A newly created opportunity based in Brisbane. We’re also open to candidates based in Sydney who are comfortable with regular travel to Brisbane, typically on a weekly basis.
Hello. We’re Virgin Australia. We’re the airline that’s always done things a little different. Our way. The Virgin way. We’re on a mission to make flying better than ‘nice’. And to do that, it takes a team of talented people who are passionate about customer experience, doing the right thing always, with a focus on safety – in the air, on the ground and in our workplaces. A team who values real diversity and inclusion, in a big brand with big ambitions.
About the role
- The Program Director is accountable for the successful planning and delivery of the Airline Operations Technology portfolio, comprising multiple complex and interdependent programs and projects. Working in alignment with the IT Project Delivery Chapter, the role will establish consistent delivery disciplines and ensure initiatives are effectively integrated across Airline Operations and the broader IT portfolio.
- The role will set the direction for portfolio delivery, including strategic planning, prioritisation, resourcing, governance, delivery methodology and execution. It will maintain clear and accurate visibility of portfolio budgets, forecasts, schedules, dependencies, benefits and risks, assumptions, issues and decisions.
- The Program Director will work closely with executive sponsors, operational leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to align priorities, resolve complex dependencies and support timely, evidence-based decision-making. The role will lead major vendor and commercial engagements, including relationships with large technology vendors and systems integrators, to ensure contractual commitments and delivery outcomes are achieved.
- A key focus will be translating complex IT programs into clear, manageable delivery increments, using sprint-based or other fit-for-purpose delivery approaches to maintain momentum and demonstrate progress. The Program Director will take end-to-end accountability for programs from mobilisation and planning through to implementation, operational transition, adoption and benefits realisation.
- Operating in a complex, safety-critical environment, the role must understand the challenges of delivering technology change to frontline operational teams. This includes leading change across diverse workforce groups, building trust, managing resistance and ensuring new systems, processes and ways of working are successfully embedded.
You’ll be great in this role if you:
- Hold tertiary qualifications in project management, business management, technology or a related discipline.
- Have proven experience leading complex technology programs comprising multiple interdependent projects and workstreams, including programs valued at more than $50 million.
- Have successfully delivered major programs from initiation and mobilisation through to implementation, operational transition and benefits realisation, demonstrating resilience and accountability when delivery becomes challenging.
- Bring experience delivering ERP, workforce management, rostering or similarly complex enterprise technology implementations.
- Have worked extensively with major technology vendors and systems integrators, with strong capability in vendor performance, commercial negotiations, contract management and delivery assurance.
- Understand the complexity of implementing technology for frontline operational employees, ideally within a highly regulated, safety-critical or operationally intensive environment.
- Have demonstrated experience leading organisational change across large and diverse workforce groups, including managing resistance and building sustained adoption.
- Can establish practical governance, controls and reporting that provide clear accountability and enable timely decisions without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
- Can break down complex programs into clear delivery increments, releases or sprints, while maintaining alignment to strategic outcomes, architecture and operational requirements.
- Bring strong portfolio planning and roadmap development capability, including prioritisation, resource planning, dependency management and integration across multiple programs.
- Demonstrate strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, cost control and benefits management.
- Apply sound knowledge of financial governance, project controls and project, program and change management methodologies.
- Use critical thinking and analytical skills to interpret information, identify emerging risks and generate actionable insights that support fact-based decisions.
- Communicate complex delivery matters clearly and confidently through high-quality executive reporting, recommendations and decision papers.
- Can build trusted relationships with executive leaders, operational stakeholders, delivery teams, vendors and other partners.
- Influence effectively at all levels of the organisation while constructively managing expectations, competing priorities and delivery risks.
- Demonstrate strong people leadership, organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to create clarity, accountability and alignment across large, multidisciplinary teams.
- Lead with humility and a low-ego, collaborative approach, placing portfolio outcomes and team success ahead of personal profile.
- Operate with integrity, discretion and high ethical standards when handling commercially sensitive or confidential information.
Bonus points if you also bring:
- A Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field
- Extensive experience (15+ years) in program/project management and leading large teams (50+ people)
- Experience within the airline industry or complex, operational environments
- Proven experience delivering in partnership with large complex vendors
- Understand how to leverage data and AI in Operations decision making
We’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to):
- Discounted flights for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year)
- A flexible, hybrid work style. Work from home or the office, adapt your location to suit your style and needs
- One of Brisbane’s most admired head office locations, with South Bank train station, a supermarket, pharmacy, and lunch options downstairs plus a 5-minute walk to the Busway, a rooftop restaurant and onsite gym (with a low membership fee) and South Bank Parklands just across the road
- Discounts on travel insurance, lounge membership, car hire, accommodation, and experiences worldwide
- Cheaper hospitality, retail, technology, beauty and wellness services
- Free counselling and access to a wellbeing app to support your physical, mental, social and financial health
- ‘Dress for Your Day’ – enjoy the freedom to wear whatever makes you feel great for the type of work you do and the day you have ahead of you.
When everyone is included, everyone wins:
We’re all individuals. And we love that. That’s why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQIA+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family.
Ready to apply? We’re ready to hear from you. Apply now.
