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

Reporting to the General Manager Program Delivery, this senior leadership role is responsible for driving SSN Sustainment Readiness across ASC’s program of work.

You will lead the development and delivery of the SSN Sustainment Readiness Plan, working collaboratively with enterprise stakeholders to build and mature capability across Phases 1, 2 and 3. This includes ensuring all elements of capability, facilities, systems, tools and workforce are planned, prioritised and aligned to support long-term program delivery.

As Head of Readiness, you will ensure safe, consistent and on-time delivery of readiness outcomes, underpinned by strong risk management and aligned to budget expectations. Your leadership will enable reliable performance and build confidence with both internal stakeholders and customers.

You will play a key role in shaping and uplifting the SSN Sustainment program, embedding best-practice project management methodologies and delivering performance across a complex portfolio of work.

Leading a high-performing team, you will set clear direction, establish achievable yet challenging targets, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and delivery excellence.

This is a complex and strategic role, ideally suited to a leader with project/program management, planning, or engineering leadership experience within highly regulated or defence environments.

About you 

• Tertiary qualification in Project Management, engineering, business, management or related field.
• Advanced skills and experience in the full range of project management services required for this role.
• Minimum 8 years experience in a senior project management/planning role, preferably in Defence / shipbuilding sector, with a focus on submarine sustainment
• Strong analytic skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to plan large scale complex projects in the maritime industry.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement interventions and high-quality solutions to complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high performing teams in complex environments.
• Ability to set priorities and achieve deadlines within a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated experience in achieving positive business and customer focused outcomes.
• Strong continuous improvement advocate via project lessons learned.

Eligibility

This role requires a current National Police Clearance, an Australian Defence Security Clearance and an ability to access protected US defence technology. Your eligibility for this role is dependent on you obtaining and maintaining such clearances and approvals.

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.

About ASC

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. 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.

Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may commence immediately.