Introduction

The SSA Program Controls Manager establishes and maintains the controls framework for the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement and its programs. Reporting to the Head of Enterprise PMO, the role ensures effective planning, tracking, analysis, and reporting of program performance. It involves close collaboration with project teams, stakeholders, and executives to drive success, ensure compliance, and identify opportunities for improvement.

What are you going to do

We are seeking an experienced Program Controls Manager to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive controls framework for a high-profile, long-term strategic agreement involving major transformation and delivery programs. This role will play a critical part in enabling program excellence through effective planning, cost control, scheduling, risk management, and performance reporting.

Working in a dynamic and collaborative environment, this position is ideal for someone with strong leadership capability in program controls, proven experience in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), and the ability to navigate the complexity of large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the direction of nationally significant programs while contributing to continuous improvement and long-term capability development.

Program Controls Framework: Develop and implement integrated controls tools and processes across scheduling, cost, scope, and risk management to support the successful delivery of multiple large-scale programs.
Financial & Cost Management: Manage and oversee program budgets, forecasts, and expenditure tracking; ensure alignment with financial objectives and contractual requirements.
Baseline & Performance Management: Establish and maintain performance measurement baselines; conduct integrated baseline reviews and ensure alignment with industry and contractual standards.
Schedule Integration: Collaborate with planning teams to align schedule controls with broader project controls, ensuring accurate forecasting and performance assessment.
Reporting & Visibility: Deliver timely, actionable reporting to senior leadership and stakeholders across all facets of program controls including schedule, cost, risk, and performance.
Risk & Scenario Planning: Identify risks and issues, assess potential impacts, and develop mitigation and contingency strategies to support informed decision-making.
Resource Planning & Controls: Support resource planning across governance and delivery teams to ensure alignment with delivery needs and availability.
Data Governance & Systems Integration: Ensure high data quality and integrity across program systems, enabling seamless data flow between scheduling, ERP, and financial platforms in support of EVM.
Stakeholder Engagement & Education: Build strong relationships across project teams, operational leaders, and stakeholders. Drive awareness and understanding of controls processes across the organisation.
Continuous Improvement: Lead continuous improvement initiatives in program controls practices, drawing from industry best practices, lessons learned, and internal feedback.

Essential skills and knowledge

Tertiary qualifications in project management, engineering, finance, or a related discipline
5-10 years' experience in a program or project controls leadership role
Demonstrated success in implementing and managing integrated program controls frameworks
Strong expertise in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
Experience working in complex, high-compliance project environments
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels
Familiarity with project scheduling and controls tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project, and ERP systems
Exposure to Australian Standards for project controls and contract delivery and the shipbuilding/defence industry

What we offer

9 Day fortnight available
Flexible working arrangements
Able to assist growth and support the development directly of a major defence industry prime contractor

About Brunel:

Brunel is a recruitment and flexible workforce solution provider which connects talented people with opportunities throughout Australasia and around the world. We specialise in highly skilled roles across a variety of technical, professional, trades and craft disciplines, pairing candidates with industry-leading projects and organisations on a contract, permanent or secondment basis.

Operating in Australasia since 1997, Brunel has major bases of operation in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Port Moresby, which are further backed by the strength and reach of a truly global network spanning over 45 countries, 120 offices and 45 years of successful operation.

Brunel is proud to be equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and female candidates.

Do you have questions?

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the details of this role, please contact Katie: k.rowe@brunel.net