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, maintaining 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, and 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, including leading change across diverse workforce groups, building trust, managing resistance and ensuring new systems, processes and ways of working are successfully embedded.
Essential Requirements
- Tertiary qualifications in project management, business management, technology or a related discipline
- Proven experience leading complex technology programs comprising multiple interdependent projects and workstreams, including programs valued at more than $50 million
- Successfully delivered major programs from initiation and mobilisation through to implementation, operational transition and benefits realisation, demonstrating resilience and accountability when delivery becomes challenging
- Experience delivering ERP, workforce management, rostering or similarly complex enterprise technology implementations
- Extensive experience working with major technology vendors and systems integrators, with strong capability in vendor performance, commercial negotiations, contract management and delivery assurance
- Understanding of the complexity of implementing technology for frontline operational employees, ideally within a highly regulated, safety-critical or operationally intensive environment
- Demonstrated experience leading organisational change across large and diverse workforce groups, including managing resistance and building sustained adoption
- Ability to establish practical governance, controls and reporting that provide clear accountability and enable timely decisions without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
- Ability to break down complex programs into clear delivery increments, releases or sprints, while maintaining alignment to strategic outcomes, architecture and operational requirements
- Strong portfolio planning and roadmap development capability, including prioritisation, resource planning, dependency management and integration across multiple programs
- Demonstrated strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, cost control and benefits management
Desirable
- 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
- Understanding of how to leverage data and AI in operations decision making
Benefits
- Discounted flights for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year)
- A flexible, hybrid work style, based out of Brisbane or Sydney office
- Discounts on travel insurance, lounge membership, car hire, accommodation, and experiences worldwide
- Free counselling and access to a wellbeing app to support physical, mental, social and financial health
- 'Dress for Your Day' – enjoy the freedom to wear whatever makes you feel great for the work you do
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Apply now.