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.

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced leader to serve as our next Chief of Staff (CoS) to the SES Band-3 Deputy Director General – Technical (DDG-T). The CoS operates with a high degree of autonomy and serves as an advisor, driving organisational communication, collaboration, and alignment.

The role is ideally suited to a proactive, detail-oriented and well-organised strategic thinker with a high level ability to communicate across all levels of the organisation.

The key functions performed by the CoS include:

• Providing strategic advice to DDG-T on current and emerging issues relevant to the Technical Group, and the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA).
• Advising the DDG-T and the Technical Group’s senior leadership team and divisional staff on matters relating to governance, risk and public sector accountabilities,
• Undertaking internal and external engagement and representation to advance the DDG-T’s strategic intent and business objectives.
• Attending with, or representing, DDG-T at internal committees and meetings.
• Maintaining an awareness of, and delivering support to, agency priorities including through media enquiries, ministerial briefs, and cabinet submissions.
• Overseeing tasking and correspondence requiring the DDG-T’s input or clearance. This involves engaging appropriately with across the Agency, Defence, and senior executives both within and outside of the Defence Portfolio.
• Leading a small and dynamic team to provide high level executive support and advice
• Oversight and management of the DDG-T’s office and support staff, ensuring that diary management, travel, guest management, etc. are professionally delivered, including the reprioritisation of arrangements at short notice due to emerging issues.
• Being adaptable, resilient, and a model of ASA and Australian Public Service (APS) values to deliver timely and excellent results.

About our Team

The Office of the DDG-T provides high-level strategic and executive support to the DDGT. It is a fast paced and dynamic office that requires the team to remain adaptable and flexible whilst delivering high quality outcomes for the DDG-T.

The team need to work in a highly collaborative environment where clear and concise communication is integral. The team engages with the other Senior Offices across the Agency and external partners/stakeholders on a regular basis.

Due to the nature of the role and access to information, limited work from home arrangements can be arranged on a case by case basis.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are a dynamic organization 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 bring the following attributes and skills to the role:

• A very high level of government, risk, governance and ministerial acumen as well as a sound understanding of the machinery of Government; and a proven ability to achieve results in a Government setting.
• Ability to work effectively with a full range of senior stakeholders across multiple fields to drive results. They will be capable of independently identifying where business improvements can be made regardless of where they may exist.
• Exceptional analytical, written and oral communication skills (with experience with key briefing formats) and a proven ability to manage relationships. They must be flexible and able to multi-task in a busy environment.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, capable of managing competing priorities, in a high tempo environment with sound judgement.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 06 November, 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASA/08286/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=F36A2992-82A7-E761-CCA1-E44C052AED8B.