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.

The Assistant Project Manager roles are highly varied and contribute to assisting in leading and developing high performing teams to deliver a range of objectives for the Australian Submarine Agency. On a daily basis, your team’s work could range from translating policy into programs to deliver industry skills, planning and implementing programs to enable the development of new capability, or developing domestic or overseas infrastructure.

Your support as an APS 6 Assistant Project Manager will actively contribute to the whole of nation effort to safely and securely deliver the cutting edge nuclear powered submarine program, which will transform Australia’s economic and national security landscape for the future.

The duties of an APS 6 Project Manager occupation in Defence include the following (note: not all duties are required to be performed during a 12 month performance cycle):

• Manage a range of project activities and coordinate project inputs in accordance with organisational practices, methods and standards appropriate to the complexity of the project.
• Responsible for the management of schedule, risk, budget and resources, preparation of briefings, submissions, reports and returns relating to the project progress and issues in accordance with organisational requirements.
• Apply established technical, operational, professional and administrative activities, procedures, practices and project management methodologies.
• Identify risks and opportunities and take account of these in planning, decision making and priority setting.
• Build and sustain stakeholder engagement including the ability to communicate with influence and negotiate effectively.
• Work collaboratively by building effective relationships with team members and actively participating in group activities.
• Analyse project performance against agreed plans and develop and initiate strategies to achieve project outcomes.
• Resolve issues by identifying and developing ideas through analysis of alternative courses of action and their implications.
• Provide input into the development of project planning, performance, cost and schedule documents and work breakdown structures in accordance with agreed procedures and performance standards.
• Prepare correspondence, briefs and reports as directed including submissions and documents for higher delegate and committee consideration.
• Analyse and ensure compliance with legislative, policy and regulatory frameworks.

Some positions may incur an additional payment of a Building Capability Payment (BCP) which enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the rate of salary otherwise payable under the Enterprise Agreement (EA) to some or all of the jobs within a critical occupation(s) or discipline within a workplace. Applicants engaged into a BCP position must consider the following. BCPs provide remuneration in addition to the Defence Enterprise Agreement (EA).

This arrangement is subject to meeting eligibility criteria and is subject to annual review. Should your performance fall beyond requirements or the eligibility criteria not be met, your eligibility for the BCP may be reviewed and ceased. It may also be ceased should you change positions or the requirement for the BCP is no longer necessary, as determined by Defence. Should the BCP be ceased you will be advised and your BCP additional payment will cease.

About our Team

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.

Within the Project Management function, an APS 6 Assistant Project Manager is accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex to very complex project management work within an integrated workforce.

They will be responsible for assisting in leading and managing a range of project activities, including coordination of project inputs in accordance with organisational practices to achieve outcomes. They will require an in-depth knowledge of and compliance with legislative frameworks, government decision-making and ASA’s mission and policy requirements.

We offer flexible working arrangements and a range of formal and informal professional development opportunities.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are a dynamic organisation 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 be able to bring or further develop the following attributes and skills to the role:

• A strong commitment to Australia’s national interest
• Adaptability, resilience and flexibility in the face of changing and competing priorities
• Strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, while remaining resilient and adaptable to changing plans and priorities
• Strong analytical and research skills and an ability to interpret and apply legislation in defining business requirements
• Experience in project management and an understanding of project management processes and methodologies is essential
• Sound judgement with an open and innovative approach to problem-solving
• Demonstrate effective people skills as well as excellent written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate stakeholder relationship skills as this is fundamental to the success of the Agency

Application Closing Date: Sunday 13 July 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASA/05247/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=6BF9401E-A6C5-1BE3-D9C3-E3EFCE002299