About the OpportunityBased in Cairns the Project Manager will be responsible for managing and coordinating multiple projects and delivery streams required for Defence vessel in-service support and maintenance programs. Reporting to the ABF Program Manager, the Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, to budget and quality standards and, in accordance with contract requirements. Leading a multidisciplined team and driving performance with superior customer focus this role is required to deliver on all project objectives. By ensuring appropriate project management methodology and control is applied, the Project Manager will provide leadership to the program team through on the ground support, guidance, and resource optimisation to ensure deliverables are achieved safely and to the required quality standards. About AustalAustal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam. Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers. Learn more at austal.com/ssaThis is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now. What’s involvedEnable and empower project team to deliver to cost, schedule and quality to meet or exceed customer and contractual obligations.To manage the process of estimating, budgeting, and controlling costs throughout the project lifecycle to ensure expenditure is within approved budget.Ensure appropriate Project Management methodology and tools are developed and deployed to manage theTo proactively manage, within business constraints, all project stakeholders and Austal clients. To lead, empower and support multidisciplinary teams to help them thrive and achieve objectives for project success.You’ll needEssential5+ yrs demonstrable Project Management experience5+ yrs demonstrable experience working in performance-based contractingExcellent communication, negotiation, and proven stakeholder management abilityProven understanding of project cost management, risk management and earned value principlesDesirableUnderstanding of safety management practices including Control of Contractors and High-Risk Operations (HROs)Qualification in Project Management methodologies, tools and techniques (PMBOK, Ten step, PRINCE2 or similar)Project Management Membership – AIPM, PMI, IPMA or equivalentCompetency in MS officeMaritime and frontline leadership experienceDegree or trade qualification in a recognised maritime discipline. Why Join Us?Competitive compensation and benefits package.Professional development and training opportunities.A supportive and dynamic work environment.Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia AUD Cairns 4870

Project Manager

About the Opportunity

Based in Cairns the Project Manager will be responsible for managing and coordinating multiple projects and delivery streams required for Defence vessel in-service support and maintenance programs. Reporting to the ABF Program Manager, the Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, to budget and quality standards and, in accordance with contract requirements. Leading a multidisciplined team and driving performance with superior customer focus this role is required to deliver on all project objectives. By ensuring appropriate project management methodology and control is applied, the Project Manager will provide leadership to the program team through on the ground support, guidance, and resource optimisation to ensure deliverables are achieved safely and to the required quality standards. 

About Austal

Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

Learn more at austal.com/ssa

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What’s involved

  • Enable and empower project team to deliver to cost, schedule and quality to meet or exceed customer and contractual obligations.
  • To manage the process of estimating, budgeting, and controlling costs throughout the project lifecycle to ensure expenditure is within approved budget.
  • Ensure appropriate Project Management methodology and tools are developed and deployed to manage the
  • To proactively manage, within business constraints, all project stakeholders and Austal clients. 
  • To lead, empower and support multidisciplinary teams to help them thrive and achieve objectives for project success.

You’ll need

Essential

  • 5+ yrs demonstrable Project Management experience
  • 5+ yrs demonstrable experience working in performance-based contracting
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and proven stakeholder management ability
  • Proven understanding of project cost management, risk management and earned value principles

Desirable

  • Understanding of safety management practices including Control of Contractors and High-Risk Operations (HROs)
  • Qualification in Project Management methodologies, tools and techniques (PMBOK, Ten step, PRINCE2 or similar)
  • Project Management Membership – AIPM, PMI, IPMA or equivalent
  • Competency in MS office
  • Maritime and frontline leadership experience
  • Degree or trade qualification in a recognised maritime discipline.

 

Why Join Us?

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Professional development and training opportunities.
  • A supportive and dynamic work environment.
  • Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.

Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia

  • Posted Date 16 Jul 2026
  • Location Cairns
    QLD / Australia
  • Industry Engineering
  • Job Type Full Time
  • Salary Not provided