The key duties of the position include:

The Role

The acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is an historic and transformative endeavour for Australia. The whole-of-nation effort to safely and securely deliver the cutting edge nuclear-powered submarine program will transform Australia’s economic and national security landscape for decades to come.

- Support the coordination of SSN visits to HMAS Stirling
- Develop and manage the Branch Risk Management Framework. Monitor key risks to the program (including trilateral risks), prioritise tasks and escalate as required.
- Manage NPS Program Sponsor Branch financial budget, including end-of-month accounting, funds availability approval, forward financial estimates and ASL caps as allocated by the CFO and SLG.
- Manage, plan and coordinate the delivery of a full range of day-to-day executive functions for the provision of corporate support to Assistant Director General (ADG) NPS Program Sponsor, including correspondence, governance, and facilitation of timely responses.
- Support the management of NPS Program Sponsor Branch UK Liaison Officers.
- Manage and delegate external requests including replies to parliamentary questions and correspondence, Ministerial briefing notes and submissions to subject management experts.
- Provide support for the management of Defence Investment processes, including the coordination of briefing materials, correspondence and reports
- Prioritise and allocate incoming and outgoing correspondence and bring important matters to the attention of ADG NSMC
- Manage senior committee meetings, seminars, conferences, and prepare and coordinate very complex documentation and briefing material.
- Advise and provide guidance to branch directorates on financial issues, human resource and administrative procedures, including the interpretation and application of policy in these areas.
- Engage and cultivate professional networks and relationships with key stakeholders.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on highly sensitive issues.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in ASA as a Building Capability Payment (BCP). This enables ASA to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the ASA Enterprise Agreement, for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to ASA capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

The NPS Program Sponsor Branch plays an important role in this undertaking by leading the development of capability requirements for the delivery of the nuclear powered submarine capability and setting direction for the delivery of the AUKUS Nuclear Powered Submarine (NPS) Program.





The branch supports Assistant Director General NPS Program Sponsor who is the Capability Sponsor for project DEF 1 Nuclear Powered Submarine Capability. The Branch structure includes directorates who perform the Project Sponsor role for delivery of Virginia Class Submarines and SSN-AUKUS, as well as coordinate requirements for Joint Force Integration of nuclear powered submarines.

To effect these, the Branch works closely with the project delivery branches, and broader into the wider Defence and whole of government portfolio.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are a dynamic organization seeking employees who are agile, innovative and energised by high-paced work. We are seeking highly motivated and collaborative minded people who will have the opportunity to contribute to a once in a lifetime program.

Our ideal candidates will bring the following attributes and skills to the role:

The Phase 1 & Support Project Manager is accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex to very complex project management work within an integrated workforce. They will require an in-depth knowledge of and compliance with legislative frameworks, government decision-making and the Australian Submarine Agency’s mission and policy requirements.

The Phase 1 & Support Project Manager will exercise a considerable degree of independence and perform a leadership role. They will exercise sound decision making and judgement to provide expert policy advice. They will have in-depth knowledge of the Project Management function and are responsible for the development, implementation, compliance and review of policies and procedures relevant to their work within that function. They will engage in complex to very complex problem solving and issues management and may coordinate and perform detailed or sensitive projects that impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes for the Australian Submarine Agency.

The Phase 1 & Support Project Manager is accountable to plan, lead and manage a range of human and physical resources and exercise the associated people and financial responsibilities to achieve business outcomes. They will manage one or more teams. They will develop and implement work plans, set performance indicators, and review individual, team and business performance, focusing on identifying opportunities for building team capability and continuous improvement.



They will set work that align with the strategic objectives and communicate expected outcomes.

The Phase 1 & Support Project Manager will be responsible for actively managing key stakeholder relationships and will be required to identify relevant stakeholders’ expectations and concerns to develop and communicate methodologies and practices to achieve outcomes. They will be accountable to contribute towards ongoing self-improvement and professional development of their work area.

This position has people management responsibility and as such you will be required to exercise your people management skills and knowledge to lead a high performing and cohesive team.

Eligibility

Security Clearance:

Prior to commencement, successful applicants will be required to undergo a psychological assessment and an extensive security clearance process. As a Positive Vetting clearance is required, applicants must be Australian Citizens; be able to account for their personal background for their whole life; and be able to demonstrate suitability to work in a high security intelligence environment.

Getting to know the Australian Submarine Agency

The Australian Submarine Agency was established on 1 July 2023 and is responsible and accountable for the management and oversight of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program. Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS partnership will be critical to ensuring our Defence Force has the capabilities needed to keep Australians safe. The Australian Submarine Agency operates under the Defence portfolio and maintains strong linkages with the Department of Defence. Our workforce comprises a mixture of Australian Public Servants, Australian Defence Force members and contractors. At the Australian Submarine Agency, you will enjoy experiences and opportunities that, as an APS employee, you simply would not get in any other organisation. You are able to undertake engaging, challenging and unique work. This ranges from intelligence and strategic policy right through to human resources, communications, infrastructure and engineering, and information technology. As part of the Australian Submarine Agency you will be working at the cutting edge of capability delivery, supported by professionalisation pathways so you can continue to develop, along with unique and varied career opportunities. Our people are capable, committed and diverse. We support an inclusive culture that emphasises respect and collaboration and prioritises safety and security. Our greatest asset is our people. We offer flexible working arrangements and a range of formal and informal professional development opportunities.

📌 NPS Phase 1 & Support Project Manager (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Submarine Agency
📍 Canberra