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
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in one of Australia's most significant and complex defence programs, supporting the delivery of the SSN-AUKUS Build Program. Reporting to the Head of WHSE, you will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Work Health, Safety and Environment Management System, ensuring robust governance, compliance, and assurance frameworks are embedded across the organisation. Operating within a high-profile and evolving environment, you will have the opportunity to shape WHSE strategy, influence organisational culture, and drive meaningful safety outcomes that support organisational performance and operational delivery across this nationally significant program.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the WHSE Management System, policies, standards, and governance frameworks.
- Ensure compliance with applicable WHSE legislation, regulations, corporate requirements, and industry standards.
- Establish and maintain assurance, audit, reporting, and performance monitoring processes to support effective WHSE governance.
- Partner with leaders and stakeholders to foster a positive safety culture and support informed decision-making on WHSE matters.
- Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring and guidance to a team of WHS Advisors, building capability within the WHSE team.
- Prepare reports, insights, and recommendations for senior leaders on WHSE performance, risks, and initiatives.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including international partners, to ensure effective WHSE outcomes across the business.
About you
- Tertiary qualifications in Workplace Health and Safety
- Demonstrated experience working in complex, high-risk environments, ideally within construction, heavy industry, manufacturing or defence.
- Strong experience in a similar WHSE leadership role, with demonstrated success in leading teams, driving governance frameworks, and ensuring compliance within complex, high-risk environments.
- Strong knowledge of Australian WHS and environmental legislation, with the ability to apply governance and compliance frameworks effectively.
- Proven ability to engage, influence, and build credibility with stakeholders at all levels, including executives, operational leaders, and external partners.
- A collaborative and authentic leader who enjoys developing capability, mentoring others, and fostering a high-performing team culture.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports and presenting to senior leaders and large workforce groups.
Eligibility
This role requires a current National Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance. 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 may require 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.
- 10 additional days of leave
- 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 2,500-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.
Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may commence immediately.