#1017 Branch Head – Industry and Supply Chain Uplift and Engagement, SES Band 1, Australian Submarine Agency
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENTS VACANCY PAGE: HERE
Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is historic and
transformational. The Optimal Pathway announced on 14 March 2023, will deliver Australia a world-class
capability that will see our nation become one of only seven countries that operate nuclear-powered
submarines. This game changing capability will enhance Australia’s capacity to deter
conflict and support security, peace and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
This significant undertaking presents an exciting opportunity for dedicated, committed and
aspirational leaders to lead, develop and shape the Australian Nuclear Submarine Program.
Your Role
As the branch head, Industry & Supply Chain Uplift and Engagement, you will lead the design,
implementation, and management of programs to build Australia’s sovereign industrial capability in
support of the Optimal Pathway. You will be responsible for engaging industry partners, overseeing
delivery programs, advising government, and coordinating across ASA and Defence to ensure uplift
initiatives are targeted, impactful, and aligned to strategic submarine program needs.
Reporting to the Head of Division, you will work in partnership with internal delivery teams and
external stakeholders to address structural gaps, manage risk, and build a resilient industrial base
that supports the current and future submarine fleet.
Key Responsibilities
This role involves shaping the future industry and supply chain capabilities, engaging with key
stakeholders, and providing expert advice to senior government decision-makers. You will be
instrumental in driving initiatives to address critical industry gaps, while maintaining strong
collaborations across government, industry, and Defence stakeholders.
1. Oversee the delivery of funded uplift programs in collaboration with Sovereign Submarine
Partners (SSPs), Tier 1 contractors, state governments, and Commonwealth agencies.
Ensure initiatives are executed to standard, aligned with capability outcomes, and responsive
to industry conditions.
2. Build strong relationships with Australian and international industrial stakeholders. Lead
ASA’s industry outreach, advocate for AUKUS opportunities, and clearly communicate
demand signals to promote capability alignment and long-term investment.
3. Work closely with Sustainment, Virginia Class, SSN-AUKUS, Technology and Infrastructure
programs to define industrial requirements, ensure alignment with national objectives, and
integrate supply chain development into delivery planning.
4. Develop mechanisms to assess and report on the maturity, capacity, and responsiveness of
Australia’s submarine industry. Provide trusted advice to senior stakeholders and
recommend strategic interventions to maintain program momentum.
5. Identify structural market gaps or program inefficiencies. Develop and advise on policy
responses, procurement strategies, and funding proposals to increase the effectiveness and
coordination of uplift activities.
6. Coordinate with Defence, broader Whole of Australian Government and trilateral partners to
ensure that Australian uplift efforts complement broader national and international strategies.
7. Contribute to internal governance, including reporting to ASA executive, Ministers, and
trilateral program management bodies. Ensure compliance with performance metrics,
funding agreements, and legislative obligations.
8. Demonstrate leadership with integrity, inclusion, and respect. Champion the Agency’s
Nuclear Mindset values and uphold the APS Code of Conduct in all aspects of decisionmaking
and engagement.
9. Create and sustain a strong, performance-driven culture within the division. Promote safety,
diversity, and inclusion, and ensure the workforce environment is aligned with the unique
demands and complexity of a national nuclear enterprise.