Melbourne, VIC , Australia

Manufacturing Program Manager

Job Location: This role is based in Edinburgh Parks SA. (Relocation provided)

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements including 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 are seeking an experienced and driven Manufacturing Program Manager to lead the successful delivery of a high-impact program within our Strategic Surveillance portfolio.

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Surveillance, this is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing a portfolio of complex, interrelated projects and ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with strategic objectives.

As Manufacturing Program Manager, you will lead the integration of multiple projects, ensuring cohesive planning, execution, and performance across the program. You will make critical decisions on priorities, trade-offs, and resource allocation to optimise outcomes and drive program success.

This role offers the opportunity to work at a strategic level while remaining closely connected to delivery, navigating complexity, managing interdependencies, and ensuring high standards of governance and assurance.

Core Duties:

• Lead the delivery of manufacturing outcomes, ensuring alignment with company processes, standards, and governance frameworks
• Provide strategic oversight of the manufacturing portfolio, driving performance across cost, quality, and schedule to meet internal and external stakeholder expectations
• Champion and embed Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) principles, fostering a culture of quality excellence and continuous improvement
• Drive robust program governance by leading cross-functional project and manufacturing reviews, ensuring transparency of performance and proactive risk management
• Manage interdependencies across projects to optimise delivery outcomes and resource utilisation
• Ensure effective identification, mitigation, and escalation of risks and issues at a program level
• Own and sustain the manufacturing pipeline, proactively identifying, shaping, and securing new opportunities to support ongoing business growth
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to enable collaboration, alignment, and successful delivery

About You

You are a seasoned program leader with a strong background in managing complex project environments. You bring a strategic mindset, combined with the ability to drive delivery excellence.

You will bring:

• Proven experience leading large-scale programs or portfolios in a manufacturing, engineering, or defence environment
• Strong capability in managing complex interdependencies and program-level risks
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at a senior level
• Sound commercial acumen and decision-making capability
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, drive performance, and deliver results
• Experience applying governance and assurance frameworks aligned to risk and complexity
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain NV1 Australian Defence Security Clearance.

The Strategic Surveillance Team

BAE Systems’ strategic surveillance operations focus on wide-area, over-the-horizon, and space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies. We provide government and allied militaries with persistent monitoring capabilities across land, sea, air, and space to track threats, conduct border protection, and safeguard critical infrastructure

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. (Remove for non-ITAR role) 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

Electronic Systems

Project management

Experienced professionals