Director Infrastructure Operations

Chandler Macleod; Canberra; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Building Capability Payment (BCP)

Job summary

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our client for an exceptional opportunity within a high-profile Federal Government agency supporting Australia’s long-term capability program. This EL2 Director Infrastructure Operations role sits with the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) and leads the IPPI division to deliver a complex infrastructure portfolio.

You will drive strategic leadership, governance and performance oversight across major programs spanning multiple sites, ensuring informed

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in complex operational or infrastructure environments.
• Strong commercial, financial and business management capability.
• Experience improving organisational performance through governance, reporting and insight-led decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow high-performing teams, building capability and accountability.
• Drive continuous improvement across reporting, governance and information management.
• Provide strategic leadership and sound judgement to solve complex problems.
• Influence outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups through collaboration.
• Identify and manage enterprise risks, opportunities and dependencies to improve delivery outcomes.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality advice and communications to senior executives and partners.

Skills

Leadership experience

Commercial acumen

Governance & reporting

Stakeholder influence

Job description

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our client for an exceptional opportunity within a high-profile Federal Government agency supporting Australia’s most significant long-term capability program.

This is a unique chance for an experienced EL2 Director Infrastructure Operations to join the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), contributing to a nationally significant defence initiative that will shape Australia’s security, workforce, industrial capability and supply chains for decades to come.

Working within the Australian Submarine Agency environment, the EL2 Director Infrastructure Operations will lead a critical function within the Infrastructure Planning, Performance and Integration (IPPI) team, supporting the delivery of a complex, nationally significant infrastructure portfolio.

The acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is an historic and transformative endeavour for Australia. This whole-of-nation effort will transform Australia’s economic and national security landscape for decades to come.

The ASA’s Infrastructure Planning and Coordination (IP&C) Division is responsible for planning and coordinating the delivery of physical infrastructure that will:

• Enable AUKUS partners to have a rotational presence at HMAS Stirling
• Support Australia’s acquisition and sustainment of Virginia Class submarines
• Deliver Australia’s sovereign build and sustainment of SSN-AUKUS submarines

In this role, you will use commercial, workforce, financial and business operations levers to improve organisational performance, strengthen delivery confidence and enable informed executive decision-making.

This position is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known within ASA as a Building Capability Payment (BCP), applied in addition to base salary for critical capability disciplines.

The Infrastructure Planning and Coordination (IP&C) Division coordinates the infrastructure that enables Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability. The work spans major programs and sites across Western Australia and South Australia, bringing together government, industry and international partners to deliver nationally significant outcomes.

You’ll join a collaborative, high-performing environment where you can shape strategy, influence delivery outcomes and contribute to one of Australia’s most complex infrastructure portfolios.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for leading and enabling infrastructure operations outcomes, including:

• Leading and growing high-performing teams, building capability and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration
• Driving continuous improvement across reporting, governance, information management and organisational performance
• Providing strategic leadership and sound judgement to solve complex problems and balance competing priorities
• Strengthening delivery confidence through robust performance oversight, insights and operational levers
• Applying strong commercial, financial and business management acumen to translate data into decisions and action
• Influencing outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups where success relies on collaboration rather than direct authority
• Identifying and managing enterprise risks, opportunities and dependencies to improve delivery outcomes
• Operating effectively in ambiguity, providing clear advice and direction in evolving environments
• Preparing and delivering high-quality advice and communication to senior executives, government stakeholders and delivery partners

About You

You will demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience in complex operational, portfolio, program or infrastructure environments
• Strong commercial, financial and business management capability
• Experience improving organisational performance through governance, reporting and insight-led decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes across multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, with experience advising senior leaders

Security Requirement

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) security clearance.

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse individuals, people living with a disability, and the LGBTIQA+ community. You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at: https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.