The key duties of the position include:
The Role
The EL 1 Deputy Director – Onshoring plays a key leadership role in supporting the delivery of the General Purpose Frigate (GPF) Program.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director - Onshoring, the role is responsible for driving program governance, providing strategic advice, and ensuring senior leaders have accurate and timely information to support decision-making.
The successful candidate will lead a small multidisciplinary team and work collaboratively across Defence and industry stakeholders to support the successful planning, coordination and delivery of On-shore build activities.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Developing and providing high-quality, decision-ready reporting on program performance, including schedule, risks, issues, dependencies and delivery readiness for senior governance forums.
Coordinating and integrating program information to ensure an accurate and holistic view of program status across the General Purpose Frigate Branch.
Building and maintaining productive relationships with key stakeholders, including the Navy, Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG) divisions, and enabling functions to support program alignment and acceptance pathways.
Supporting strategic engagement activities relating to Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment and Australian Strategic Shipbuilder initiatives.
Contributing to the achievement of branch and enterprise objectives through effective stakeholder engagement, governance and program management practices.




This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP).
This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability.
For further information, please contact the contact officer.
About our Team
The Project resides in the General Purpose Frigates (GPF) Branch within NSSG, as part of the Major Surface Combatants & Combat Systems Division.
The Branch has been established for the accelerated delivery of eleven (11) GPF vessels, and is at the forefront of ADF Maritime Capability delivery.
While versatile working arrangements may be supported where operationally appropriate, the role requires a consistent on-site presence due to the level of stakeholder interaction, integration, and governance involvement.
We foster a workplace culture that values inclusivity, diversity, learning and professional development.
You will have access to training, targeted development opportunities and meaningful career pathways.
Our Ideal Candidate




Key attributes and experience we are looking for:
Strong governance, reporting and program management experience.
Strong programmatic skills including schedule management, risk oversight, quality assurance and readiness planning.
Excellent communication skills with an ability to influence, brief and negotiate senior leaders.
Confident engagement skills with a variety of internal and external stakeholders at different.
Proven experience managing priorities and supporting staff development in high-tempo environments.
Eligibility
Security Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 1.
Getting to know the Department of Defence
The 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

📌 Deputy Director - Onshoring (Canberra)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Canberra