The Role

Waterfront and Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Division (W&CNSS), is seeking an experienced, professional and motivated Industry Engagement Lead to provide assistance to the Director (and Defence Lead) for the Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP) as it is rolled out across the country. The Defence Industry Pathways Program objective is to build a workforce and a pipeline of talent that is defence industry ready. The role will develop a deep level of industry understanding and liaise with Industry as part of the Workforce Team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage communications to Defence industry stakeholders, including newsletters and social media updates, to keep industry informed of developments and opportunities.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with industry partners to support positive workforce outcomes.
• Maintain an understanding of the Defence industry environment including emerging workforce needs and trends that may impact the Program.
• Contribute to contract management activities including reviewing Program performance against agreed plans and procedures.
• Support host placement activities by engaging with host organisations and Program participants.
• Prepare briefings, submissions, reports and returns relating to the project progress and documents for higher delegate consideration.
• the Defence Industry Pathways Program Lead in the delivery of the contract.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment to promote Defence workforce programs.

About our Team

Waterfront and Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment (W&CNSS) Division is responsible for leading the whole-of-government approach to delivering the objectives of the continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment Enterprise. The W&CNSS Division coordinates the uplift of the maritime industrial base and manages Defence’s presence in Australia’s principal shipyards. This includes the development of policy frameworks and workforce initiatives, management of shipyard facilities, and effective governance, assurance and oversight of ship construction activities. The team comprises a small number of individuals supported by external partners to deliver the Defence Industry Pathways Program.

The Defence Industry Pathways Program is a government funded 12-month traineeship designed to attract, train and develop entry-level talent for careers in Australia’s defence industry. The Program has enjoyed success since its inception in WA in 2021, and has been rolled into SA in 2025. This position will support the Defence Lead in WA ensuring governance and oversight of the Program in WA and work with the broader Workforce Team. We are committed to the personal and professional development of our staff, and welcome interested candidates to apply to join our team.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have a background either, in Defence, Defence Industry or Vocational Education. You will be a motivated and enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to communicate with influence, develop networks and sustain stakeholder engagement. You will have the ability to prepare briefings, submissions along with demonstrated ability and experience managing contractual relationships and ensuring good governance. You will display a high level of emotional intelligence with a natural ability to motivate trainees towards completing traineeships.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 7 September 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference NSSG/06550/25 on www.defence.gov.au/apscareers