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 conventionally armed, 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

Reporting to the Program Director – SSN Sustainment, the Country Manager is the primary point of contact in Hawaii for all ASC program operational matters and stakeholder engagement. Key stakeholders include AUKUS Integration & Acquisition, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY), the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), the Naval Shipbuilding Sustainment Group (NSSG), and the Australian Consulate in Hawaii. The role is accountable for safe delivery of program objectives, compliance, workforce support, risk management, and sustaining a long‑term ASC presence in the region.

The position has direct functional responsibility for the Training Support Team, ensuring delivery of the training demand profile, monitoring assignee training progress, and providing day‑to‑day pastoral care and leadership of the deployed cohort. The role also oversees key enabling support functions—including People & Culture, Learning & Development, WHSE, facilities management, and office administration—working closely with ASC Australia to ensure support services align with ASC standards and meet the needs of the in‑country workforce

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Country Manager may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Lead the end‑to‑end operational delivery of ASC’s SSN Sustainment Program workforce in the PHNSY, ensuring contractual, training and SRF‑W outcomes are delivered on time and within budget.
• Set and execute short‑, mid‑ and long‑term workforce strategy in partnership with the SSN‑S Senior Leadership Team, ensuring optimal workforce size, capability, structure and readiness across Hawaii and satellite locations.
•  Provide senior operational input into contractual planning, negotiations and funding decisions, including workforce and system support planning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key ASC, Commonwealth, international and in‑country stakeholders, representing ASC at senior forums, briefings and engagements.
•  Provide decisive people leadership, fostering a high‑performance, inclusive culture with clear accountability, capability development and succession planning.
•  Lead safety, WHSE and facilities management to ensure safe, compliant and fit‑for‑purpose workplaces aligned with Australian and US legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee portfolio‑level risk, governance and compliance activities, ensuring risks and issues are effectively managed and escalated through appropriate governance frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement across operations, systems and processes to enhance efficiency, compliance and sustainable program delivery.

About you 

• University degree (or equivalent experience) in Project Management, Business, Commercial or Engineering.
• Minimum 15 years’ leadership experience in complex international projects, including multistakeholder government engagement, with experience in operations, project management, or engineering (or similar), preferably within the Defence or shipbuilding sector.
• Strong risk, compliance, and assurance mindset (legal, financial, ESG, safeguarding).
• Knowledge of relevant employment law, and localisation policies in host country.
• Demonstrated understanding of project strategy creations and alignment to organisational goals.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement interventions and high-quality solutions to complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high performing teams in complex environments.

Eligibility

This role requires a current National Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance to an NV1 level. Your eligibility for this role is dependent on you obtaining and maintaining such clearance.

Whilst ASC will accept all applications for this role, as this role requires an ability to access protected US defence technology, applicants holding nationality of certain foreign countries will not be eligible.

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

Benefits

• Unique and challenging work with a deeper purpose.
• Flexibility over how, when and where you work for the best work/life balance.
• Up to 10 days additional leave every year so you can rest and recharge.
• Generous parental leave so you can give your family the focus it deserves.
• Subsidised childcare to ease the financial pressure on your family.
• 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.
• Relocation support for you and your family, whether you’re from interstate or overseas.

About ASC

ASC’s 2,400-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. Established in 1985, the company’s work on Australia’s conventionally armed, 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 may commence immediately.

Internal Application Process

Important: Prior to applying, please ensure you notify your reporting manager of intent to apply. You will also need to provide an update to your manager if you are progressed to interview stage.