Manager, Defence and National Security Compliance

The University of Western Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 121,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Generous paid leave

17% employer paid superannuation

Salary packaging

Incremental progression

Discount on UWA courses

Discounted health insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The University of Western Australia is seeking a Manager, Defence and National Security Compliance to lead the University's export controls, defence trade controls, sanctions and national security compliance programs. You will advise researchers and senior leaders and partner with Commonwealth agencies to translate legislation into practical compliance solutions.

Based across Australia, this role offers a pro-rata salary with a base range of AU$120,912–AU$132,161 plus 17% superannuation.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in law or related discipline.
• Significant experience in export controls, sanctions or national security compliance.
• Ability to translate complex legislation into practical compliance solutions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong organisational and analytical capabilities with independence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve export controls, defence trade controls, sanctions and national security compliance frameworks.
• Provide authoritative advice to researchers, senior executives and stakeholders on compliance matters.
• Build relationships with Commonwealth agencies and regulators and develop training and policies.

Skills

Export controls

National security compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Postgraduate degree in law or related discipline

Job description

Manager, Defence and National Security Compliance

• The University of Western Australia
• Australia, WA
• Sep 4, 2026

About The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is one of Australia's leading universities and has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research.It has almost 24,000 students enrolled across four...

• Lead UWA's national security, export controls and research compliance capability at one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities.
• Influence University-wide policy and practice while partnering with senior leaders, researchers and Commonwealth agencies on complex national security matters.
• Full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment on an ongoing basis.
• UWA will consider applicants located across Australia.
• Base salary range: $120,912 – $132,161 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) supports UWA's world-class research enterprise. Within this portfolio, the Counter Foreign Interference and Security function is the University's specialist authority on national security, research security, export controls and related legislative compliance. The team provides expert guidance across a complex and evolving regulatory environment, helping researchers and leaders navigate national security obligations while supporting impactful research and international collaboration.

About the opportunity

• Lead and continuously improve the University's export controls, defence trade controls, sanctions and national security compliance frameworks, ensuring alignment with evolving Commonwealth legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Provide authoritative advice to researchers, senior executives and key stakeholders on export controls, defence industry security, foreign arrangements, sanctions and research security matters, translating complex legislation into practical solutions.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with Commonwealth agencies and regulators, while developing training, policies and compliance programs that enable secure and compliant research activity across the University.

About you

• Postgraduate qualifications in law, international relations, political science, security studies or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education and training.
• Significant experience in export controls, sanctions, defence industry security, research security or national security compliance, gained within government, defence, higher education, research-intensive organisations or professional services environments.
• Demonstrated expertise interpreting and applying complex national security, export controls and regulatory frameworks, with the ability to develop practical compliance solutions for complex environments.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to provide trusted advice, influence decision-making and deliver effective training to diverse audiences.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgement and work independently in a high-trust environment.

Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations. A current National Police Clearance, and an AGSVA security clearance at Negative Vetting level 1 or above will be required by the successful applicant.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Friday 11 th September

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

• Flexible working options.
• Generous paid leave including parental leave.
• Up to 17% employer paid superannuation.
• Salary packaging available.
• Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.
• Up to 25% discount on eligible UWA full-fee courses.
• Discounted health insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.