysis, capture planning and bid management to secure future growth.
* Establish strong relationships with key account and capture leaders to maintain Thales Australia's reputation and secure new opportunities.
* Foster effective engagement and collaboration with functional stakeholders across the business to ensure the portfolio is delivered in line with Thales management standards and to provide timely support for projects as needed.
Qualifications & Experience
* Defence or defence industry experience delivering complex, multi‐partner projects and programs (ASDEFCON highly regarded).
* Background or professional exposure to propellants, explosives, propulsion systems, munitions, warheads, fuzes or other defence‐related products.
* Familiarity with regulated, high‐compliance environments (energetics, hazardous materials, advanced manufacturing).
* Experience with internationally distributed teams, suppliers and partners.
* Exposure to Defence capability life cycles, systems engineering and qualification processes.
* Earned Value Management (EVM) experience desirable.
Benefits & Compensation
* Competitive remuneration, superannuation, bonus and medical insurance.
* Hybrid work environment (ThalesFlex).
* Recognised leader in reservist employee support.
* Veterans leave.
* Fitness Passport discount – access to a network of gyms across Australia.
* Employee discounts with a range of affiliates (travel, car hire, tech, medical insurance).
* Modernised paid parental leave.
* Novated lease options.
* Family support through partnership with Parents at Work.
* Personal and professional training development opportunities.
* Sonder – wellbeing & support partner.
* Access to a network of top talent (including a Nobel Prize winner on our staff list).
Additional Information
Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre‐employment police and medical checks. A Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and hold a current or re‐activatable NV1 minimum clearance. Additional information about clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website. In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role.
The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) and the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) apply; your nationality, including secondary citizenships, may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.
We encourage you to apply. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself. We're committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.
We're proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, and we continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer for everyone.
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