Senior Executive Service Band 1 - Chief Program Officer - Capability Delivery (CPO-CD)
Introduction
The Department of Defence is seeking an outstanding senior executive to lead at the SES Band 1 level within the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).
ASCA is at the forefront of transforming how military capabilities are delivered—rapidly translating cutting-edge technologies into operational advantage for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Our mission is to accelerate the development and transition of asymmetric capabilities to the ADF through innovation, in order to meet Defence priority needs. Guided by Defence values, ASCA is reshaping the way Defence harnesses innovation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving strategic environment.
In an increasingly complex strategic environment, the transformation of Australia's defence innovation ecosystem is critical. ASCA plays a central role by connecting and streamlining innovation pathways, focusing on mission-led priorities, and adopting agile, flexible approaches to procurement. This enables faster transition of innovative solutions into deployable capabilities—meeting the urgency of Australia's national security needs.
Your Role
As a key member of the ASCA Senior Executive, the Chief Program Officer for Capability Delivery provides strategic leadership to the Capability Delivery Branch. In this role, you will collaborate closely with the Capability Transition and Strategy & Operations Branches to drive innovation and accelerate the development and transition of asymmetric capabilities to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
This role leads the Missions Program and the Innovation Incubation Program, both of which are designed to deliver minimum viable capabilities that can be rapidly deployed in support of prioritised and urgent Defence requirements. These programs are central to ASCA's mission to deliver operationally relevant solutions at speed.
This position requires the leadership of an integrated team comprising APS, ADF and specialised contractors. The role oversees the full lifecycle of capability projects—from execution strategy and procurement through to delivery—ensuring alignment with performance requirements, timeframes and budget constraints. Close collaboration with ADF Capability Managers and Delivery Managers is essential to ensure success.
The Australian Government has committed up to $3.8 billion over the first ten years to support ASCA's objectives. The Chief Program Officer is responsible for managing a significant portion of this investment, ensuring all activities comply with relevant legislation and governance frameworks.
This role demands a forward-thinking approach to capability delivery—challenging conventional processes, establishing new procurement pathways, and fostering innovation to meet Defence's evolving needs. Your leadership will directly contribute to advancing Defence technology, supporting the ADF's operational effectiveness and Defence's mission.
Application Closing Date: 11:30PM (AEDT), Wednesday 21 January 2026.
For further information please review the job information pack, reference ADFHQ/00006/26 on