About Amanda MacKinnell 
MBA, MGPM, MAIPM

Amanda MacKinnell combines operational service as an officer in the Royal Australian Navy, with program and project management experience gained in a number of Industrial sectors and the academic environment to provide a comprehensive strategic outlook on the future opportunities for global defence industry. Amanda’s experience and expertise in designing and delivering Australian Industry engagement functions saw her join the US technology company L3Harris in 2023 as Head of Industry Engagement. Through this role, she took up the challenges of leading the Industry engagement, designing strategies for increased  opportunities for both L3Harris and Australian Suppliers in these critical global supply chains.

Amanda has a long history with multinational corporations, including Northrop Grumman Corporation, in the role of Australian Industry Capability Manager for the Aerospace & Mission Systems Divisions, located in Canberra and the US. This role saw her actively seeking to include Australian businesses and technology in major programs, including the acquisition of the MQ-4C Triton for the Royal Australian Air Force. Capitalising on this experience, at the beginning of 2020 - Amanda started her own company, consulting to Department of Industry through the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (now Office of Defence Industry Support), providing specialist strategic advice for Australian businesses seeking to or already engaging in the Defence sector.

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Additionally she has worked in increasingly evolved roles in the Australian Public Service, as well as a consultant with Beca Pty Ltd, shaping maritime and government policy, business systems, processes and strategy. She has also worked as a Capability Developer for C2 projects within Capability, Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and as a specialist consultant designing frameworks for the Guided Weapons & Explosive Ordnance Enterprise through NIOA and the Australian Missile Corporation.

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Amanda’s experience in operational and project environments is complemented by academic qualifications and certifications: she holds a Master of Business Administration (AIB) as well as a Master of Global Project Management (Torrens University). In 2021, she commenced a Doctor of Business Administration, focusing on opportunities to build resilience in Australia’s Defence Industry. She also lectures in Operations Management and Project Management and is the Academic-in-Residence with the National Institute of Strategic Resilience.

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Her efforts in pursuing knowledge and industry growth have been repeatedly recognised, through publications, commendations and as an awards finalist in the Industry and Academic arenas.

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An avid volunteer, Amanda has spent time in Nepal providing disaster relief work as well as contributing to local organisations in the Canberra area, offering business development work plus engaging in ‘hands on’ activities, especially with echidnas and turtles.