Senior Learning & Development Lead – Defence Capability

Senior Learning & Development Lead – Defence Capability
Canberra |On-site role| NV1 required | Senior Defence Capability / CASG experience
Rate: $1100 to $1200 daily

We are seeking an experienced Senior Learning & Development Lead to support a major Defence capability professionalisation initiative focused on the evolving Defence Capability System (DCS).
This is not a traditional training delivery role. Defence is looking for a senior practitioner who understands the Defence capability environment and can translate complex capability policy, processes and reform into practical, engaging learning programs and products for Defence and industry audiences.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of Defence/CASG capability experience, learning and development expertise, instructional design and senior stakeholder engagement.
The opportunity Working alongside Defence's Directorate Capability Continuous Improvement team, you will lead the design and development of an integrated capability professionalisation program designed to help Defence and industry personnel understand and apply the reformed Defence Capability System in practice.

The program will include an 18-month professionalisation roadmap, contemporary learning products, video and recorded content, facilitator resources, train-the-trainer materials and supporting capability guidance.

Key responsibilities

• Design a structured 18-month Capability Professionalisation Program, including audiences, learning modules, dependencies and priorities.
• Translate complex Defence capability policy, processes and reforms into practical and accessible learning content.
• Design and develop contemporary learning and development products for the Defence capability workforce.
• Develop a suite of learning artefacts including a four-part video series, case studies, vignettes and governance walk-throughs.
• Develop facilitator guides, senior leader induction materials and train-the-trainer resources.
• Support the delivery of workshops and Defence Capability System training.
• Facilitate, stream, record and produce learning content for ongoing use.
• Lead and support consultation with senior Defence, capability and industry stakeholders.
• Develop capability-related content and guidance materials.
• Establish measurable learning outcomes and support ongoing evaluation of the program.
• Manage delivery risks, stakeholder alignment, quality and long-term usability of learning products.
• Provide regular progress and performance reporting to Defence.

What we're looking for
We are particularly interested in candidates who have worked within Defence, CASG or the broader Defence capability environment and understand how capability is developed, governed and delivered.
You will ideally bring:

• At least five years' experience delivering substantial Learning & Development programs or suites, preferably in a lead role.
• Demonstrated experience designing integrated education, professionalisation or workforce capability programs.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience in Defence capability development and management.
• Experience within CASG, Defence capability programs, capability policy, capability management or capability reform will be highly regarded.
• Strong instructional design and learning product development capability.
• Experience developing recorded, digital or multimedia learning content.
• Demonstrated ability to convert highly technical, policy-heavy or complex subject matter into learning that people can understand and apply.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, including working with senior and technically specialised stakeholders.
• The ability to work autonomously while collaborating closely with Defence teams.
• Experience establishing measurable learning outcomes and evaluating program effectiveness.

Essential requirements

• NV1 security clearance is required.
• The role is based in Canberra, with all services required to be delivered onsite.
• The initial engagement runs to 30 June 2027, with options for three additional 12-month extensions.

Why this role?
This is an opportunity to influence how Defence builds capability professionalism across both the Defence workforce and its industry partners.
Rather than simply delivering an existing training package, you will help shape the professionalisation approach, design the learning architecture and create the products Defence will use to embed major Defence Capability System reforms.
For someone who understands CASG and Defence capability but also genuinely knows how adults learn, this is a particularly strong opportunity.

Apply
If you have significant Defence/CASG capability experience combined with Learning & Development, instructional design or workforce professionalisation experience, we would like to hear from you.
Rate: $1100 to $1200 daily

Please submit your CV and a detailed cover letter or pitch, outlining your relevant Defence capability and L&D experience, current security clearance and availability.

*Candidates not meeting Citizenship, Security requirements or expereince relevent to perform this role, will not be contacted further