Senior Executive Service Band 1 Branch Head – Virginia Support

Chandler Macleod; Canberra; On-site; AUD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Chandler Macleod is partnering with a high-profile Australian Federal Government agency to recruit for a Senior Executive Service Band 1 Branch Head – Virginia Support role in Canberra. You will lead sovereign Virginia-class submarine support capabilities, overseeing infrastructure, workforce development and maintenance systems to ensure secure, sustainable operations.

The successful candidate will bring extensive defense leadership experience, strategic planning, and outstanding stakeholder

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience within defense, infrastructure, or highly regulated government sectors.
• Strong strategic planning, operations, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary teams and influence at all levels.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical and strategic concepts confidently.
• Demonstrated integrity, strategic vision, and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an NV1 Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Australia’s sovereign Virginia submarine support capabilities
• Oversee infrastructure, technical, and workforce development to support long-term submarine sustainment
• Engage with Defence, Industry, and international partners to ensure alignment with strategic objectives
• Provide expert guidance on operational safety, security standards, and technical compliance
• Drive enterprise-wide initiatives to ensure support systems are secure, sustainable, and effective
• Maintain security clearances and ensure all activities adhere to security and safety standards

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Integrity

NV1 Clearance

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 Senior Executive Service Band 1 Branch Head – Virginia Support to lead Australia’s sovereign Virginia-class submarine support capabilities, influence national security strategies, and contribute to a pivotal defense initiative that will shape Australia's submarine support infrastructure for decades to come.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Head Virginia Division, the Senior Executive Service Band 1 Branch Head will provide strategic leadership in developing and delivering Australia’s sovereign support system for the Virginia-class submarines. You will oversee infrastructure, workforce development, and maintenance systems, ensuring operational excellence, security, and sustainability. This role is ideal for a visionary leader with strong management skills, extensive defense experience, and a passion for national security.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Australia’s sovereign Virginia submarine support capabilities
• Oversee infrastructure, technical, and workforce development to support long-term submarine sustainment
• Engage with Defence, Industry, and international partners to ensure alignment with strategic objectives
• Provide expert guidance on operational safety, security standards, and technical compliance
• Drive enterprise-wide initiatives to ensure support systems are secure, sustainable, and effective
• Maintain security clearances and ensure all activities adhere to security and safety standards

About You:

You will demonstrate:

• Extensive senior leadership experience within defense, infrastructure, or highly regulated government sectors
• Strong strategic planning, operations, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Proven ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary teams and influence at all levels
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical and strategic concepts confidently
• Demonstrated integrity, strategic vision, and sound professional judgment
• Ability to obtain and maintain an NV1 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.