Program Manager
ThalesJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Thales is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the EOS program at Orchard Hills, owning the lifecycle of contracts and performance across subcontracting arrangements with a focus on governance, risk and commercial discipline. You will engage Defence and Joint Logistics Command, drive safe, efficient operations, uphold asset stewardship and deliver continuous improvement through a high‑performing team. The ideal candidate has commercial contracting experience in defence or logistics, a leadership mindset, data‑driven decision making, and tertiary qualifications in HSE, Engineering or Science. An Australian citizen with NV1 clearance is required; pre‑employment checks apply. To apply, tailor your resume to show program accountability, stakeholder management, risk and governance, and a track record of delivering results.
At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.
Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.
From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.
At Thales Group, we deliver more than capability, we deliver trust, precision and strategic influence across national security priorities.
As an operator and partner to the Australian Defence Force, our Explosive Ordnance Services (EOS) team plays a critical role in the storage, distribution, maintenance and movement of ordnance across Australia, supporting military readiness and sovereign capability.
We’re seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the EOS business, ensuring we continue to deliver world-class ordnance support solutions with technical excellence, commercial rigor and strong customer advocacy.
As the Program Manager, you will be accountable for the full lifecycle of business, contract, and program performance, including commercial governance, contractual compliance and risk management across all sub-contracting arrangements.
You will be a strategic leader who collaborates internally and externally to shape growth opportunities, build stakeholder influence and elevate EOS as a trusted defence partner.
Working at our Orchard Hills site, on Darug land, your role purpose is to -
Own the strategic partnership with Defence and lead senior stakeholder engagement and serve as the trusted interface in Joint Logistics Command and the EO enterprise.
Lead end-to-end program accountability ensuring contractual compliance, governance integrity and delivery performance across all subcontracting arrangements.
Safeguard commercial performance and champion risk and assurance frameworks
Drive a continuous improvement culture that enhance safety, efficiency and operational excellence.
Shape and support capture and growth opportunities.
Oversee asset stewardship across our nationwide network.
Lead and develop a high-performing team enabling great leadership, succession and engagement.
On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:
Demonstrated experience in commercial contracting and compliance.
Experience within a logistics, defence or complex and high-risk services environment.
Proven ability to manage high-stakes stakeholder relationships.
A leadership mindset that inspires performance and collaboration.
Strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision-making.
Tertiary qualifications in HSE, Engineering, Science or related discipline essential.
Postgraduate qualifications and professional certifications are highly regarded.
As part of our commitment, we offer:
Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance.
ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment.
Recognised leader in reservist employee support.
Veterans Leave.
Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS.
Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance).
Modernised Paid Parental Leave.
Novated Lease options.
Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work.
Personal & professional training development opportunities.
Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner.
Access to a network of the best people (A Nobel Prize winner on our staff list!).
And much more!
Good to Know
Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.
A NV1 Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.
Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/. In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role.
The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.
The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.
We Encourage You To Apply
After you have applied, you will receive an email acknowledging your application. We’ll then provide a personalised experience for suitable applicants as we progress the selection and assessment process.
Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and depending on the role type, medical checks as well.
It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.
We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.