Program Cost Management Lead

Unleash the Power of Multi-Mission Excellence: Safeguarding the Seas for the World's Navies.

Step into a world where cutting-edge technology meets unparalleled expertise. Ultra Maritime pioneers delivering multi-mission solutions that protect and empower the naval forces worldwide. With our extensive portfolio of capabilities, our innovations are utilised on naval fleets across our allied navies around the globe.

As the maritime and underwater battlespace evolves, we tirelessly push the boundaries to develop advanced specialist systems that provide our 'five-eyes' Defence customers with an unbeatable warfighting edge. From surface vessels to sub-surface operations and unmanned platforms, we are revolutionizing the way naval missions are executed.

We thrive on collaboration and partnering with our customers to ensure mission success. Our expert solutions encompass an array of game-changing technologies, including state-of-the-art sonar, radar, expendables, signature management, and naval power systems.

Join us in shaping the future of naval warfare and together, we will safeguard the seas and empower navies worldwide

Flexible Working

At Ultra Maritime, we understand that your personal life is just as important as your professional one. That's why we support and promote flexible working arrangements where possible.

We offer a 9-day fortnight working pattern, offering extended weekends every other week, granting you more time to pursue your passions. And that's not all – we provide flexible start and finish times.

We welcome the challenge to work in new ways and have trust in you when getting the job done because we recognise, our business is our people.

The position presents an exciting opportunity to join Ultra Maritime Australia during a period of significant change and growth under private equity ownership, with responsibility for maintaining program financials to deliver value-add analysis and key insights which drive optimal program performance and control for all our stakeholders. The candidate must be eligible to obtain and maintain a current Australian Defence Security Clearance.

Key Responsibilities Will Include
Project Execution

• Project Manager/BoE author guidance and support for RFT requirements.
• Own program Estimate at Complete (EAC) process, ensure compliant assimilation and presentation of program estimates that facilitates efficient communication, review, and approval.
• Identify and perform variance and "what if" analyses on costs, scope and schedules, and report on related risks & opportunities. Supporting project management in resolution of outstanding issues
• Manage / oversee program budgeting and forecasting process; interface with Financial Planning and Analysis
• Estimating preparation and development
• Provide financial data utilized in the review and approval of proposal pricing.
• Prepare proposals in accordance with company policies, proposal instructions, and Government regulations.
• Conduct cost analysis by reviewing labour & material bases of estimates, and direct/indirect rate verification.
• Support and participate in cross functional teams to support bid and proposal activities.
• Utilize pricing software and models to calculate costs and price.
• Participate in proposal development and compliance meetings, such as: pricing strategy discussions, price-to-win, risk reviews, peer reviews, and bid / no-bid decisions

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Develop and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and financial models
• Monitor project financial performance against established budgets and KPIs

Cost Control

• Conduct variance analysis and provide actionable insights to project teams
• Implement and maintain cost control measures to ensure projects stay within budget
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend appropriate actions

Resource Allocation

• Collaborate with Resource Managers to allocate personnel and other resources effectively across projects
• o Monitor resource utilization and make recommendations for adjustments as needed

Risk Management

• Identify financial risks and work with project teams to develop mitigation strategies
• Monitor and report on risk status to senior management

Project Reporting

• Publish Contract Status Reviews (CSRs) for requisite programs and communicate financial performance
• Provide recurring & ad hoc reports to Program Managers and other stakeholders, driving company best practices
• Support month-end close processes as needed

Financials

• Oversee and present formal Quarterly Finance Reviews (QFRs) with visibility to Executive Leadership
• Maintain timely and accurate program financials including revenue recognition, invoicing, cost, funding, gross margins, cash flow and programmatic risks, etc.
• Monitor cashflow reporting, ensuring timely invoicing of customers; drive resolution of overdue invoices
• Prime contact for audit material and overall Program Cost Management.

Management

• Manage the Program Management Office & team based in Adelaide.
• Development and maintenance of the Project Management Office Governance.
• Ongoing development, maintenance, and improvement of the PMO framework (processes, tools and aids) to support business efficiencies and growth.
• Key stakeholder engagement.
• Support and train Project Managers, Control Account Managers and BoE Authors on schedule structure, critical path analysis and EV.

Key Competency Requirements

• A sound understanding of program cost accounting / project accounting is essential
• Ability to present complex financial information in a clear and precise manner
• Problem-solving skills are crucial to analysing past and current performance and recommending actions to improve productivity and profitability
• Strong analytical skills; understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) preferred
• Highly competent in use of Microsoft Office products (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Demonstrable high degree of computer literacy including familiarity with accounting and/or ERP system(s) (ProPricer, OpenPlan, Cobra, IFS)

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated with the ability to work autonomously whilst able to motivate others around the business
• Good communicator who is highly analytical, with good attention to detail and able to prioritise tasks.
• Creative and pragmatic in approach whilst being well organised and calm under pressure.
• Prepared to multi-task and work flexibly to achieve all deadlines.
• Focus on process improvement opportunities for the division.
• Demonstrates behaviours that align with and promote company's values

Experience

• Experience with GAAP, IFRS accounting standards (preferred).
• Experience with local /international Government contract standards

Why it's great to work for Ultra Maritime

• Work a 9 day/ fortnight;
• Option to purchase additional leave;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Wellbeing Program;
• Free on-site car parking;
• Free coffee/ tea/ soft drinks and fruit;
• CFS/ SES/ Reservist Paid Leave; and
• Professional development and study assistance, to name a few....

We really want you to be able to shine in the application process, so we can see what your strengths are; as such we are happy to be flexible around our process.

Interested in applying?

• Click on the 'Apply' button.
• Send a Resume and Cover Letter detailing your relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

Nationality Requirements

The successfully appointed candidate must be eligible to obtain and maintain a current Australian Defence Security Clearance to Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1).

Diverse & Inclusive Employer

Ultra Maritime is an employer that values diversity, inclusion, equity and equality. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be your best and authentic self.

We promote a workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds and cultures; believing that this will increase our diversity of thinking, and ultimately ensure we continue delivering on our commitments to our customers.

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status and welcome applications from all candidates.

Company: Ultra Maritime