ASC is Australia’s submarine company. We built the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines, sustain them, and are now delivering their Life of Type Extension to increase the boats’ service lives. We have also been selected by the Australian Government to sustain and jointly build the nation’s nuclear-powered submarines – the largest and most complex industrial undertaking in Australia’s history.

Our work is interesting and meaningful, contributing directly to Australia’s national security. We offer rewarding roles that provide the opportunity to grow your career, and the flexibility to balance life and work. A career at ASC is like no other, delivering a deeper purpose we can all be proud of.

About the Opportunity

The Boat Manager is the operational leader accountable for the safe, efficient and successful execution of maintenance activities performed on a Collins Class Submarine.

Reporting within a project team and working closely with the Project Manager, you will lead a multidisciplinary workforce and coordinate all planned and emergent activities across the submarine. You will be responsible for driving schedule performance, managing operational risk, resolving competing priorities and ensuring maintenance outcomes are delivered safely, compliantly and on time.

This role requires a strong leader who can bring together engineering, operations, planning, subcontractors and Navy stakeholders to achieve a common objective: delivering a safe, capable submarine back to sea.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Boat Team and provide visible leadership in safety, execution and workforce performance.
• Take ownership of the integrated maintenance schedule, ensuring all work is planned, coordinated and executed effectively.
• Drive delivery against key milestones, actively managing critical path activities, emerging risks and recovery plans.
• Coordinate and deconflict work conducted by ASC teams, subcontractors and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all activities are executed in accordance with submarine safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with the Project Manager to manage schedule, cost, quality and operational risk.
• Chair commitment planning and execution meetings, driving accountability across the project team.
• Ensure safe and effective Set-To-Work activities and operational readiness throughout the availability.
• Oversee workforce planning and resource prioritisation in partnership with Operations.
• Foster a high-performing culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure accurate and safe submarine operating restrictions and work controls are developed and presented for approval.

About you 

You are a respected operational leader with experience managing complex maintenance, production or engineering activities in a high-risk, highly regulated environment.

You understand how to lead diverse teams, balance competing priorities and deliver critical outcomes under demanding schedules. Most importantly, you know how to build trust, influence stakeholders and bring people together to achieve a common goal.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Collins Class Submarine experience.
• Previous experience as a Boat Manager, Superintendent, Maintenance Manager or equivalent operational leadership role.
• Defence, naval, maritime or shipbuilding experience.
• Knowledge of submarine systems, maintenance activities and platform integration.
• Experience working within Earned Value Management and project delivery frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience leading large multidisciplinary teams in a maintenance, production or engineering environment.
• Experience delivering outcomes in complex, high-consequence or safety-critical industries.
• Strong understanding of operational execution, planning and schedule management.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and manage competing priorities.
• Experience driving workforce performance, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Educational qualifications in Trades, Technical, Engineering, Management or equivalent experience.

Eligibility

This role requires a current National Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance. Your eligibility for this role is dependent on you obtaining and maintaining such clearance.

To check your eligibility please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website.

Benefits

• Unique and challenging work with a deeper purpose.
• Up to 10 days additional leave every year so you can rest and recharge.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives so you can perform at your best at work.
• Professional development opportunities to advance your career.
• A diverse and supportive environment where you can thrive.
• Discounts and exclusive offers from leading Australian brands to help you save.

About ASC

Established in 1985, ASC’s 3,000-plus staff offer a depth of submarine design, project management, supply chain, construction and engineering experience and expertise that is unparalleled in Australia’s defence industry. The company’s work on Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine build and the Collins Class Life of Type Extension takes place in Osborne, South Australia, with sustainment shared across Osborne and Henderson, Western Australia. ASC also plays a leading role in training Royal Australian Navy submariners.

Apply today for a career with a deeper purpose.

Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting will commence immediately.