Senior Project Manager

ASC; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unique and challenging work with a defi

Flexible work hours

10 days leave annually

Parental leave

Childcare support

Wellbeing initiatives

Professional development

Diverse environment

Discounts and offers

Job summary

ASC is recruiting a Senior Project Manager to lead the planning, execution and closeout of the SSN program in Australia’s Defence sector. You will work across a complex stakeholder network, providing strategic direction, managing risk, and delivering on time, within budget and to quality standards.

The role demands extensive experience in Defence programs, ability to influence senior stakeholders in matrix organisations, and readiness to travel or relocate as required to support engagements

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' project management experience delivering complex programs in Defence or similarly complex environments.
• Experience in submarine sustainment, naval shipbuilding, Collins Class programs or other strategic Defence capability projects is highly regarded.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively within complex, matrixed organisations and governance frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead programs through ambiguity, manage risk, solve complex problems and deliver outcomes in evolving environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex, high-value Defence programs, ensuring safe, effective execution across scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, change and performance outcomes.
• Influence and engage a diverse stakeholder network, including internal program teams and external partners such as Navy, ASA, industry partners and international stakeholders.
• Navigate ambiguity, evolving requirements and undefined pathways, providing strategic direction, sound judgement and decisive leadership to drive program success.
• Build and maintain strong governance, stakeholder engagement and reporting frameworks, preparing high-quality briefs and presentations for senior leaders and clients.
• Identify, manage and mitigate complex program risks and issues, developing practical solutions and corrective actions to maintain delivery momentum.
• Lead the development and management of project performance baselines, monitoring progress, analysing variances and implementing recovery strategies where required.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Strategic leadership

Governance & reporting

Education

Tertiary qualifications in PM/Engineering/Business

Job description

ASC is Australia’s submarine company. We built the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines, sustain them, and are now delivering their Life of Type Extension to increase the boats’ service lives. We have also been selected by the Australian Government to sustain and jointly build the nation’s nuclear-powered submarines – the largest and most complex industrial undertaking in Australia’s history.

Our work is interesting and meaningful, contributing directly to Australia’s national security. We offer rewarding roles that provide the opportunity to grow your career, and the flexibility to balance life and work. A career at ASC is like no other, delivering a deeper purpose we can all be proud of.

About the Opportunity

As a Senior Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading project planning, execution and closeout activities within the Sub Sustainment Nuclear (SSN) Program. Working across a complex stakeholder environment, you will provide strategic leadership, manage risk and drive outcomes within an evolving Defence program. This is an opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of a nationally significant capability while contributing to a high-performing team operating at the forefront of Australia’s Defence industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex, high-value Defence programs, ensuring safe, effective execution across scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, change and performance outcomes.
• Influence and engage a diverse stakeholder network, including internal program teams and external partners such as Navy, ASA, industry partners and international stakeholders.
• Navigate ambiguity, evolving requirements and undefined pathways, providing strategic direction, sound judgement and decisive leadership to drive program success.
• Build and maintain strong governance, stakeholder engagement and reporting frameworks, preparing high-quality briefs and presentations for senior leaders and clients.
• Identify, manage and mitigate complex program risks and issues, developing practical solutions and corrective actions to maintain delivery momentum.
• Lead the development and management of project performance baselines, monitoring progress, analysing variances and implementing recovery strategies where required.

About you

• Tertiary qualifications in Project Management, Engineering, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 8 years' project management experience delivering complex programs in Defence, or similarly complex environments.
• Experience in submarine sustainment, naval shipbuilding, Collins Class programs or other strategic Defence capability projects is highly regarded.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively within complex, matrixed organisations and governance frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead programs through ambiguity, manage risk, solve complex problems and deliver outcomes in evolving environments.
• Strong understanding of Defence capability acquisition, sustainment, stakeholder management and governance, with the ability to balance strategic objectives and delivery requirements.

A degree of flexibility is required in working hours, to support engagements with colleagues in other time zones. This role may also require periodic or regular overseas travel.

This role requires a current National Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance to an NV1 level. Your eligibility for this role is dependent on you obtaining and maintaining such clearance.

Whilst ASC will accept all applications for this role, as this role requires an ability to access protected US defence technology, applicants holding nationality of certain foreign countries will not be eligible.

To check your eligibility please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website.

• Unique and challenging work with a deeper purpose.
• Flexibility over how, when and where you work for the best work/life balance.
• 10 days additional leave every year so you can rest and recharge.
• Generous parental leave so you can give your family the focus it deserves.
• Subsidised childcare to ease the financial pressure on your family.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives so you can perform at your best at work.
• Professional development opportunities to advance your career.
• A diverse and supportive environment where you can thrive.
• Discounts and exclusive offers from leading Australian brands to help you save.

You may be eligible for relocation assistance should you reside interstate. Adelaide, South Australia (SA), combines cosmopolitan living with natural beauty, featuring picturesque hills, renowned wineries, and stunning coastlines. As a centre for innovation, SA offers careers in defence, space and advanced manufacturing. Celebrated for its Mediterranean climate and cultural richness, Adelaide provides excellent work/life balance. Explore world-class wineries, enjoy the vibrant food scene, and experience affordable, family-friendly living in a welcoming, community-oriented city.

About ASC

ASC’s 2,400-plus staff offer a depth of submarine design, project management, supply chain, construction and engineering experience and expertise that is unparalleled in Australia’s defence industry. Established in 1985, the company’s work on Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine build and the Collins Class Life of Type Extension takes place in Osborne, South Australia, with sustainment shared across Osborne and Henderson, Western Australia. ASC also plays a leading role in training Royal Australian Navy submariners.