The key duties of the position include:Introduction
Defence is seeking dynamic senior executives to drive the organisation forward and deliver on Defence's mission – to defend Australia and its national interests.
As part of the Senior Leadership Group, you will play a key role in promoting and influencing a shared commitment to the strategic direction of Defence, as most recently detailed in the National Defence Strategy.
You will:
Lead and manage a branch practicing inclusive leadership, collaboration and integrity;
Demonstrate strong judgement and capitalise on innovative alternatives to resolve complex problems;
Effectively challenge the status quo when required;
Demonstrate resilience and personal accountability for the quality of advice and delivery of results; and
Demonstrate exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented leader, exemplify the Defence Values and Behaviours, and engender a culture of innovation and agility.
They will be self-aware, positive in considering and respecting a diversity of ideas and perspectives of others.
They will demonstrate the capability to provide timely and accurate advice to senior leaders and Government on complex matters.
They will have outstanding judgement, strategic awareness, and parliamentary and media acumen.
Your Role
The Assistant Secretary Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment (AS-CNSS) within the CNSS Division of the Defence Delivery Group Organisation (DDGO) will support senior leadership to define, govern, lead and manage the cornerstones and key enablers to CNSS sovereign industrial uplift with particular regard to workforce, infrastructure, supply chain,



security uplift and governance.
This role will contribute to, and be complemented by:
Adjacent Maritime Industrial Strategic Engagement (MISE) functions that will inform and strategically enable the delivery of sovereign industrial uplift, including supply chain assurance,
CNSS portfolio analysis of maritime projects and products,
a CNSS Enterprise governance framework and forums with enterprise stakeholders.
The CNSS Branch workforce is primarily located in Canberra with a small number of workforce distributed regionally.
The role will be responsible for:
Contributing to the strategic direction of CNSS, driving targeted industrial health and uplift initiatives with, and through key maritime industry partners based on actionable insights borne ot targeted analysis of supply chains and workforce, and
Developing robust business cases to support NSSG leadership decisions on how to best deliver sovereign industrial uplift alongside maritime capability.
With a focus on enhancing sovereign industry resilience, improving procurement, contract and portfolio management expertise, and strengthening data driven decision making in the maritime domain.
The AS-CNSS will contribute significantly to Defence's capability readiness and sovereign industrial objectives.




Working closely with the NSSG Executive and external stakeholders, AS-CNSS will lead cultural and professional uplift, with a focus on, and integration with, broader Defence capability and sustainment systems.
We are looking for a person who is:
An exemplar of OneDefence values and behaviours
A strategic thinker who understands the CNSS sovereign industrial ecosystem, and uses data to support key decisions.
An experienced leader with results focused track record of delivery through shaping and influence.
An exceptional communicator and manager with proven negotiation skills;
An ability to deliver in, and through, major reform; and
Possesses relevant deep knowledge, skills and specialist expertise acquired through significant professional experience.
Getting to know the Department of DefenceThe Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees.
Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job.
Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work.
Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few.
We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce.
To find out more about a career with Defence please visit

📌 Senior Executive Service Band 1 – Assistant Secretary Continuous Naval Shipbuilding And Sustainment (Canberra)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Canberra