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, Commercial, the Senior Commercial Manager – Governance is a critical leadership role within the SSN‑AUKUS Build Program. You will lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of ASC’s commercial governance framework, ensuring strong compliance, risk management and performance-driven decision making across a highly complex and evolving program environment.

This role has enterprise-level influence and accountability for governance across the Build Program, including oversight of commercial reporting, Intellectual Property governance and the Commercial Centre of Excellence. You will lead a multidisciplinary team and partner closely with senior leaders to embed robust systems, tools and ways of working across the commercial function.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of a contemporary Commercial Governance Framework
• Deliver Commercial Centre of Excellence activities, including tools, standards, playbooks and training
• Provide leadership and oversight of complex governance, compliance, risk and Intellectual Property matters
• Embed governance, systems, processes and reporting into day-to-day commercial operations
• Oversee commercial reporting, board papers, executive briefings and governance forums
• Lead, coach and develop the governance, IP and commercial administration team
• Partner with senior internal and external stakeholders to support effective decision making and risk management

About You

• Senior commercial, legal or governance leadership experience within complex defence or infrastructure programs
• Demonstrated expertise in commercial governance, compliance, risk management and Intellectual Property
• Tertiary qualification in Law, Commerce, Business, Procurement, Governance or a related discipline
• Proven experience leading teams in complex, changing commercial environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement capability across senior leadership, government and partners
• Ability to embed systems, tools and process improvements into ways of working
• High-level communication, reporting and decision-support capability

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.

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
• Professional development opportunities to advance your career
• A diverse and supportive environment where you can thrive
• Discounts and exclusive offers from leading Australian brands
• Relocation support for you and your family

Why Adelaide

Adelaide, South Australia combines cosmopolitan living with natural beauty, featuring picturesque hills, renowned wineries and stunning coastlines. As a centre for innovation, SA offers careers in defence, space and advanced manufacturing, alongside excellent work-life balance and affordable, family-friendly living.

About ASC

Established in 1985, ASC’s 2500-plus staff offer a depth of submarine design, project management, supply chain, construction and engineering experience that is unparalleled in Australia’s defence industry. ASC’s work on Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine build and Collins Class Life of Type Extension takes place in Osborne, South Australia.

How to Apply

Apply today for a career with a deeper purpose. 

Shortlisting will commence after 7th April. Only candidates who meet the above criteria will be contacted. To ensure a smooth and secure application process, please upload your resume in PDF format supported by Windows 11. This helps us review your application efficiently and ensures compatibility with our recruitment systems.