Brett Fenton, Complex Project Management Profession
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‘Being part of the Complex Project Management Profession has opened up professional development opportunities and given me access to support, resources and diverse perspectives of a community of highly intelligent and productive individuals.’ |
| Role | Hunter Class Frigate Supply Chain Director |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Defence |
Joining the APS
Describe your entry into the APS
I joined the Defence Materiel Organisation as a Finance Support Officer in 2009 because the Defence mission of defending Australia and its national interests really resonated with me. I wanted to build a career with purpose, delivering programs and services that contribute to Australia’s national welfare.
Having just finished my Bachelor of Management, and working in hotel events operations, I was looking for a career with more purpose, and more opportunities to grow my skills, experience and knowledge.
The experience I gained in my first APS role enhanced my stakeholder engagement, budget management and procurement skills, which have been fundamental throughout my career. It introduced me to Project Management and Defence Major Capability Acquisition Programs, which I found extremely exciting and interesting.
Your professional career
Describe the meaning and importance of being a ‘professional’ in the APS
Being a professional means delivering with excellence, being self-aware and acting with integrity.
As a Project Management professional, I pursue ongoing personal and professional development to stay current. This includes sharing knowledge to upskill team members.
Project Management professionals bring expertise, reliability and integrity. They use and share their knowledge and skills to deliver high quality outcomes on schedule and within budget. We provide leadership through improving organisational capability, processes and standards.
How did you become a ‘professional’ in your field?
To become a professional, you need to educate yourself in the profession, gain relevant experience and continuously grow your skills and knowledge in line with changing industry practices. It is helpful to adopt a mindset of service to others and develop ‘soft skills’ to complement technical expertise.
How do you maintain the required qualifications and standards for being a professional in your field?
To maintain professional qualifications and standards you need to commit to continuous development. This can be through gaining or renewing formal certifications and qualifications or pursuing self-education through reputable sources of webinars, podcasts, journals or professional networks. Actively engaging with your profession and community is also important.
What do you value most about being a professional in your field?
As a professional, I value the associated responsibility and respect, which position me to lead with influence and support individual and organisational growth.
Which professional experiences or achievements are you most proud of?
A career highlight was securing significant cost savings for the Australian Government at international negotiations with large multinational industry partners. I’ve had the opportunity to visit some of Australia’s largest naval platforms, including surface ships and submarines, and meet inspiring people.
Another proud moment was establishing the Hunter Class Frigate Supply Chain Directorate, working with highly skilled professionals to maximise outcomes achieved through the supply chain of goods and services to the military and government resources provided to contractors.
What professional advice would you give your younger self?
Continuously develop yourself and others, and build a resilient mindset to overcome challenges and achieve outcomes.
Your involvement in the Complex Project Management Profession
How have you benefited from your involvement in the Complex Project Management Profession?
My involvement in complex project management has been hugely satisfying. I’ve contributed to highly complex and high profile acquisition programs building capability to ensure national security.
Being part of the Complex Project Management Profession is invaluable to my work and career. It has opened up professional development opportunities and given me access to support, resources and the diverse perspectives of a community of highly intelligent and productive individuals.
Find out more
Australian Government (n.d.) Complex Project Management Profession, APS Professions website, accessed 7 July 2025.