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 the most technically advanced weapons system in the world’s undersea warfare domain, the Virginia Class Submarine. In addition, we have earned the distinction and responsibility to jointly build the nation’s first Australian built nuclear-powered submarines – the largest and most complex industrial undertaking in Australia’s history.

Our work is challenging, consequential, meaningful, and rewarding. A leader at ASC contributes directly to Australia’s national security in a way that cannot be replicated. 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, Sustainment Technical Operations, the Head of Operations is a key leadership role responsible for delivering submarine maintenance outcomes for fast attack nuclear-powered submarines in Western Australia. The role provides leadership, supervisory and managerial oversight, and accountability for work conducted in partnership with Submarine Rotational Forces – West (SRF-West) and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard – Detachment – Stirling (PDS). This includes end-to-end accountability for project management, maintenance planning and scheduling, and the coordination of ASC resources across both submarine and shore-based activities. As the single point of accountability to the US and Australian Defense leadership at HMAS Stirling the Head of Operations is responsible for the planning, execution and certification of all work delivered by ASC personnel in WA, working closely with Multi-Class Sustainment and Nuclear & Capability teams to achieve program outcomes

Leading across a complex operational environment, the role oversees a broad range of activities including nuclear propulsion plant systems (mechanical, electrical and structural), testing coordination, temporary systems installation and removal, facilities and support systems, material management, lifting and handling, and quality and process assurance. The Head of Operations also drives workforce capability through recruitment, training and development, while ensuring effective waterfront operations and support. In addition, the role partners with other ASC leaders to coordinate the delivery of wharf-side support systems for both planned and unplanned maintenance activities and works closely with the Australian Licensed Support Activity (ALSA)/Radiological Controls where licensed oversight is required.

Responsibilities

The Head of Operations provides direct leadership and direction for the following functions in Western Australia (WA):

• You will be responsible and accountable for delivery of SSN deliverables and outcomes of ASC assigned OPTIMAL PATHWAY milestone objectives at Stirling.
• Operations Department personnel responsible for the planning, scheduling, and advancement of shipboard and in-shop work,
• Material Procurement, Warehousing, Distribution, and Compliance,
• Quality Assurance activities, as required by United States Navy (USN), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and international standards,
• Coordination with the SSN Sustainment Program Delivery personnel for procurement of wharf-side services that support shipboard and in-shop work,
• Integration of work performed under the Lead Maintenance Activity (LMA) by subordinate executing maintenance activities.
• Coordination with Commander, Submarine Squadron Three (CSS-3) in performing COMUSFLTFORCOMINST 4790.3 maintenance planning, execution, and certification activities,
• Coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure facility readiness to support operational period maintenance (OPM) in SSNs in WA,
• Lead the overall coordination of ASC work during SSN availabilities under the SRF-West framework in WA

About you

Essential qualifications:

• 15+ years of practical experience including five (5) years in a senior position within the submarine and/or ship sustainment or construction field
• Demonstrated experience of successfully dealing with diverse stakeholders and achieving required outcomes in highly technical or regulated environments
• Tertiary or post-graduate education in engineering, project management, or related field of study.
• Ability to achieve Australian Citizenship (or Australian Government Security Vetting Agency citizenship waiver) and NV 1 security clearance.
• Extensive professional knowledge of related engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical, and nuclear.
• Knowledge sufficient to respond to a significant radiological casualty and maintain qualification as a responder in the radiological emergency response organization.

Desired skills and experience:

• Experience with sustaining nuclear-powered submarines
• Strong history of operational/technical mentorship/leadership
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement interventions and high-quality solutions to complex problems
• Demonstrated ability to lead high performing teams in complex and high stakes environments
• Ability to set clear organizational standards and guardrails
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, complex topics to stakeholders in a clear and accessible manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.

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.
• 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.

Apply today for a career with a deeper purpose.

Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may commence immediately.