Berni White
Edinburgh,SA
Summary
Berni's expertise includes strategy development, leading operations, managing reporting and enhancing systems to maintain responsiveness in dynamic situations. He is highly successful at gathering and analysing information in order to develop actionable plans to achieve success; his excellent judgment, critical eye for detail and understanding of strategy are key to this.
He is proud to currently be an executive leader at BAE Systems Australia. There he heads the technically complex electronic warfare program that conceives, innovates, designs, develops, manufactures, delivers, maintains and sustains sovereign disruptive capabilities and products across the life cycle.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Programme Manager EW Sensors & Effectors
BAE Systems Australia
01.2023 - Current
- Managed a team of over 120 multi-disciplined experts, across four states, supervising administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations, in order to deliver success.
- Managed cross-functional teams to optimise support to achieve successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives, delivery operations and product development.
- Developed detailed strategic plans from broad corporate vision and intent; setting clear objectives and achievable milestones to realise success.
Colonel Commandant
Australian Army (Part Time)
07.2024 - Current
- Developed leaders within the organisation through mentorship, guidance, and targeted professional development opportunities.
- Provided strategic and technical advice to leadership on the continued evolution of the Army ground based air and missile defence capability.
- Advised a diverse team of professionals, optimising their skills and talents for mission success.
- Maintained uphold the highest standards of professionalism within the organisation.
Project Portfolio Manager - Electronic Warfare
BAE Systems Australia
03.2022 - 12.2022
- Enhanced project delivery by streamlining processes and implementing best practices in portfolio management.
- Devised contingency plans for high-risk projects, safeguarding against potential obstacles that could impact overall timelines or budgets.
- Mentored junior managers, imparting valuable skills and knowledge that facilitated their professional growth within the organisation.
- Increased team efficiency by fostering a collaborative work environment and promoting knowledge sharing among team members.
Polymath
Australian Government
01.1996 - 12.2022
- Advisor to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicides
- Accredited Diplomat to the United States of America - Embassy of Australia, Washington D.C.
- Head of Ground Based Air Defence, Cross Domain Integration and Terminal Effects Control
- Executive Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor
- Lead Strategic Planner
- Lead Organisational Developer and Designer
- Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Missile, Radar and Drone Expert
- Lecturer, Instructor and Mentor
- Operational and Tactical Leader
Owner
Sydney Scenic SUP
01.2012 - 12.2013
- Oversaw and managed daily small business operations, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
- Enhanced company reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service quality to customers.
Non-Executive Director
Bulwarra Resort
01.2011 - 02.2012
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by staying abreast of industry developments and legislative changes.
- Aided in strategic management situations by leveraging industry knowledge to provide informed guidance during uncertain times.
- Optimised organisational efficiency by advising on best practices related to corporate structure changes or reorganisations.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Leading Complex Programmes, Projects & Portfolios
University of Manchester
Alliance Manchester Business School06.2025
MBA - Mini
Australian Institute of Management
Adelaide, SA02.2024
Graduate - Disruptive Strategy Program
Harvard Business School
Boston, MA, USA09.2020
Graduate Diploma - Strategic Planning & Management
University of New South Wales
Sydney, NSWGraduate Diploma - Management in Defence Studies
Australian Defence College
Weston Creek, ACTGraduate Certificate - Staff College (Joint)
Australian Command & Staff College
Weston Creek, ACTAssociate of Arts - Personnel Administration
Royal Military College
Duntroon, ACTSkills
- Executive Leader
- Disruptive Strategist
- Organisational Manager
- Complex Problem Solver
- Highly experienced defence expert
Accomplishments
Army Silver Commendation, for superior performance and dedication as the Military Attache, Embassy of Australia, Washington D.C.
United States Honorable Order of St Barbara, for exceptional professional competence and significant contributions to the artillery.
Artillery (AOP) Brevet (Drone Pilot), with 2000 combat hours under command of tactical unmanned aerial systems (Middle East Area of Operations)
Timeline
Colonel Commandant
Australian Army (Part Time)
07.2024 - Current
Programme Manager EW Sensors & Effectors
BAE Systems Australia
01.2023 - Current
Project Portfolio Manager - Electronic Warfare
BAE Systems Australia
03.2022 - 12.2022
Owner
Sydney Scenic SUP
01.2012 - 12.2013
Non-Executive Director
Bulwarra Resort
01.2011 - 02.2012
Polymath
Australian Government
01.1996 - 12.2022
Graduate Certificate - Leading Complex Programmes, Projects & Portfolios
University of Manchester
MBA - Mini
Australian Institute of Management
Graduate - Disruptive Strategy Program
Harvard Business School
Graduate Diploma - Strategic Planning & Management
University of New South Wales
Graduate Diploma - Management in Defence Studies
Australian Defence College
Graduate Certificate - Staff College (Joint)
Australian Command & Staff College
Associate of Arts - Personnel Administration
Royal Military College
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