Our Leadership team is expanding, with newly created Director opportunities available in our Technical, Advisory, and Capability practice as well as Team Downer. These practices play a key part in delivering consulting services and Integrated Work Packages across the Department of Defence, harnessing innovative approaches such as mission and digital engineering to support critical Defence programs.

At Downer Professional Services (DPS), we are committed to delivering outcomes that put Australia's interests first. We work on complex and impactful Defence, government, and infrastructure projects that shape the future of our nation. Our people are at the core of our success, bringing expertise, innovation, and leadership to critical Defence programs.
Our Leadership team is expanding, with newly created Director opportunities available in our Technical, Advisory, and Capability practice as well as Team Downer. These practices play a key part in delivering consulting services and Integrated Work Packages across the Department of Defence, harnessing innovative approaches such as mission and digital engineering to support critical Defence programs.
This includes collaboration with key Defence entities, including Defence Digital Group (DDG), National Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG), Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), and branches across the Navy, Army, and Air Force.
Successful candidates will be accountable for:

• Service Delivery: Leading complex projects, driving revenue and margin growth while ensuring successful outcomes.
• Client Engagement: Building and maintaining strong client relationships to deliver quality outcomes and drive new business opportunities.
• Business Development & Sales: Driving business growth by identifying and pursuing new opportunities and developing strategic proposals aligned with client needs
• Workforce Planning & Talent Pipeline: Collaborating on workforce planning, aligning resourcing with business growth, and ensure a proactive talent pipeline to support project delivery.
• Account Governance: Ensuring accurate account management, timely forecasting, and efficient team utilisation.
• People Leadership: Leading and developing the team by fostering a growth mindset, providing coaching and training, and promoting a constructive culture aligned with business values and performance goals.
• Growth Initiatives: Lead knowledge sharing of industry insights and building strong cross-team relationships to support client and business needs.
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and foster influential relationships with clients and partner vendors to support business growth.
  

Experience & Skills we are seeking:

• Proven ability to anticipate and respond to customer needs and emerging market trends.
• Expertise in business development, including opportunity capture plans and engagement outcome strategies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and negotiation skills at a senior level.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A results-driven mindset with a customer-focused approach to sales and account growth.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt strategies based on market conditions.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to articulate complex value propositions clearly.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (such as business or strategy) or equivalent professional experience. Post-graduate qualifications in a related discipline are highly desirable.

Industry Knowledge:

• Defence Sector Expertise: Proven experience in leading business development within the Defence and national security industry.
• Industry Acumen: Deep understanding of the Defence and Professional Services Industry, including consulting best practices.
• Market Insight: Strong knowledge of key industry players, trends, regulations, and competitive positioning.
• Business Growth & Innovation: Demonstrated ability to develop new service offerings and market strategies, including transitioning contracts from Time and Material models to outcome-based or service-oriented frameworks.
• Revenue & Expansion Success: Proven track record of driving business growth through strategic sales approaches and service innovation.
• Strategic Sales Methodologies: Familiarity with Miller Heiman conceptual and strategic selling techniques is preferred.
  

Our work is highly complex and confidential; applicants must be Australian citizens with a minimum NV1 security clearance.
Why join Downer Professional Services?
At Downer Professional Services, we're not just a workplace, we're a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country's only sovereign prime, we're committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia's interests.

• Be first in line for future opportunities - By joining our talent network, you'll receive priority consideration for upcoming roles that align with your skills and career goals, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve.
• Work on projects that matter - You'll have the chance to contribute to career-defining projects that support Australia's sovereign capability and national security, delivering real impact in Defence, government, and infrastructure.
• Invest in your growth - We believe in continuous learning. Whether it's through structured career mapping, mentoring, training programs, or our Summer and Winter Schools for accelerated learning, we provide the resources to help you advance in your career.
• Collaborate with Industry experts - You'll work alongside highly skilled professionals and leaders in a supportive and collaborative environment, where knowledge-sharing and professional development are at the core of what we do.
• Enjoy a range of perks & benefits - As part of Perks@Downer, you'll have access to discounted healthcare, savings on retail and car purchases, and exclusive industry benefits to support your lifestyle.
• Strong veteran support & Inclusion Initiatives - We actively support Defence veterans with policies including up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to help you transition while staying connected to service.

Let's connect
Downer Professional Services has engaged Heidrick & Struggles to facilitate the recruitment for these roles. To apply, please submit your cover letter or executive summary (of no more than 2 pages long) with your CV, both of which outline your motivations for applying and your key skills and experience to enable you to meet the requirements of this role to [email protected]
Downer Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including First Nations people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
At Downer Professional Services, we're not just a workplace-we're a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country's only sovereign prime, we're committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia's interests.