Senior Project Manager – HCFP Integration

Job Location: Osborne Naval Shipyard, South Australia – We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements, including opportunity to work a 9-day-fortnight.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join the Hunter Class Frigate (HCF) Program in a key executive leadership role, responsible for driving integrated delivery across the Batch of Ships.

This role is suited to an accomplished senior project professional with experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary programs, managing senior project teams and operating across a broad stakeholder environment.

Reporting to the Head of Program Integration, the Senior Project Manager will lead and manage a team of Ship Project Managers, providing integrated project leadership across the Batch and ensuring credible, integrated and executable Performance Measurement Baselines, schedules and forward plans are established and maintained.

The Senior Project Manager will provide the central integration point across System Integration, Engineering, Supply Chain and Operations, ensuring scope, schedule, cost, risk and readiness are aligned across the Batch. Working closely with Ship Managers and IPT leadership, the role will drive credible, resourced and executable forward plans, with clear visibility of performance, constraints and cross-Ship dependencies.

The role holds delegated authority for Ship activities, coordinating inputs, decisions, and actions to ensure governance, decision rights, and delivery accountability are clearly owned and executed.

Core Duties:

• Lead and develop the Ship Project Management team, driving consistent and effective project integration across the Batch.
• Own the integrated Batch forward plan, ensuring delivery commitments are credible, aligned, resourced and executable.
• Drive alignment across Ship, Engineering, Supply Chain and Operations leadership on priorities, dependencies and critical delivery outcomes.
• Lead integrated performance management, proactively resolving cross-Ship constraints, risks and emerging issues.
• Maintain clear visibility of Batch performance and its impact on HCF Program Level 0 / Level 1 outcomes.
• Lead scenario modelling and options analysis to support senior leadership decision-making and optimise whole-of-program outcomes.
• Represent integrated Ship delivery across key Program governance forums, providing clear and concise insight into performance, priorities, risks and decisions.

Essential Skills:

• Tertiary Qualifications in Project Management (desirable)
• Significant experience in Project Management.
• Ability to problem solve and work autonomously to deliver outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate strategy/purpose and link to objectives and project deliverables.
• Proven ability to negotiate with and influence internal and / or external stakeholders in a way which generates project / program benefit whilst maintaining key relationships.
• Proven ability to think innovatively and to plan strategically.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to use and adapt written and verbal communication skills to suit a variety of different audiences.
• Ability to partner with and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to obtain the necessary deliverables.
• Defence security clearance or eligibility to obtain.
• Eligibility to be cleared for International Traffic In Arms (ITAR) regulations.

The Hunter Class Frigate Program

BAE Systems Australia is leading the largest ever surface ship project in Australia’s defence history – the design and build of Hunter class frigates. The Hunter Class Frigate Program is transforming Australia’s shipbuilding industry by supporting the building of a world-class, continuous naval shipbuilding capability for our nation.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Please visit this webpage for more information