National Armaments Director Defence Delivery Agency

The Role – Shape the Future of Australia’s Defence Capability

The Department of Defence is seeking expressions of interest from exceptional senior executives to lead one of the most significant organisational reforms in Defence history as the National Armaments Director of the Defence Delivery Agency.

The National Armaments Director is a landmark appointment. For the first time, Australia will officially designate a National Armaments Director, aligning with NATO counterparts who serve as their nation’s most senior official responsible for military equipment acquisition. In this role, you will oversee Australia’s entire national armaments ecosystem – strengthening resilience in defence supply chains, driving innovation, and promoting export opportunities for Australian defence industry.

The Australian Government is establishing the Defence Delivery Agency to transform how Defence capability is acquired and sustained. The Defence Delivery Agency will integrate three existing Defence groups – Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group, and Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group – under a single accountable body reporting directly to Ministers. From 1 July 2026, these three Groups will consolidate within the Department of Defence, with the Defence Delivery Agency taking effect from 1 July 2027.

As National Armaments Director, you will lead the final design and implementation of the Agency’s structure and oversee its successful introduction as a statutory entity. Reporting directly to the Minister for Defence Industry and the Deputy Prime Minister, you will provide strategic leadership at the highest level to deliver critical capability outcomes for Australia’s national security.

Given the significant scope and responsibility of the role, the successful candidate must have extensive and demonstrated large-scale commercial and industrial experience in the planning and delivery of major programs. In addition, they should have a proven ability to partner with industry at senior levels and engage with international partners to drive outcomes.

The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced collaborative leader, exemplify the required values and behaviours, and have a proven capacity to engender a culture of innovation and agility. They will demonstrate the capability to provide timely and accurate advice to senior leaders and Government on complex matters. They will have outstanding judgement, strategic awareness, and parliamentary and media acumen.

Candidates are being invited to apply now, to be considered for this appointment. Please note, ahead of the 1 July 2027 appointment date, consideration may be given to engaging the successful candidate through a separate temporary employment arrangement.