The Role
This is an executive director position responsible for leading a newly established, independent Systems Program Office (SPO) charged with delivering acquisition and sustainment outcomes for Defence's Tactical and Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) capabilities. This executive director role is responsible for delivering acquisition and sustainment outcomes across a diverse portfolio of UAS platforms supporting Navy, Army and Air Force. Reporting directly to the Director General Army Aviation Systems, the Director will oversee a diverse workforce of approximately 130 personnel, including APS, ADF and contractors.
The role demands high-level leadership, stakeholder engagement, and program delivery expertise in a dynamic and evolving capability environment.
This position forms part of an expanded Executive Level 2 classification that incorporates three levels of work value with separate salary ranges. This position is classified as having work value commensurate with EL2.1 and the salary range of $167,660 - $199, % Superannuation. This position is reviewed annually and salary may increase or decrease in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Enterprise Agreement. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the relevant provisions of the Defence Enterprise Agreement if considering applying for this position. Should an annual review determine that work is no longer available at the higher work value, the employee's classification and salary will be decreased to the lower level work value and salary within the EL 2 classification range.
Additional remuneration may be negotiated with the successful candidate, dependant on skills, experience and capability.
This role has been identified as requiring access to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) controlled technology. The ITAR is United States (US) law, which regulates defence articles, including technical data, and defence services on the United States Munitions List. Access restrictions may apply based on currently held/previously held citizenship, as well as current permanent residency. Defence may be able to utilise workforce exemptions to mitigate these restrictions, which generally requires that applicants provide details of all current citizenships and permanent residencies, as well as previously held citizenships. Defence collects these details to confirm an applicant's eligibility for the role and to maintain compliance with international obligations.
About our Team
The Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program Office (UASPO) resides within Army Aviation Systems Branch (AASB) in Joint Aviation Systems Division (JASD) of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG). The Program Office is comprised of a Business Management Unit (BMU), with three recently restructured teams; one focused on future capabilities, and the other two specialising on Tactical and Small UAS Delivery and Sustainment programs. UASPO are trusted to consistently and safely deliver against agreed requirements for the Capability Manager, with the best value for money outcomes. We work closely with, and are proud of the strong relationships with our Defence and Industry stakeholders. UASPO is based in Brisbane, with detachments located in Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Our Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Director of the UAS Program Office is a strategic and experienced leader who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. They bring a strong track record of delivering large-scale acquisition and sustainment programs, ideally within Defence or a similarly structured organisation. With a deep understanding of capability lifecycle management, they are adept at translating strategic objectives into executable plans and navigating governance frameworks to achieve outcomes. Their leadership style is inclusive and empowering, capable of building high-performing, geographically dispersed teams across APS, ADF, and contracted personnel.
The ideal candidate is confident managing significant financial resources and complex procurement arrangements, with the judgement to balance speed-to-capability with regulatory compliance and safety. They possess high-level interpersonal and negotiation skills, enabling them to influence senior stakeholders and represent Defence in national and international forums. While technical expertise in UAS systems is advantageous, their strength lies in strategic oversight, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. They are resilient, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement, with a mindset geared toward innovation and reform in Defence capability delivery.
Key Responsibilities include:
* Lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of the UAS Program Office, ensuring alignment with Defence capability priorities.
* Manage the acquisition and sustainment of UAS platforms across multiple product classes.
* Oversee financial planning, contract management, and risk governance across a complex portfolio.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with internal Defence stakeholders, industry partners, and international counterparts.
* Represent Defence in national and international forums related to UAS capability development and delivery.
* Drive innovation and reform in acquisition and sustainment practices, with a focus on speed-to-capability and sovereign industrial development.
Application Closing Date: Thursday 20 November 2025
For further information please review the job information pack, reference CASG/08601/25 on