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.
Based in Perth, the WA Defence Leader will drive the growth, pursuit, and successful delivery of defence projects across Western Australia. Working closely with regional and national leaders, you will shape and execute the WA Defence strategy, strengthen client relationships, and expand Arup's presence in the defence sector. This is a senior leadership role focused on delivering commercial success, fostering high-performing teams, and positioning Arup as a trusted partner for defence infrastructure projects.
The Opportunity
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Lead the development and execution of Arup's defence growth strategy in Western Australia, identifying new opportunities and strengthening existing client relationships.
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Direct the pursuit, bidding, and successful delivery of defence projects, ensuring commercial excellence and compliance with Arup's bid and risk management processes.
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Provide leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams, building defence capability across the WA business.
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Collaborate with the ANZ Defence Leader, regional leaders, and internal skills networks to secure and deliver defence opportunities across Australia.
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Represent Arup in the defence market by building strategic industry partnerships, facilitating client engagement, leading presentations and workshops, and contributing to the long-term growth of the WA business.
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?
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Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent professional accreditation) and a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, or another relevant engineering discipline.
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Extensive defence industry experience (10–15+ years) with a strong understanding of defence procurement, project delivery, contract administration, and Australian industry standards.
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Hold a current Australian Government Security Clearance (Baseline or NV1), or be eligible and willing to obtain and maintain the required clearance.
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Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary defence projects across maritime, buildings, and infrastructure, from pursuit through to delivery.
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Proven business development and stakeholder management experience, with an established network across the WA defence sector and the ability to influence clients and industry partners.
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Strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor teams, build collaborative relationships, communicate effectively at all levels, and drive innovative, client-focused solutions.
Not ready to apply just yet, or have a few questions? Contact [email protected].
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.
The role is based within our stunning, award-winning, architecturally designed offices in the heart of the Perth CBD housed within WS2. Spanning three levels, it is a bright open plan working environment with a lower social break-out space, kitchen, winter garden and luxury end-of-trip facilities, through to the top level’s innovative ‘Excellence Nest’, makerspace and acoustics lab.
You will be joining a growing team of highly skilled and engaged engineers, working in a Total Design, multi-disciplinary environment, collaborating with a broad range of teams and specialists, providing you the opportunity to develop and enhance your technical skills across the full breadth of civil engineering disciplines.
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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