Program Governance Manager

QinetiQ is a global technology and engineering company that exists to protect lives and secure the future. We deliver mission-critical services and systems to Defence, national security, and essential industry.

Our determination to deliver and improve today, and anticipate and improve tomorrow, makes QinetiQ a very exciting and rewarding place to work and learn.

If you're driven by purpose, passionate about solving complex problems, and ready to make a real impact - there’s never been a better time to join us.

With a presence in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, and Germany, we bring global expertise to local challenges, helping build Australia’s sovereign industrial capability for the future.

We are currently accepting expressions of interest for a Program Governance Manager to join our team based in Canberra.

The Program Governance Manager will provide assurance and deliver key risk, export control, and business management system governance functions across one of our land programs. Operating with a high degree of independence, the role supports both delivery-side and sponsor-side risk management, ensuring risks are actively managed, visible, and escalated where appropriate. The position strengthens organisational risk maturity through proactive engagement, effective use of Defence systems and disciplined governance practices that reduce administrative burden on project teams whilst maintaining robust assurance.

The Program Governance Manager will be accountable for:

• A strong focus on financial discipline, compliance, and risk maturity, balancing robust assurance with practical, sustainable governance solutions.


• Coordinating and providing expert advice to project teams on the identification, management and treatment of risks using the Defence delivery risk management system Predict.


• Conducting monthly reviews of Predict risks for each weapon system with project teams, proposing amendments with clear justification and actively reducing the administrative burden on teams.

• Managing and reporting risks using Predict, including preparation and chairing of regular risk meetings with streams or relevant stakeholders as required.

• Providing quarterly executive‑level risk reporting aligned to Branch and Division Risk Review cycles, including preparation of briefs and pre‑briefing of Project Managers and executives.


• Promoting a positive, supportive, and proactive risk culture within the program, reinvigorating risk as a decision‑support tool rather than a compliance activity.


• Identifying risks that warrant consideration beyond delivery governance and coordinate sponsor‑side risk reporting, including escalation to Army and Capability One where appropriate.

As a suitably experienced and well- rounded governance and risk management professional, the Program Governance Manager will have:

• A degree in Business/Project management, Risk management, or Law/International Trade


• Demonstrated experience in Australian export controls and US export control frameworks (e.g. ITAR.EAR)


• Solid experience in enterprise or project risk management


• Ability to run risk reviews, governance forums and prepare executive level reporting


• Knowledge of risk systems such as Predict, Active Risk Manager and excel based frameworks


• Experience in designing or maintaining governance frameworks


• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.


• Ability to work in a complex program environment with multiple stakeholders.

Due to the nature of the role, applicants must hold an Australian Defence security clearance. NV1 preferrable.

Whilst applications must be made online, confidential enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Roz Byrne, People Partner via email; [email protected]

Looking for an Employer with Benefits?

At QinetiQ, our competitive remuneration and benefits package supports your evolving needs throughout your career. You’ll share in the company’s success and be rewarded for your own. We’ll invest in your professional development and provide an inclusive environment for you to succeed.

Some of our benefits include:

• Access to LinkedIn Learning


• Flexible work


• Purchased leave program & loyalty leave

• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave

• Annual incentive scheme


• Complimentary salary continuance insurance


• Annual volunteering leave with Operation Give Back


• Relaxed dress code

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As the defence industry in Australia grows, it is an exciting time to join QinetiQ. What the company looks like today will be different to that of tomorrow as we navigate an ever-changing world. To innovate for our customers' advantage, we value the need for diversity of thought in everything we do. We provide a flexible and inclusive environment where our people can bring their whole selves to work, meaningfully contribute and have equal opportunity to succeed. We actively seek applications from people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Aligned with our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, we also encourage applications from women, veterans, and First Nations people. 

QinetiQ conducts pre-employment screening, including but not limited to identity verification and police checks, for all preferred candidates.