Partnerships Director

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

As Partnerships Director for Thales Australia, you will lead the partnerships that help shape the future of Australia’s defence, aerospace, and cybersecurity sectors.

Working across industry, academia, and government, you will drive high-impact collaborations that strengthen sovereign capability, accelerate innovation, and position Thales as a trusted partner in tackling some of the nation’s most critical security challenges.

Located in North Sydney's Rydalmere, on Darug land, your role purpose will be-

• Drive Thales Australia’s partnership strategy to unlock new opportunities, accelerate technology adoption, and strengthen resilient ecosystems that boost local industry and Australia’s global competitiveness.

• Conduct ecosystem scanning and strategic gap analysis to identify high-potential partners, uncover capability gaps, strengthen supply chain resilience, leverage global synergies, and develop targeted partnership engagement plans

• Build high-value relationships across defence, industry, and research to unlock strategic opportunities, influence policy and investment decisions, and elevate Thales’ impact, reputation, and leadership in Australia’s security and innovation landscape.

• Drive strategic growth and strengthen Thales’ market influence through high-impact sponsorships and memberships.

• Safeguard Thales’ reputation and enable confident strategic partnerships by driving robust due diligence across all partners, sponsorships, and alliances.

On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:

• Extensive senior leadership experience across business, defence, strategy, government relations or related fields, with the ability to convert policy, capability and market shifts into strategic partnership advantage. 

• Strong technical and commercial acumen, with a demonstrated ability to align complex technologies, customer priorities and business strategy to deliver growth, innovation and sovereign capability outcomes. 

• Deep understanding of Australian defence, technology and industrial policy settings. 

• Proven success in structuring, negotiating and delivering complex strategic partnerships and alliances. 

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Recognised leader in reservist employee support

• Veterans Leave

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

• Access to a network of the best people (A Noble Prize winner on our staff list!)

• And much more!

Good to Know

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

A NV 1 Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.

Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/. In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role. The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.