Introduction 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 professionals to shape, coordinate and deliver the Australian Nuclear Submarine Program. Your Role The Australian Submarine Agency is seeking high‑caliber SES Band 1 leaders for Policy and Program roles who can provide strategic direction, drive delivery, and lead complex programs and policy initiatives in a dynamic environment. These roles require demonstrated executive leadership capability, sound judgement, and the ability to work collaboratively across government, industry and stakeholders to achieve organisational and whole‑of‑government outcomes. Successful candidates will bring a strong track record in policy development, implementation and evaluation, or program management and delivery of major activities and initiatives, with a proven record of managing risk, resources and people to deliver results. As an Assistant Director-General within the Agency you will lead a Branch and be responsible for providing strategic leadership in support of critical elements of Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine enterprise, across the following: Policy Policy roles require advanced policy leadership skills, including the ability to design, implement and evaluate complex Government policy in a dynamic, high-stakes environment. Candidates must demonstrate strong capability in delivering high-quality, evidence-based policy advice to Ministers and senior decision-makers, with the ability to analyse complex issues, manage competing priorities, and translate Government direction into clear, actionable and sustainable policy outcomes. Whilst also demanding expertise in developing coherent policy frameworks aligned to national objectives, coupled with strong stakeholder engagement, representational, collaboration and influencing skills to lead high-level policy initiatives across a portfolio of sovereign nuclear-powered submarine programs/initiatives. Program Management Program Management roles require demonstrated expertise in leading and developing high-performing program/project management teams, with the ability to set clear direction, drive delivery and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Candidates must possess strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, enabling effective collaboration across the Australian Submarine Agency, Defence and wider Commonwealth agencies. Proven experience in managing complex Defence projects with significant operational, technical and policy interdependencies is essential, as is the ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities. Experience engaging and coordinating across government, industry and international partners is highly desirable, reflecting the collaborative and multi-jurisdictional nature of the work. Ideal candidates will be collaborative leaders with demonstrated experience in developing and shaping strategic relationships across Government and with international partners, along with building organisational capability and management of risks. Successful candidates must have a nuclear mindset, exemplify APS Values and engender a culture of innovation and agility. They will be self-aware, and positive in considering and respecting diversity of ideas and the perspectives of others. Desirable experience includes senior leadership roles within a defence or national security environment, with a strong understanding of Defence capability development, capability delivery, operational contexts, and the legislative, policy and accountability frameworks that govern defence activities. This may include experience working with the Australian Defence Force, Defence portfolio agencies, or allied government and industry partners, managing sensitive information and complex assurance requirements. Candidates should be well-versed in operating within high-risk, high-tempo environments, comfortable with managing uncertainty/ambiguity, balancing strategic objectives with operational realities, and delivering outcomes that support national security priorities while meeting government, parliamentary and public expectations.
