Posted today
Secret
Unspecified
Unspecified
Engineering - Systems
Canberra, Australia (On-Site/Office)
Overview
Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA)
For more than five decades, Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) has supported clients across the world to meet complex national security challenges. SPA Australia is a leading provider of integrated consulting, legal, commercial and analytics services to the Australian Government and large organisations. Our multidisciplinary approach combined with trusted advisory and leading-edge technology and analysis takes our clients further.
In 2025, SPA acquired Proximity Advisory Services, a well-established and highly regarded consultancy organisation with unrivalled legal abilities, exceptional commercial capability, and a raft of specialisations in consulting. Today, SPA has more than 3,300 employees across 23 office locations within the US, UK and Australia. In Australia, more than 130 employees are based across Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. SPA Australia supports the Australian government on some of the country's highest priority projects.
SPA seeks a passionate and dedicated National Lead to head the Defence & Analytics practice.
This senior leadership role provides strategic direction for a high-performing team delivering advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis of Australian and adversary military operations across all domains-including Space and Cyber-and mission types. The team supports Defence and other government agencies with analytics, modelling, simulation, and systems engineering, including major contributions to the AUKUS submarines program, working collaboratively across Australia, the UK, and the US.
The National Lead will oversee four Operations Directors covering Maritime, Land, Air, Joint, Integrated Force, Space, Cyber, and AUKUS capabilities. This role requires inclusive, hands-on leadership, mentoring teams, engaging directly with clients, and maintaining a strong presence across SPA Australia offices, particularly Barton and Brindabella Park.
Key responsibilities include securing new Defence work, expanding analytics and modelling services to other government agencies, and partnering with National Leads across Consulting, Commercial, and Legal practices. The role demands a client-focused leader with established Defence and government relationships, experience in business development, tender processes, and pricing, and the ability to leverage SPA's Australian and US networks to identify and win opportunities.
You will oversee resource allocation, ensuring the right expertise is applied to client challenges, and apply strong commercial and financial acumen to sustain and grow the practice. A strategic mindset, clear communication, and the ability to set the standard for excellence are essential. As National Lead, you will champion SPA's values and business plan, driving the practice's ambition to be the first-choice advisor to government.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities :
- Provide strategic leadership to the Directors and cross-functional teams conducting complex analysis across all warfighting domains assessing Australian and adversary military operations, capabilities and capacities.
- Oversee project and proposal reviews and submissions.
- Foster a mission-focused, high-performance culture and provide strong leadership to Defence & Analytics practice group.
- Build high level relationships with senior defence stakeholders, becoming their trusted advisor.
- Support the team to develop strategic tenders that win work.
- Identify strategic growth opportunities across Defence and government agencies that leverage and build the capability of the Defence & Analytics practice as well as the other SPA Australia groups.
- Strong client engagement and relationship management skills.
- Oversee a team of ~17 staff, including staff performance management, salary and promotions reviews, hiring and departure decisions.
- Develop and mentor the team for high performance as trusted advisors to government including service delivery, commercial focus, and people and leadership.
Qualifications
Required Experience :
- Must be an Australian citizen.
- 15+ years of relevant experience in Defence and possibly other federal government departments or agencies.
- Demonstrated expertise in professional services within the Australia government landscape.
- Extensive understanding of capability development, modelling and simulation, systems engineering, operations or mission analysis. Demonstrated experience in these areas is also highly advantageous.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, producing compelling and clear analytic products and briefings to support senior-leadership decision-making.
- Experience leading inclusive teams and projects in support of Defence capabilities.
- Secrurity clearance, or willingness and ability to obtain and maintain one.
Desired Qualifications:
Note: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable to this role and as such, the position will or is likely to require access to material controlled by ITAR and EAR (Controlled Material). Therefore, any person occupying the position must be able to satisfy ITAR and EAR controls, which may require specific authorisation to access Controlled Materials. Accordingly , your citizenship, previous citizenships, race or nationality, or substantive contacts where such contacts are affiliated with proscribed countries under ITAR may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Further information on this requirement can be found at: https://spa.com/about/compliance-statements/. If you are concerned about whether you will satisfy the requirements of the role insofar as they relate to ITAR and EAR, you should contact Talent@spa.com, who will be able to provide you with relevant information.
Working with SPA Australia
Collaborating with our clients to overcome challenges and achieve excellent outcomes is what matters most. We create an exceptional workplace culture that empowers our people with the confidence and knowledge to find the 'right fit' solution for client needs. We're committed to a safe and respectful workplace where everyone - regardless of identity, orientation, background, or ability - feels valued and accepted. Our values are central to everything we do. We strengthen our culture and client advantage by being Genuine, taking a Bold Approach, and delivering Helpful outcomes in an Objective, Trusted, and Responsive way.
The SPA Australia Difference
We believe work should be a positive part of your life. It should challenge, engage, and support you in equal measure.
By joining SPA Australia, you'll enjoy:
Does this sound like the right organisation for you?
We provide a highly competitive executive compensation package, performance-based incentives, a collaborative and supportive leadership environment, comprehensive employee benefits, and the opportunity to oversee work that delivers significant strategic impact and meaningful outcomes.
To find out more or to have a confidential discussion, please contact Loretta Pabian at careers@au.spa.com
Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA)
For more than five decades, Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) has supported clients across the world to meet complex national security challenges. SPA Australia is a leading provider of integrated consulting, legal, commercial and analytics services to the Australian Government and large organisations. Our multidisciplinary approach combined with trusted advisory and leading-edge technology and analysis takes our clients further.
