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 Head of WHSE Corporate, the WHSE Lead, Risk and Improvement will lead a high performing team that designs, delivers and governs ASC’s WHSE risk and improvement agenda across the whole business. Based in Adelaide or Perth, this role sets the cadence for continuous improvement initiatives aligned to the WHSE Strategic Plan, ensuring our WHSE Management System and practices reflect industry best practice and relevant Australian and international standards.

You will establish clear project and change management approaches for WHSE improvements, define measurable outcomes, and embed risk-based thinking into day-to-day decision making. Working closely with WHSE Systems and Assurance, and the broader WHSE leadership team, you will mature our governance, uplift the quality of risk management and controls, and ensure the business has the tools, processes and insights it needs to succeed now and into the future.

This is a strategic, future-focused leadership role that partners across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain and corporate functions to standardise how risk is identified, assessed and managed, strengthen consultation and communication, and build a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the WHSE Risk and Improvement team to design and deliver WHSE strategic improvement initiatives aligned to the WHSE Strategic Plan.
• Govern and maintain the WHSE Management System, ensuring alignment to legislation and relevant Australian and international standards.
• Apply project and change management methodologies to plan, deliver and sustain WHSE improvements with clear, measurable outcomes.
• Strengthen risk management practices, including risk assessment, control effectiveness, and clear ownership across the business.
• Lead WHSE governance and compliance oversight, including performance measures, dashboards and reporting to senior leadership and the workforce.
• Drive effective consultation, cooperation and coordination with internal stakeholders and relevant external parties on WHSE matters.
• Partner with WHSE Systems and Assurance to align frameworks, audits and continuous improvement activities.
• Build capability across the business through coaching, guidance and practical tools that enable risk-based, on-the-job decision making.
• Present insights, performance trends and recommendations to leadership forums to enable informed decisions.
• Foster a supportive, transparent and high performing team culture with clear development plans and continuous feedback.

About You

You are a collaborative WHSE leader who can lift maturity, simplify complexity and deliver measurable improvements.

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in WHS, risk management or equivalent, with 6+ year's experience.
• Proven experience delivering WHSE improvement programs in large, complex environments using project and change management approaches.
• Detailed knowledge of WHS legislation and relevant Australian and international standards in high-risk settings.
• Experience designing, developing and implementing WHSE management systems, with a systems thinking mindset.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across all levels, able to influence, negotiate and resolve strategic WHSE matters.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead a positive, high performing team that is collaborative and responsive.
• High level written and verbal communication skills, confident presenting to large groups.
• Strong MS Office skills and familiarity with digital systems and platforms used for WHSE data and reporting.
• Integrity, resilience, a customer service mindset and a planned, strategic and agile approach to work.

Eligibility

This role requires a current National Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance to a Baseline level. 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.
• 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

Established in 1985, 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. 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.