Full-Time
Head of Procurement
Updated on 7/29/2026
DroneShield
201-500 employees
Counter-drone defense systems and services
No salary listed
Sydney NSW, Australia
In Person
On-site in Sydney, NSW; Australian work authorization required.
 Operations & Logistics (1) |
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- Senior procurement or supply chain leadership experience in high-tech manufacturing
- Experience operating in regulated or defence-adjacent environments
- Proven capability managing strategic suppliers and contract manufacturers
- Experience leading category management teams
- Engineering, supply chain, or commercial qualifications
- Experience with global supply networks and geopolitical risk
- Exposure to scale-up or rapid growth manufacturing environments
- Define and execute a global procurement strategy aligned with manufacturing scale-up, technology roadmaps, and compliance requirements
- Build a resilient, multi-tier supply network that mitigates supply, geopolitical, regulatory, and capacity risks
- Ensure critical components and capabilities are sourced with appropriate redundancy and flexibility
- Actively manage supplier concentration and single-source exposure
- Lead robust supplier evaluation and qualification processes for contract manufacturers
- Tier 1 and other critical component suppliers
- Indirect and shared-service suppliers
- Ensure suppliers meet technical, quality, delivery, security, and compliance requirements
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to assess supplier capability and readiness
- Own all procurement activities through to contract award, including sourcing strategy, negotiation, and approval
- Ensure contracts support delivery certainty, scalability, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and long-term value
- Balance commercial outcomes with delivery risk and operational criticality
- Ensure clarity of scope, performance obligations, and risk allocation in all supplier agreements
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of category managers across Contract manufacturing, Tier 1 critical suppliers, Indirect procurement
- Establish clear category strategies aligned to business priorities and risk profiles
- Ensure consistent sourcing, evaluation, and contracting standards across categories
- Ensure procurement activities comply with defence, export control, security, and ethical sourcing requirements
- Work closely with Legal, Quality, Security, and HSE to ensure suppliers meet regulatory and contractual obligations
- Establish clear governance, approval frameworks, and escalation pathways for procurement decisions
- Define and track procurement KPIs covering delivery performance, supplier risk, responsiveness, and commercial outcomes
- Drive continuous improvement in sourcing speed, supplier reliability, and cross-functional collaboration
- Use data and insight to proactively address emerging supply risks
- On-time availability of all critical components and services
- Reduced supply disruption and improved resilience
- Strong supplier performance and collaboration
- Procurement cycles that support fast operational execution
- Contracts that balance cost, risk, compliance, and scalability
- Procurement recognised as a strategic enabler of delivery and innovation
DroneShield provides counter-drone defense systems that detect, identify, and neutralize unmanned aerial threats. The systems use RF sensing and AI/ML to detect drones, and then apply countermeasures such as jamming, with data processed quickly at the edge for fast responses. It differentiates itself with a broad field-tested product lineup, rugged hardware, fast data processing, and long-standing relationships with military, government, and commercial customers that enable easy integration. Its goal is to deliver end-to-end, real-time protection against drone threats across security and defense applications.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Sydney, Australia
Founded
2014
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Record $61.6 million European contract in 2026 validates demand and supports expansion of European manufacturing facility.
- Amsterdam headquarters opened in April 2026 strengthens operational presence across EU and NATO markets for faster customer access.
- MOU with Terma integrates AI detection and electronic warfare for layered counter-UAS solutions in Denmark, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
What critics are saying
- Red Cat's Hellcat drone launch validates threat profile, risking perception gaps if DroneShield's detection latency exceeds evasive capabilities.
- Perennial Autonomy's $500M U.S. DoD contract introduces deeply AI-integrated competitor that could outspend DroneShield on R&D and secure exclusive deals.
- DrugShield's reliance on one-off hardware sales with immature recurring software revenue creates existential vulnerability if market shifts to SaaS-based counter-UAS.
What makes DroneShield unique
- DroneShield uniquely combines AI-driven detection with mobile platforms via Defenture partnership for on-the-move defense.
- First European-made counter-UAS system produced in June 2026, aligning with EU Readiness 2030 sovereign defense goals.
- Quarterly software updates rapidly improve detection and tracking against faster, agile drone threats, reflecting industry software-driven shift.
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Benefits
Professional Development Budget
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 1%1 year growth
↑ 3%2 year growth
↑ 8%DroneShield updates software for faster drone threats. Software is becoming the core of counter-UAS. DroneShield has rolled out a new quarterly software update for its counter-UAS ecosystem. The main goal of the release is straightforward: improve performance against drone threats that are faster, more agile and harder to track in operational settings. Rather than focusing on a single product, the update is designed to strengthen the system as a whole. That matters in counter-UAS operations, where sensors, monitoring tools and response workflows must work together with minimal friction. What the release improves. According to the source, the update focuses on three essential areas: * detection - faster identification of airborne targets; * tracking - more stable follow-up during evasive movement; * interoperability - better coordination across the ecosystem. This is especially relevant as drone threats become more unpredictable. Speed alone is no longer the only challenge. Low-altitude flight, sudden trajectory changes and evasive maneuvers all place pressure on the software layer that ties the system together. Why operators care. Software releases often have a practical impact without requiring changes to hardware. For operators, that means existing deployments can be adapted more easily to emerging threat profiles. If a drone is moving faster or changing direction more aggressively, the system must keep tracking it reliably and avoid losing the target. Interoperability is equally important. In larger installations, different sensors and tools need to feed into one coherent operational picture. The smoother that integration is, the faster operators can interpret the situation and act on it. A broader industry trend. The counter-UAS sector is increasingly driven by software. As drones become more capable and harder to counter, vendors are leaning on algorithm improvements, tighter integration and more flexible architectures. Quarterly releases are one way to keep systems current without waiting for major hardware cycles. DroneShield's update reflects a wider shift in the market: the most effective counter-UAS platforms are the ones that can adapt quickly and maintain precision as threats evolve.
