Quality Manager: SSN AUKUS Build Program

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 conventionally armed, 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

The SSN AUKUS Quality Department is a key capability area within the SSN Build Program and has a core purpose to provide world class quality services for Nuclear Powered Submarine (NPS) construction. This role presents a rare opportunity to work on the pioneering SSN AUKUS Build Program, delivering an essential sovereign capability for Australia. The Quality Department manages both internal and external stakeholder relationships including those pertaining to regulators, NATA and ARPANSA to assure ongoing accreditation for both the construction business and the platform.  

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will be responsible for ensuring ASC is prepared and equipped, in terms of quality, to mobilise and execute the SSN AUKUS build program. 

The role, in liaison with the Nuclear Capability Office and joint partners, provides support to the program for its compliance and ongoing accreditation pertaining to quality legislation and regulation including SubSafe, ISO9001, ISO17025 and NATA/ARPANSA licencing through a comprehensive Quality Management System and suite of processes. 

The role is also responsible for developing and enacting the optimal operating model and mechanisms to manage and demonstrate the integrity of submarine certification and quality through succinct and comprehensive assurance processes. 

A degree of flexibility working hours maybe required to support the engagement with the joint partner and this role may also be required to undertake periodic or regular overseas travel.    

This is a full-time opportunity based at our Osborne site in SA.

Responsibilities

• Provide input for strategy development and execute the SSN-AUKUS Quality Management strategy, in collaboration with the Joint Partner and Australian Submarine Agency (ASA)
• Establish and set clear actionable goals to ensure delivery of strategic objectives. Take ownership for driving results through these goals in conjunction with the Joint Partner.
• Implement best practices to meet and exceed industry leading standards and expectations
• Identify potential risks to SSN AUKUS program and develop mitigation strategies for these, including developing initiatives which address concerns proactively.
• Establish, build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with overall strategy and coordinate and facilitate these with the Joint Partner.
• Effectively manage, track, report and reallocate budget as necessary to ensure optimised allocation across SSN AUKUS program. If necessary, reallocate resources to optimise impact across initiatives 
• In conjunction with the Joint Partner and ASA, define and implement the required programs across SSN AUKUS Quality function.
• Ensure programs have effective governance arrangements to empower teams whilst maintaining compliance and a clear structure for decision making. 
• Provide input into ASC’s and SSN AUKUS risk framework ensuring that risks within the areas of accountability are identified and adequately managed/ mitigated. 
• Assist the broader CNCO Quality team to improve processes and technology to gain efficiencies for both the department and the wider business  

About you 

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Quality Management or related discipline  
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the Quality Management and Leadership, preferably in submarine sustainment and/or shipbuilding  
• Proven experience and competency with Nuclear and/or SubSafe quality/certification systems in a Shipyard/dockyard or heavy engineering environment  
• Management and lead a cross-functional team across multiple locations. 
• Proficiency in Dockyard/Shipyard processes, Quality Management Systems and capability realisation plan development    
• Strong understanding of shipbuilding / defence sector through previous work experience  
• Identify and implement interventions and high-quality solutions to complex problems   
• Lead high performing teams in complex environments   
• Coach and mentor team members whilst engaging with stakeholders across the business and Quality community to deliver safe outcomes in line with business plans and objectives.  
• Set priorities and achieve deadlines within a fast-paced environment.  

Eligibility

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.

Benefits

• Unique and challenging work with a deeper purpose.
• Flexibility over how, when and where you work for the best work/life balance.
• Up to 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.
• Relocation support for you and your family, whether you’re from interstate or overseas.

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.

Apply today for a career with a deeper purpose.