Job Description
Full job description
Salary may be negotiated with the successful candidate
Canberra - ACT
Introduction
Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is historic and transformational. The Pathway announced on 14 March 2026, will deliver Australia a world-class capability that will see our nation become one of only seven countries that operate nuclear-powered submarines. This game changing capability will enhance Australia’s capacity to deter conflict and support security, peace and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
This significant undertaking presents an exciting opportunity for a dedicated, committed and aspirational leader to lead, develop and shape the commercial arrangements to underpin the acquisition of this new technology.
The successful candidate should have extensive experience leading complex commercial activities with a track record of delivering projects within an agreed budget, schedule and scope in compliance with design requirements and construction and production standards. Candidates with experience working across Government, industry and international partners is also highly desirable.
The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader who has a nuclear mindset, exemplifies APS Values and engenders a culture of innovation and agility. They will be self-aware, and positive in considering and respecting diversity of ideas and the perspectives of others.
Your Role
The Assistant Director General – Commercial – SSN Construction is responsible for the implementation of the Government's commitment to deliver the nuclear-powered submarine program, leading development of commercial and contracting arrangements to enable the design and construction of the SSN-AUKUS class and associated enabling projects.
This is a key role where you will lead and build a team of qualified and experienced people including public service officers and contractors to manage and advise on the procurement aspects of the SSN-AUKUS acquisition program. You will employ a mixture of methods of procurement including but not limited to Defence ASDEFCON style contracting through to contracts in commercial form and have dealings with Government Business Enterprises. Your commercial advice will include managing strategic risk in partnership with the SSN-AUKUS Program Manager and with the Head of Commercial in ASA. You will be required to establish effective relationships with Australian and international industry partners and our AUKUS counterpart Governments, while helping manage relationships across Governments, both Federal and State.
The successful candidate requires extensive and demonstrated experience in developing and managing multiple complex commercial arrangements at scale and a senior level. A strong track record in leading high performance commercial teams, with a commitment to building productive strategic relationships with Defence and core industry stakeholders will be key to this role. Experience supporting complex projects with significant schedule and delivery interdependencies will be necessary to be competitive. Experience working with or in defence industry and/or expertise in leading commercial arrangements with international stakeholders is also highly desirable.
As a member of the senior leadership group, you must be able to promote a culture of innovation, collaboration and agility. You must also be able to effectively manage complex legislative and commercial frameworks to achieve capability outcomes for Defence and the Australian Government.
The ideal candidate will be a collaborative 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.
Salary may be negotiated with the successful candidate
Canberra - ACT
Introduction
Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is historic and transformational. The Pathway announced on 14 March 2026, will deliver Australia a world-class capability that will see our nation become one of only seven countries that operate nuclear-powered submarines. This game changing capability will enhance Australia’s capacity to deter conflict and support security, peace and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
This significant undertaking presents an exciting opportunity for a dedicated, committed and aspirational leader to lead, develop and shape the commercial arrangements to underpin the acquisition of this new technology.
The successful candidate should have extensive experience leading complex commercial activities with a track record of delivering projects within an agreed budget, schedule and scope in compliance with design requirements and construction and production standards. Candidates with experience working across Government, industry and international partners is also highly desirable.
The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader who has a nuclear mindset, exemplifies APS Values and engenders a culture of innovation and agility. They will be self-aware, and positive in considering and respecting diversity of ideas and the perspectives of others.
Your Role
The Assistant Director General – Commercial – SSN Construction is responsible for the implementation of the Government's commitment to deliver the nuclear-powered submarine program, leading development of commercial and contracting arrangements to enable the design and construction of the SSN-AUKUS class and associated enabling projects.
This is a key role where you will lead and build a team of qualified and experienced people including public service officers and contractors to manage and advise on the procurement aspects of the SSN-AUKUS acquisition program. You will employ a mixture of methods of procurement including but not limited to Defence ASDEFCON style contracting through to contracts in commercial form and have dealings with Government Business Enterprises. Your commercial advice will include managing strategic risk in partnership with the SSN-AUKUS Program Manager and with the Head of Commercial in ASA. You will be required to establish effective relationships with Australian and international industry partners and our AUKUS counterpart Governments, while helping manage relationships across Governments, both Federal and State.
The successful candidate requires extensive and demonstrated experience in developing and managing multiple complex commercial arrangements at scale and a senior level. A strong track record in leading high performance commercial teams, with a commitment to building productive strategic relationships with Defence and core industry stakeholders will be key to this role. Experience supporting complex projects with significant schedule and delivery interdependencies will be necessary to be competitive. Experience working with or in defence industry and/or expertise in leading commercial arrangements with international stakeholders is also highly desirable.
As a member of the senior leadership group, you must be able to promote a culture of innovation, collaboration and agility. You must also be able to effectively manage complex legislative and commercial frameworks to achieve capability outcomes for Defence and the Australian Government.
The ideal candidate will be a collaborative 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.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Executive Service Band 1 | Assistant Director|General| SSN Construction Commercial position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Canberra offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.