RFQ-ASD-LH-04051 Project Manager

Due to the nature of clients we work with here at Kinexus and the projects these roles will be based on, an Australian Government Top Secret Positive Vetting (TSPV) clearance is essential.

These opportunities do not have the ability to obtain sponsorship for a security clearance (including applicants who currently hold a security clearance seeking to upgrade).

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Project Managers will exercise a significant degree of independence and perform an important leadership role. They will be responsible for influencing and developing strategies, policies, priorities and operational practices in support of Australian Signals Directorate objectives based on high-level decision making and judgement.

They will provide strategic advice to senior management and stakeholders as well as leading and assuming accountability for very complex work that have strategic, political or operational significance. They will have extensive knowledge relating to the methodology, systems and procedures within the ICT business change function and have the ability to translate this into strategy.

They will provide a strategic level of specialist, professional and technical expertise, potentially relating to the work of different function or discipline areas. They will initiate, establish and maintain strong relationships with a network of stakeholders internally and externally and will have the ability to recognise shared agendas and work toward mutually beneficial outcomes.

They will undertake capital acquisitions to deliver new communications capabilities and activities to sustain and enhance existing communication services both domestically and internationally.

Estimated start date: Monday, 22 September 2025

Initial contract duration: 12 months

Extension term: 12 months

Number of extensions: 2

Location of work: ACT

Working arrangements: Onsite, 5 days a week in the office. The role is based in Canberra with limited official domestic and/or international travel may be required to be undertaken on behalf of the Commonwealth Note: Contractors are not permitted to work from home if they do not hold an OSA. Candidates must be willing to undergo ASD's Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to engagement.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is the federal agency responsible for foreign signals intelligence, cyber warfare and information security. ASD's purpose is to defend Australia from global threats and help advance our national interests.

Situated in Canberra, ASD employs over 2000 TSPV cleared workers. ASD's workforce is growing rapidly. Areas of growth include PMO, cyber security, systems administration and engineering, software development and network engineering.

A top-security, complex and highly technical environment, ASD plays a vital role in the defence of Australia. Long contracts (12 months+) available.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all aspects of project related activities to ensure the overall program is aligned to and directly support the achievement of Defence's Strategic Objectives.
• Have and maintain an understanding of interdependencies between technology, operations and business needs to successfully deliver project outcomes.
• Develop and manage all aspects of project and program engagement from planning, external vendor relationships, communications, resources, budget, change, risks and issues.
• Set and continually manage project and program expectations while delegating and managing deliverables with team members and stakeholders.
• Monitor, track and control outcomes to resolve issues, conflicts, dependencies and critical path deliverables.
• Review technical documentation to verify the technical accuracy of all procedural steps included in the document.
• Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation and presentations to various audiences, including Senior Defence Executives, Project Director, project team members and key stakeholders.
• Set and manage risk management through the delivery of the project to identify, analyse, evaluate, treat and review the risks and issues associated with delivering the requirement. Proactively engage with stakeholders in relation to risks and issues management.
• Take full responsibility for ensuring project activities are proceeding according to scope, schedule, budget and quality standards.
• Develop and maintain effective business relationships in order to successfully deliver project outcomes.
• Set and manage project planning artefacts in accordance with the Intelligence Infrastructure record keeping policy and methods and ensure their continued suitability to define, control and manage all work associated with a project.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE NEEDED

Essential criteria

• Takes full responsibility for the definition, documentation and successful completion of complex projects (typically with significant business, political, or high-profile impact, and high-risk dependencies). Selects methods and tools, using iterative techniques where appropriate, ensuring that effective project control, change control, risk management and testing processes are maintained. Monitors and controls resources, revenue and capital costs against the project budget and manages expectations of all project stakeholders.
• Ensures that there is a business perspective on how any new technical capabilities will be integrated into the business, including planning around key business cycles, selecting appropriate customers for migration, etc. Initiates the business implementation plan, including all the activities that the business needs to do to prepare for new technical components and technologies. Ensures sites deliver site implementation plans that align with the overall plan. Tracks and reports against these activities to ensure progress. Defines and manages the activities to ensure achievement of the projected business benefits after delivery. Outlines key business engagement messages that need to be communicated throughout the programme/project.
• Carries out risk assessment within a defined functional or technical area of business. Uses consistent processes for identifying potential risk events, quantifying and documenting the probability of occurrence and the impact on the business. Refers to domain experts for guidance on specialised areas of risk, such as architecture and environment. Co-ordinates the development of countermeasures and contingency plans.
• Demonstrated experience in management of complex tasks in defined timeframes.
• Australian Citizenship and a TSPV security clearance is essential

Desirable criteria

• Sound understanding of the Defence organisation and processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project or other project management applications.

BENEFITS

Why work for ASD?

• Work on interesting and prestigious projects vital to the ongoing defence of Australia.
• Flexible work environment; work the hours that suit you between 7am and 7pm.
• Low attrition rate: the great variety of projects and opportunities across different business areas ensure few workers leave ASD.
• Long contracts available.
• Fantastic growth opportunities available at any stage of your career.

Why Kinexus?

• Kinexus has been supplying TSPV contractors to government panels since 2004 and have a strong relationship with them. We are one of just 9 suppliers Australia-wide.
• Our experience in managing contractors in defence/national security industries means we understand the requirements from the Commonwealth, insurances and clearances.
• DISP accredited; we can hold clearances and manage renewals.
• Dedicated account manager (me!) who is your dedicated POC and offer continuous contractor care.
• Rate negotiation guidance in line with the SFIA framework.
• Dedicated payroll assistant who facilitates your taxes and super.
• We proactively chase timesheet approvers to ensure you get paid on-time and error free.
• Regular visits to Canberra for coffee, lunches and quarterly drinks events.
• We can facilitate novated car leases, LAFHA or salary sacrifice.
• We'll keep you up to date with the most appropriate, interesting opportunities in your field.
• Community matters. Kinexus supports women in Defence through our female mentoring program and rewards referrers through our Referral Rewards scheme.
• Support for your health and wellness through counselling support (EAP) available for all contractors and their families.

Kinexus is the leading recruitment partner to the defence industry in Australia. We support our community in making intelligent connections and create opportunities to help grow careers.

All applications should include your resume as a word document. For more information, visit our website, www.kinexus.com.au or contact Cindace Prasad at 0449 511 324. #LI-CP