SA Defence Market Leader

Joining Arup
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

We’re looking for a Senior Defence Market Leader to drive the growth of our South Australian business, leading the pursuit and delivery of complex Defence and Defence-adjacent opportunities.

This is a pivotal leadership role within our Adelaide office, where you’ll work closely with our ANZ Defence leadership to unlock opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and position Arup at the forefront of Defence infrastructure in the region.

The Opportunity
As our SA Defence Market Lead, you’ll play a critical role in growing our presence across the Defence sector -bringing market credibility, leading strategic pursuits, and shaping how we deliver value to clients.

You will:
• Lead the identification and pursuit of Defence opportunities across South Australia
• Act as Bid Director and Project Director on key opportunities and projects
• Partner with the ANZ Defence Leader to drive national strategy at a regional level
• Build and maintain strong relationships across Defence clients, contractors, and industry stakeholders
• Guide internal teams in translating their technical expertise into Defence sector opportunities
• Oversee commercial strategy, risk management, and successful bid delivery
• Contribute to broader business strategy, planning, and capability growth in SA

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?
• Degree in Engineering (Civil, Structural, or related discipline)
• 15+ years’ experience across consulting, industry, or government
• Proven success in business development and client relationship management
• Strong understanding of Defence sector procurement and delivery models
• Experience across project lifecycle phases—planning, tendering, and delivery
• NV1 Security Clearance (or eligibility to obtain) – mandatory
• Background in Defence, including service experience, is highly regarded, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply

What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair, and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities.

Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling eligible members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Explore the perks of a career with Arup Australia:
• Hybrid working policy and flexible working hours.
• Paid parental leave for the primary carer of 16 weeks or 32 weeks at half pay, as well as generous unpaid leave benefits.
• Paid parental leave for the support carer of 4 weeks plus the opportunity to access extra paid and unpaid leave if you later become the primary carer.
• Birthday leave.
• Annual leave loading.
• Ability to purchase additional leave of up to 20 days for permanent employees.
• International mobility opportunities.
• Insurances (life & income protection).
• Interest-free solar energy and bicycle loans.
• Novated car lease.
• Ovasaver including discounts, vouchers, cashback, and exclusive offers on more than 300 retailers.

Different people, shared values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity, and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process
Please apply directly through our applicant tracking system. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Talent Acquisition to discuss next steps. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Arup does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies.
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