DroneShield and Defenture announce strategic partnership to advance mobile counter-uas capability. DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone technology solutions, along with Defenture, an innovation-driven company specialising in tactical mobility solutions, announce a strategic partnership to accelerate joint commercial opportunities for mobile counter-UAS capability. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony was held at Eurosatory 2026, a global tradeshow for defence and security that brings together key stakeholders from the international ecosystem. The MOU will combine DroneShield's counter-UAS hardware, software, command-and-control, and operational support capabilities with Defenture's on-the-move vehicle platform expertise. Together, the companies aim to progress a coordinated market deployment roadmap for an air defence and counter-UAS command-and-control solution suited to modern operational environments. Under the MOU, the parties intend to jointly define, prioritise, and pursue commercial activities, including coordinated go-to-market initiatives, customer engagement, testing activities, interoperability milestones, and selected joint opportunities. This includes offering DroneShield's current and next generation counter-UAS systems across Defenture platforms, such as the Mammoth and GRF, as well as the development of layered on-the-move counter-UAS concepts for future customer engagement. The collaboration reflects growing demand for highly mobile, mission-ready counter-drone systems that can support military and security operators in increasingly complex threat environments. Louis Gamarra, Chief Commercial Officer at DroneShield said, "Many military customers are looking for scalable and mobile counter-UAS solutions, that can be deployed quickly and operate effectively in dynamic environments. DroneShield's new partnership with Defenture brings together complementary strengths to support that requirement and create a pathway for joint opportunities in key markets." Roderick Toutenhoofd, board member at Defenture said "By combining Defenture's mobile platform capability with DroneShield's proven counter-UAS technologies, we are better placed to support customers seeking agile, layered protection against evolving drone threats. The evolution of modern drone warfare has made clear that traditional platforms now require UAS protection, and partnering with DroneShield allows us to bring that capability to market in a way that is practical, mobile, and operationally relevant." As military and security operators across Europe continue to prioritise counter-UAS capabilities, this MOU provides a pathway for DroneShield and Defenture to pursue joint opportunities that bring together mobility, interoperability, and operational effectiveness in response to evolving drone threats. About DroneShield DroneShield (ASX:DRO) provides Artificial Intelligence based platforms for protection against advanced threats such as drones and autonomous systems. We offer solutions designed to suit a variety of terrestrial, maritime or airborne platforms. Our customers include military, intelligence community, Government, law enforcement, critical infrastructure, and airports. Learn more at www.droneshield.com/about About Defenture Defenture, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tiel, the Netherlands, is an innovation-driven company specialising in the design, development, production and maintenance of unique light tactical mobility solutions. Our platforms provide safety and mobility to military and specialised units that protect us. Learn more at www.defenture.com
Defenture and DroneShield announce strategic partnership. DroneShield and Defenture signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris to further cooperation on counter-UAS opportunities. Defenture and DroneShield announce strategic partnership to advance mobile counter-uas capability. DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone technology solutions, along with Defenture, an innovation-driven company specialising in tactical mobility solutions, announce a strategic partnership to accelerate joint commercial opportunities for mobile counter-UAS capability. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony was held at Eurosatory 2026, a global tradeshow for defence and safety that brings together key stakeholders from the international ecosystem. The MOU will combine DroneShield's counter-UAS hardware, software, command-and-control, and operational support capabilities with Defenture's on-the-move vehicle platform expertise. Together, the companies aim to progress a coordinated market deployment roadmap for an air defence and counter-UAS command-and-control solution suited to modern operational environments. Under the MOU, the parties intend to jointly define, prioritise, and pursue commercial activities, including coordinated go-to-market initiatives, customer engagement, testing activities, interoperability milestones, and selected joint opportunities. This includes offering DroneShield's current and next generation counter-UAS systems across Defenture platforms, such as the Mammoth and GRF, as well as the development of layered on-the-move counter-UAS concepts for future customer engagement. The collaboration reflects growing demand for highly mobile, mission-ready counter-drone systems that can support military and safety operators in increasingly complex threat environments. Louis Gamarra, Chief Commercial Officer at DroneShield said, "Many military customers are looking for scalable and mobile counter-UAS solutions, that can be deployed quickly and operate effectively in dynamic environments. DroneShield's new partnership with Defenture brings together complementary strengths to support that requirement and create a pathway for joint opportunities in key markets." Roderick Toutenhoofd, board member at Defenture said "By combining Defenture's mobile platform capability with DroneShield's proven counter-UAS technologies, we are better placed to support customers seeking agile, layered protection against evolving drone threats. The evolution of modern drone warfare has made clear that traditional platforms now require UAS protection, and partnering with DroneShield allows us to bring that capability to market in a way that is practical, mobile, and operationally relevant." As military and safety operators across Europe continue to prioritise counter-UAS capabilities, this MOU provides a pathway for DroneShield and Defenture to pursue joint opportunities that bring together mobility, interoperability, and operational effectiveness in response to evolving drone threats. About DroneShield DroneShield (ASX:DRO) provides Artificial Intelligence based platforms for protection against advanced threats such as drones and autonomous systems. DroneShield offers solutions designed to suit a variety of terrestrial, maritime or airborne platforms. Their customers include military, intelligence community, Government, law enforcement, critical infrastructure, and airports. Learn more at www.droneshield.com/about About Defenture Defenture, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tiel, the Netherlands, is an innovation-driven company specialising in the design, development, production and maintenance of unique light tactical mobility solutions. Its platforms provide safety and mobility to military and specialised units that protect Defenture B.V.
