Project/Product Manager – Department of Defence
📌 Vacancy Fact Sheet
- Reference Number: VN-0770879
- Agency: Department of Defence
- Job Title: Project/Product Manager
- Position Number: CASG/03376/26
- Classification: Executive Level 1
- Closing Date: Thursday 30 July 2026
- Job Type: Full-Time, Ongoing
- Location: Nowra NSW
- Future Merit Locations: Nowra
- Salary: $124,393 – $140,315
- Office Arrangement: On Site;Flexible (Defence is committed to supporting workplace)
About Department of Defence
The DSARS project team delivers a key Defence initiative to consolidate existing Search and
Rescue service contracts into a single, effective, and efficient whole-of-Defence service
arrangement. Working in a fast-paced and complex environment, the DSARS Project / Product
Manager leads a small and committed team, driving collaboration and delivering successful project
outcomes.
Navy Aviation System Program Office (NASPO) within the Defence Delivery Group is responsible
for supporting current Navy Aviation capabilities while developing and supporting new
technologies into the future.
We manage and deliver the acquisition of high value and complex military rotary wing, tactical
unmanned aerial systems, pilot and aircrew training systems for the ADF.
NASPO aims to leverage the advantages of a consolidated organisation to improve cross service
collaboration and integration between Navy, Army and Air Force Programs and realise functional
efficiencies through streamlined processes and practices in support of capability delivery.
NASPO has a high performing culture and the successful candidate can expect to be challenged
in their role. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of high-value, advanced
Defence capabilities, whilst being rewarded with a professional, inclusive and supportive team.
Our Ideal Candidate
NASPO is seeking a highly skilled, motivated and experienced Project/Product Manager with
proven ability to think strategically to deliver successful outcomes.
Our ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in high-level project and/or product
management with a good understanding of Defence sustainment practices and business acumen.
You will have demonstrated ability to perform effectively under pressure, showing resilience,
adaptability, and a strong attention to detail.
You will possess excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to deliver outcomes
in a complex and technical environment. You will have the ability to work under pressure with tight
deadlines.
You will understand the significant importance of enhancing Defence’s capabilities with a
commitment to supporting future strategic and operational outcomes.
As the ideal candidate, you should have experience with similar aviation, Search and Rescue or
related capabilities, ideally in the Risk Mitigation and Product Management spaces. You will be
solutions focused with the ability to present ideas persuasively.
Duties
- The Role
- Navy Aviation Systems Program Office (NASPO) is seeking a professional, motivated and
- experienced Project/Product Manager to provide ongoing project management support to the
- Defence Search and Rescue Services (DSARS) procurement project, and sustainment of the
- DSARS product thereafter.
- DSARS seeks to consolidate multiple legacy Search and Rescue (SAR), aeromedical evacuation,
- and crash response contracts into a single, whole-of-Defence capability aligned to operational,
- safety (WHS), and regulatory obligations.
- The DSARS Project/Product Manager will be required to exercise a considerable degree of
- independence, to manage and conduct all remaining aspects of project management including
- negotiation, budgeting, scheduling, resourcing and approval processes required for the project.
- You will be responsible for actively managing and developing stakeholder relationships and
- transition arrangements as the project transitions to sustainment of the DSARS product.
- Once DSARS is in sustainment, you will require an in-depth knowledge of, and compliance with,
- relevant legislative and policy frameworks, contract management, budget management and
- Defence reporting mechanisms.
- You will exercise sound decision-making and judgement to provide expert advice. You will engage
- in complex to very complex problem solving and issues management and may coordinate and
- perform detailed or sensitive tasks that impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes for
- Defence.
- You are accountable to plan, lead and manage a range of human and physical resources and
- exercise the associated people and financial responsibilities to achieve business outcomes.
- You will manage a team, develop and implement work plans, set performance indicators and
- review team and business performance, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
Eligibility / Notes
- Security Clearance
- Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.
How to Apply
Position Contact Anne-Marie Farrugia, 02 4449 4122
Agency Recruitment Site https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=2DE86B97-02C5-330C-216B-ED1CD6943
Applicants to vacancies notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette should be aware:
that the names of successful applicants will also be notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette
applicants found suitable may be offered similar employment opportunities by other Australian Public Service agencies
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