Director Defence Technology

At Coras, we fuse expertise with humanity, rigor with creativity and innovation with curiosity. At the core of our business is the belief that a diversity of perspectives is the key to new thinking. That’s why our team brings together deep industry experience with some of the brightest young minds in Australia. Our values are more than just words on an email signature; we’re driven by an ethos that inspires and governs everything we do.

The Role: 

Coras’ recently established Data & AI Segment aims to reside at forefront of integrating emerging technologies, analytics and systems innovation to enhance Defence capability and decision making. As the Segment continues to expand, we are seeking a Director, Data & AI to play a pivotal role in shaping the strategy, growing the business, and delivering client success across a myriad of Defence programs.

Working in concert with the Partner, Data & AI, the Director will act as both a senior client-facing consultant and a key contributor to the strategic and operational management of the Segment.

This is a role that blends delivery (hands on the tools with our amazing clients) with leadership, strategy, and business growth. The successful candidate will leverage their Defence or Defence Industry background to guide program delivery, build and mentor teams, and strengthen Coras’ market position through trusted relationships, business engagement and development, and thought leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Business Growth

• Take a leading role with the Data and AI segment, working closely with the Partner, Data and AI to define and execute the Segments strategic roadmap.
• Contribute to segment leadership, including business planning, financial performance, and operational management.
• Shape the segments value proposition and service offerings within Defence data, AI, Software Engineering, Digital Engineering, Systems Engineering and Technology domains.
• Drive new business opportunities through relationship management, thought leadership and industry engagement.

Consulting Delivery & Client Engagement

• Lead and deliver consulting engagements across Defence, related Federal Government sectors, and Defence adjacent industries.
• Apply expertise in military operations, systems engineering, ICT, or capability development to client challenges.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior Defence stakeholders, providing insights on AI, data, software, systems and capability.
• Support the development of proposals, tenders and RFQs, ensuring quality and competitiveness.

Team Growth & Leadership

• Mentor, coach and develop a high-performing team of consultants.
• Support recruitment, workforce planning and capability uplift within the Segment.
• Promote a collaborative, innovative and client-focused culture.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Significant experience in Defence, Defence industry or Federal Government within relevant domains such as:
• Military operations
• Systems engineering
• ICT / technology integration
• Project or program management
• Capability development or acquisition
• Experience in business development, relationship management and tendering/bid responses.
• Existing professional network within Defence and Government.
• Proven ability to deliver complex projects and manage senior Defence/Federal Government and Defence adjacent stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in leading, developing and growing teams.
• Strong understanding of Defence capability development frameworks, procurement processes and decision-making environments.
• Knowledge of emerging Defence data, AI, software development, analytics and decision-support technologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Clearance (NV1 or higher).

Attributes & Leadership Qualities

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to help scale a new segment.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative and human centred leadership style, with a passion for mentoring future talent.
• Drive, resilience and adaptability in fast-growing, client-centric environments.

What’s on Offer

• Leadership opportunity in a growing Defence technology segment with the potential for senior executive succession.
• Direct involvement in shaping the future of Data & AI strategy within Defence.
• Exposure to strategic consulting, capability innovation and cutting-edge Defence programs.
• Competitive remuneration and incentives aligned with your contribution.

Why join Coras?

Coras prides itself on being a management consultancy with a difference. Underpinned by our core values, we are trailblazers for innovative consulting models and strategic solutions. As a result, we have built a culture that has our people’s aspirations, development and wellbeing front and centre.

Some of our employee benefits include:

• Well defined pathway for advancement
• Access to SME coaches to support your development
• Paid parental leave provisions
• Access to external and internal training, including a consulting skills program
• An additional 5 days per year of professional development leave
• Whole of company annual conference
• The opportunity to work with like-minded people on exciting projects
• Access to our Employee Assistance Provider