About the Client
The organisation plays a central role in strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capability by identifying, assessing, connecting, and upskilling industry to meet evolving national capability needs. The Defence Industry Advisor (DIA) cohort is a national network of highly experienced industry specialists who bring deep commercial, technical, and defence‑related expertise to support decision‑making and guide businesses seeking to contribute to Australia’s defence capability.
About the Role
The Defence Industry Advisor (DIA) is a senior advisory position suited to individuals with extensive industry, Defence, or executive‑level experience. DIAs act as trusted advisors to both Defence and Australian industry, providing expert guidance, industry intelligence, and strategic insights that help shape Defence capability outcomes.
This is a highly mobile, autonomous role operating across Australia. DIAs work from their home base or a Defence establishment of their choosing, with travel expected to meet Defence and industry needs. As public representatives of Defence, DIAs are expected to demonstrate professionalism, strong communication skills, and the ability to engage credibly with stakeholders at all levels.
Role Responsibilities
- Identify and assess industry capability aligned to Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities, including evaluating business maturity, suitability, and readiness to deliver to Defence.
- Provide expert guidance to industry, helping businesses understand Defence processes, compliance requirements, and pathways to enter or expand within the defence market.
- Connect industry to Defence and prime contractors, facilitating mutually beneficial relationships that support capability outcomes.
- Support industry upskilling, advising businesses on capability development, certifications, standards, and improvement pathways required to meet Defence expectations.
- Gather and interpret industry intelligence to inform Defence decision‑making, including emerging technologies, capability trends, and industrial capacity.
- Represent Defence at public forums, delivering presentations, briefings, and expert commentary as required.
- Operate as part of a national advisory network, collaborating with State Managers and fellow DIAs while maintaining autonomy in day‑to‑day delivery.
- Utilise Defence and commercial IT systems, demonstrating strong digital literacy and the ability to adapt to specialist Defence applications.
- Senior leadership experience (e.g., former CEO, GM, Director) or significant Defence, government, academic, or Defence‑alliance experience.
- Deep subject matter expertise in one or more areas such as advanced manufacturing, engineering, Defence technology sectors, innovation and commercialisation, business development, test & evaluation, or specialist Defence domains (Land, Maritime, Aerospace, Space, Cyber, SOF).
- Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and executive‑level advisory skills.
- High professional standards, emotional intelligence, and the ability to represent Defence in public settings.
- A willingness to travel and operate flexibly across Australia based on Defence priorities.
- Contract period until 30th June2026 with extension options
- Attractive Hourly Rate
Security Requirements
To be eligible for this role, you must be an Australian Citizen. Due to the work environment, our client has requested that all candidates are required to hold a current NV1 Security Clearance.
Why partner with Whizdom?
We’re Whizdom. We view you as an extension of our strong, dependable brand and have differentiators which really are different! The Whizdom way:
- We pay our contractors same day you submit your timesheet!
- We are Level 3, DISP certified and have signed the Veteran Employment Commitment and been awarded the highest level of compliance to this important initiative, proactively assisting veterans transitioning from the forces to civilian roles. We’ve been lucky enough to win industry awards for our high level of process compliance and are ISO 9001 certified. Our commitment to reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions has been accredited in line with large global organisations.
- We value diversity and welcome applications from Indigenous Australians, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people living with a disability.
How to Apply
Please upload your resume to apply. Please provide a supporting statement highlighting your skills, experience, and capability against the position description to complete this application process. We will be in touch with instructions for suitably skilled candidates.
Submissions close COB, Friday 13th of March 2026.
Please call Lisa Berjak on 0480 011 550 or email lisab@whizdom.com.au for any further information. Candidates will need to be willing to undergo pre-employment screening checks which may include, ID and work rights, security clearance verification, and any other client-requested check
