Senior Program Manager – Transformation in Canberra, Australia

About us

MF & Associates is an Australian owned consulting firm that specialises in cyber security and management consulting. The organisation prides itself on being a safe, inclusive and kind workplace that does good work that matters.

Our team have extensive experience in public and private security sector and are passionate about supporting people at all stages of their career – whether that be a person just starting out or someone looking for a mid-career change. The team includes several former executives, as well as the former AISA Cyber Security Professional of the Year and winner of the Women in ICT Defying Gravity Award. 

We believe in our people, and we believe in the work our clients do.

Role Purpose

This position offers an exciting opportunity for an accomplished program manager to take on a senior leadership position and drive the successful initiation and delivery of strategic initiatives to deliver meaningful change for our client. The senior program manager is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing a complex business transformation programs, leading project teams, building trust and rapport with stakeholders, and ensuring that projects within the program are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality expectations. The senior program manager will provide guidance and mentorship to project managers, ensure appropriate tailoring and application of best practice project management methodologies, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to further build project management capabilities within the organisation.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing of complex programs and projects, ensuring alignment with organisational strategic objectives, priorities, and policies.

• Provide leadership and direction to project teams, including project managers, business analysts, organisational change, and technical specialists, to ensure effective collaboration and coordination of program activities.

• Lead collaboration with client and project teams in the identification, monitoring and delivery of business benefits.

• Develop and maintain program and project plans, schedules, and budgets, and manage governance processes to enable key outcomes.

• Monitor program progress, identify and manage risks and issues, and implement appropriate mitigation strategies to minimise impacts.

• Engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation to gather requirements, manage expectations, and resolve conflicts, ensuring stakeholder alignment throughout the program lifecycle.

• Provide regular updates to senior management and program sponsors, including status reports, risk assessments, decision briefs, and financial forecasts.

• Mentor and coach project managers and other project team members, providing guidance on project management best practices, tools, and techniques.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project management processes and practices within the organisation.

Desired Experience/Knowledge

• 10+ years of experience in program and project management, with a proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale, complex projects in dynamic environments.

• Demonstrated experience in the delivery of business transformation programs.

• Expert knowledge of common Project/Project management methodologies such as MSP, Prince2, Waterfall and Agile, and their application in a variety of contexts.

• Strong understanding of program governance principles, procurement, and organisational change management processes.

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.

• Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence key stakeholders at all levels.

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex issues and recommend/implement innovative solutions.

• Advanced proficiency in project management tools and software, such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or Azure DevOps.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary-level qualifications or higher, professional memberships and industry certifications are highly desirable.

• Must be Baseline cleared

Mandatory Experience

• Extensive experience in leading and managing large-scale, complex business led transformation programs from initiation to closure.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver programs and projects within agreed constraints, while achieving strategic objectives and organisational adoption.