Associate Director, Portfolio Management

About the role

The Associate Director, Portfolio Management leads project execution, capital governance and risk management within a Networks domain, embedding enterprise frameworks and driving operational excellence. The role suits someone with deep portfolio management expertise, strong commercial and project delivery capability, and experience managing complex technical environments in a Tier 1 telecommunications network.

Key responsibilities

• Lead portfolio governance, project execution and delivery, embedding standardised methodologies, tools, reporting and review frameworks across the domain.
• Establish and maintain governance forums such as Steering Committees, portfolio reviews, stage gates, health checks and performance reporting cycles.
• Coach and uplift delivery teams to strengthen project management capability and improve portfolio execution maturity.
• Lead annual operating planning, prioritisation, investment categorisation and portfolio execution aligned to Networks-wide objectives.
• Embed risk management practices, covering proactive identification, mitigation, reporting and alignment with enterprise risk frameworks.
• Drive capital governance, including investment planning, forecasting, spend management, benefits realisation and annual business outcomes.
• Resolve issues for delivery initiatives and act as interface with other domains for cross-domain integrated planning and execution.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in the telecommunications sector, with proven experience in or supporting network and technology divisions.
• Proven experience in portfolio management, project management, financial management and risk management.
• Extensive problem-solving skills, commercial acumen and networking technology fluency.
• Ability to influence with and without authority, drive decision-making and execution discipline.

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration and employee discounts, including $80 monthly credit and 25% off Optus products.
• Flexible working, with the option to work three days in the office and two days remote or from home.
• Leave policies including additional Connected days, and up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Optus U micro-credentials with La Trobe and Macquarie Universities, and employee-led networks and diversity initiatives.
• Free access to counselling and support services, 24/7.