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Saronic Technologies is seeking an experienced Director of International Growth to lead strategic market development and program capture across Australia, New Zealand, and the AUKUS community. This is a leadership role with direct access to senior executives and a clear path to build and lead a high-performing team.
You will spearhead the campaign to develop, shape, propose, and capture programs in unmanned maritime systems. The role requires building and implementing a strategic approach to address critical maritime defense challenges. You will have direct input on capital deployment to close capability gaps ahead of need, serving Defence, Navy, border forces, Army, and commercial customers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead team development and implement strategic approaches to capture Programs of Record, including key hires and team scaling as needed
- Drive strategic growth by delivering capability ahead of expectations and achieving measurable results
- Partner with cross-functional teams (Business Development, Program Management, Legal) to develop compelling proposals and negotiate favorable contracts
- Develop innovative strategies to address unique challenges in shaping and capturing Programs of Record
- Ensure compliance with ITAR, cybersecurity, and applicable defense and end-user country requirements
- Serve as trusted advisor to executive leadership on market entry, contracts, and proposal strategies
- Support travel and engagement of key company leaders visiting the region
The ideal candidate will have an extensive network across Australian defense and government procurement, deep knowledge of accelerated acquisition pathways, and a passion for maritime superiority and Australian sovereignty. Prior military operational and acquisition experience is highly valued.
Requirements:
- Demonstrated prior team leadership experience in strategic growth with defense or technology programs, preferably with 0-to-1 track record
- Strong knowledge of Australian defense budgeting cycles, acquisition processes, government engagement, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) pathways
- Exceptional understanding of customer gaps and problem sets
- Proven ability to lead, develop, and scale a team
- Exceptional organizational, communication, and negotiation skills with ability to shape, develop, and close major defense acquisition programs
- Creative problem-solving abilities with focus on delivering strategic solutions
Preferred Qualifications:
- Established relationships at all levels within operators and defense procurement authorities (requirements owners, resource sponsors, acquisition offices)
- Self-starter with autonomy and bias for action
- Legal right to work in Australia required; role may be subject to security, export control, and government contracting requirements