Retirement of Peter James and proposed appointment of Hamish McLennan as Independent Non-Executive Chairman. DroneShield 8. April 2026 After 10 years as DroneShield's Chairman since before its initial public offering in 2016, Peter James has announced his retirement from the Board and his decision to not stand for re-election at the Company's annual general meeting on 29 May 2026 (AGM). As part of the Board's ongoing renewal process, Hamish McLennan will join the Board from 1 May 2026 as Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman-Elect, and will assume the role of Chairman, at the conclusion of the AGM. McLennan is an experienced executive and board director across private and public organisations with strong focus on building companies and driving superior corporate governance. He was Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ten Network Holdings until July 2015 and, before that, Executive Vice President, Office of the Chairman, at News Corp. As Chairman of REA, he has overseen growth in the company from approximately a $2 billion to a $20 billion market capitalisation business. Commenting on his appointment, McLennan said: "I have followed DroneShield's trajectory closely and am looking forward to contributing to the next phase of the Company's development both within Australia and abroad." "Strengthening governance, discipline and operational maturity will be central to supporting DroneShield's continued growth as an Australian technology success story and an important national defence partner during a period of elevated global security challenges." "The Company has achieved significant progress under Peter and Oleg's leadership, and I will work closely with Angus to build on this strong foundation." Commenting on the appointment, James said: "Hamish is uniquely equipped to lead the Board of DroneShield through this next stage of growth. He has a depth of experience as a director and Chairman of fast-growing technology companies in highly regulated sectors, and the perspective of an experienced global executive. He also has led companies with multinational interests and has substantive cross-border experience." "Leading DroneShield from pre-IPO through to the ASX200 has been a privilege, as has working closely with Oleg over this period. The opportunities that have been created, not just for our team, but for Australia's growing defence technology sector, are a legacy that we are proud of." "Having served over 10 years on DroneShield's board, I believe now is the right time to commence the transition to a new Chair. I am confident that these changes set the Company up for its next stage of growth, with refreshed leadership and new energy to capture the momentum in the rapidly growing market for counter-drone technology."
DroneShield announces leadership transition as Angus Bean is appointed Chief Executive Officer. DroneShield 8. April 2026 Sydney, australia - 8 April 2026 - DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in advanced defense and counter unmanned systems (cuxs) technology, today announced a leadership transition with Angus Bean appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective today. After leading DroneShield through a period of significant growth and global expansion, Oleg Vornik will step down as Chief Executive Officer. At the same time, Peter James will step down as Chairman of the Board following years of leadership and service to the company. Under their leadership, DroneShield evolved from an emerging technology company into a globally recognized provider of counter-UAS solutions, expanding technology capabilities, customer base, and international footprint. The board and leadership team expressed their deep appreciation for the impact both leaders have had on the company's development. "It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead DroneShield during a period of rapid growth and technological advancement. The company is entering its next phase of development and Angus Bean is exceptionally well positioned to guide that journey," said Oleg Vornik. "Angus is the right leader for the future." "Angus led the development of the products that we are best known for in the market, and is the key architect of our current and next generation of technologies. He has built DroneShield's 350 plus engineering team and has been a prominent representative of the business to many of our major customers over the years." Angus Bean has been with DroneShield for over a decade and has played a central role in the development of the company's core technologies and engineering strategy. As an engineer and long-standing leader, he has helped shape the capabilities that underpin DroneShield's counter-UxS solutions today. "I joined DroneShield as its sixth employee and had the privilege of watching the company grow from a small, ambitious team into a global organization of over 500 talented people. I've had the opportunity to work side by side with Oleg since those early days, and together with the broader team we've built technology that is now supporting customers around the world. I'm honored to step into this role and continue building on that foundation as we advance DroneShield's mission and innovation," said Angus Bean. DroneShield remains focused on expanding its global presence and continuing to develop advanced counter-UxS technologies to support defense, government, and critical infrastructure customers worldwide.