Program Manager Propulsion and Advanced Warheads

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. Thales Australia is leading efforts to develop the Australian industry capabilities in the design, development, and industrialisation of militarily‑relevant tactical and strategic solid rocket motors and advanced warheads. We are seeking an analytical, practical, and industrious Program Manager. In this pivotal leadership role, you will be responsible for leading projects from bid to delivery of a portfolio of solid rocket motor propulsion and advance warhead projects that drive national capability and deliver directly into Thales Australia’s strategic objectives. Based at the WTC or our regional facilities in Mulwala or Benalla, you will work closely with designated engineering and industrial teams, leading a team of bid and project management professionals to deliver the portfolio with a strong sense of purpose in support of Australia’s Guided Weapons & Explosive Ordnance Enterprise, while driving portfolio performance that aligns with Thales Australia’s strategic priorities. Reporting to the Head of Bids & Projects of Thales Australia’s Australian Munitions, your team will work in support of programs for both the Commonwealth and guided and high‑speed weapons primes delivering for the Commonwealth and its partner nations. Your Role Deliver program leadership, ensuring delivery excellence, capability uplift, and strong customer outcomes Drive performance across integrated project teams to meet scope, schedule, cost and growth targets Guide bid‑to‑project transition, manage risks, and oversee financial and workforce planning Build high‑performing teams and mentor emerging project leaders Lead internal and external stakeholder engagement, strengthening relationships with customers, partners and suppliers Support opportunity analysis, capture planning and bid management to secure future growth Establish strong relationships with key account and capture leaders to support the maintenance of Thales Australia’s reputation and to secure new opportunities for the portfolio Foster effective engagement and collaboration with functional stakeholders across the business to ensure the portfolio is delivered in line with Thales management standards and to provide timely support for projects as needed Your Experience On day one in this role, we’ll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours: Defence or defence industry experience delivering complex, multi‑partner projects and programs (ASDEFCON highly regarded) Background or professional exposure to propellants, explosives, propulsion systems, munitions, warheads, fuzes or other defence‑related products Familiarity with regulated, high‑compliance environments (energetics, hazardous materials, advanced manufacturing) Experience with internationally distributed teams, suppliers and partners Exposure to Defence capability life cycles, systems engineering, and qualification processes Earned Value Management (EVM) experience desirable 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) Good to Know Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre‑employment police and (role dependent) medical checks. A Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and hold a current, or re‑activatable, NV1 minimum clearance. Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website 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, including secondary citizenship/s, 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, including secondary citizenship/s, 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. Read more about our WORK180 endorsement. #J-18808-Ljbffr