The Role

As an EL 1 Project Manager in the Factories Operations Branch, you will play a critical role in delivering Australian Government priorities aligned to Defence’s sovereign explosive ordnance manufacturing operations. Your day will involve leading complex project activities, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, interpreting regulatory and safety requirements, and managing risk to enable safe, compliant and effective major hazard facility operations. Working closely with technical specialists, industry partners and regulators, you will provide clear, evidence based advice to support informed decision making. A key focus of the role is supporting strategic planning and analysis by bringing together a range of operational, regulatory and capability considerations to inform investment and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role suits someone who enjoys solving complex problems, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and contributing to outcomes that support Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability.

This position will be subject to an additional 10% Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This will be in addition to your agreed substantive salary on commencement. Please refer to the Defence Enterprise Agreement 2017-2020 for more information on BDCPs. BDCPs apply, subject to the following:

• Meeting eligibility criteria and maintaining effective performance.
• BDCPs are subject to regular reviews and may be ceased or varied at any time in accordance with Defence Policy.
• BDCPs may cease should you change positions that no longer attract a BDCP.
• Should the BDCP be ceased you will be advised and your salary will revert to your substantive salary.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

Note: This position will be required to access US export controlled materiel and therefore applicants will be requested to disclose any dual citizenship with another country during the recruitment process. Dual citizens may be subject to further assessment and appointment to this position will be conditional upon approval to access US controlled export material in accordance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

About our Team

Factories Operations Branch manages the Commonwealth owned Benalla and Mulwala facilities, enabling the safe, effective and sovereign manufacture of munitions and energetics by on site operators. We sustain, uplift and modernise these facilities to meet current and emerging Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance capability requirements.

Our team is a proactive, multidisciplinary group made up primarily of experienced project and contract managers, supported by specialists across capability development, governance and enabling functions. We work collaboratively across multiple locations to drive improvement, manage complex uplift activities and support the long term viability of Defence’s sovereign explosive ordnance manufacturing operations. We partner with domestic and international industry and foster a flexible, inclusive and development focused workplace built on collaboration, integrity and continuous growth.

Our people are capable, innovative, committed and diverse. We support an inclusive culture that emphasises respect and collaboration. In Factories Operations Branch, you will enjoy experiences and opportunities that, as an APS employee, you simply would not get with any other organisation. Other benefits include:

• 15.4% superannuation.
• Access to personalised professional development pathways, including opportunities for Defence-funded post-graduate study
• Additional leave days between Christmas and New Year;
• Focus on work/life balance; and
• Salary sacrifice opportunities.

Our Ideal Candidate

Factories Operations Branch is seeking an experienced EL 1 Project Manager who demonstrates:

• Strong collaboration and resilience, with clear communication skills and sound judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex and high risk environments.
• Strong organisational and problem solving skills, with the capacity to manage competing priorities.
• An inclusive and supportive leadership style, with an interest in mentoring and capability development.
• Strong project management capability, including end to end ownership of outcomes across planning, scheduling, change and risk management, performance reporting, and the delivery of practical, evidence based recommendations in complex and dynamic environments.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 28 May 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference GWEO/02078/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=BFC38863-94D7-0B7B-FA29-ECED5718A3E8