In 2025, SPA acquired Proximity Advisory Services, a well-established and highly regarded consultancy organisation with unrivalled legal abilities, exceptional commercial capability, and a raft of specialisations in consulting. Today, SPA has more than 3,300 employees across 23 office locations within the US, UK and Australia. In Australia, more than 130 employees are based across Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. SPA Australia supports the Australian government on some of the country's highest priority projects.
SPA seeks a passionate and dedicated National Lead to head the Defence & Analytics practice.
This senior leadership role provides strategic direction for a high-performing team delivering advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis of Australian and adversary military operations across all domains-including Space and Cyber-and mission types. The team supports Defence and other government agencies with analytics, modelling, simulation, and systems engineering, including major contributions to the AUKUS submarines program, working collaboratively across Australia, the UK, and the US.
The National Lead will oversee four Operations Directors covering Maritime, Land, Air, Joint, Integrated Force, Space, Cyber, and AUKUS capabilities. This role requires inclusive, hands-on leadership, mentoring teams, engaging directly with clients, and maintaining a strong presence across SPA Australia offices, particularly Barton and Brindabella Park.
Key responsibilities include securing new Defence work, expanding analytics and modelling services to other government agencies, and partnering with National Leads across Consulting, Commercial, and Legal practices. The role demands a client-focused leader with established Defence and government relationships, experience in business development, tender processes, and pricing, and the ability to leverage SPA's Australian and US networks to identify and win opportunities.
You will oversee resource allocation, ensuring the right expertise is applied to client challenges, and apply strong commercial and financial acumen to sustain and grow the practice. A strategic mindset, clear communication, and the ability to set the standard for excellence are essential. As National Lead, you will champion SPA's values and business plan, driving the practice's ambition to be the first-choice advisor to government.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities :
- Provide strategic leadership to the Directors and cross-functional teams conducting complex analysis across all warfighting domains assessing Australian and adversary military operations, capabilities and capacities.
- Oversee project and proposal reviews and submissions.
- Foster a mission-focused, high-performance culture and provide strong leadership to Defence & Analytics practice group.
- Build high level relationships with senior defence stakeholders, becoming their trusted advisor.
- Support the team to develop strategic tenders that win work.
- Identify strategic growth opportunities across Defence and government agencies that leverage and build the capability of the Defence & Analytics practice as well as the other SPA Australia groups.
- Strong client engagement and relationship management skills.
- Oversee a team of ~17 staff, including staff performance management, salary and promotions reviews, hiring and departure decisions.
- Develop and mentor the team for high performance as trusted advisors to government including service delivery, commercial focus, and people and leadership.
Qualifications
Required Experience :
- Must be an Australian citizen.
- 15+ years of relevant experience in Defence and possibly other federal government departments or agencies.
- Demonstrated expertise in professional services within the Australia government landscape.
- Extensive understanding of capability development, modelling and simulation, systems engineering, operations or mission analysis. Demonstrated experience in these areas is also highly advantageous.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, producing compelling and clear analytic products and briefings to support senior-leadership decision-making.
- Experience leading inclusive teams and projects in support of Defence capabilities.
- Secrurity clearance, or willingness and ability to obtain and maintain one.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline; or substantial military experience plus an advanced non-technical degree and proven Defence capability acumen (e.g., completion of the Capability Technology Management Program or equivalent)
- Current Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Australian security clearance or higher , or NV1 and willingness and ability to obtain and maintain an NV2.
Note: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable to this role and as such, the position will or is likely to require access to material controlled by ITAR and EAR (Controlled Material). Therefore, any person occupying the position must be able to satisfy ITAR and EAR controls, which may require specific authorisation to access Controlled Materials. Accordingly , your citizenship, previous citizenships, race or nationality, or substantive contacts where such contacts are affiliated with proscribed countries under ITAR may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Further information on this requirement can be found at: https://spa.com/about/compliance-statements/. If you are concerned about whether you will satisfy the requirements of the role insofar as they relate to ITAR and EAR, you should contact Talent@spa.com, who will be able to provide you with relevant information.
Working with SPA Australia
Collaborating with our clients to overcome challenges and achieve excellent outcomes is what matters most. We create an exceptional workplace culture that empowers our people with the confidence and knowledge to find the 'right fit' solution for client needs. We're committed to a safe and respectful workplace where everyone - regardless of identity, orientation, background, or ability - feels valued and accepted. Our values are central to everything we do. We strengthen our culture and client advantage by being Genuine, taking a Bold Approach, and delivering Helpful outcomes in an Objective, Trusted, and Responsive way.
The SPA Australia Difference
We believe work should be a positive part of your life. It should challenge, engage, and support you in equal measure.
By joining SPA Australia, you'll enjoy:
- Flexible working options
- Health and wellbeing support - financial and educational
- Professional development, support and funding
- Career progression pathways supporting your development and career goals
- The chance to give back to your community by working with our not-for-profit partners
Does this sound like the right organisation for you?
We provide a highly competitive executive compensation package, performance-based incentives, a collaborative and supportive leadership environment, comprehensive employee benefits, and the opportunity to oversee work that delivers significant strategic impact and meaningful outcomes.
To find out more or to have a confidential discussion, please contact Loretta Pabian at careers@au.spa.com
group id: RTX14090f
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