Project Manager (Defence)

Project Manager for the Defence space based in Perth

Your new company

Hays is proud to be partnering with ASC Pty Ltd (Australian Submarine Corporation), Australia’s sovereign submarine builder and sustainer, with over 35 years’ experience supporting the Royal Australian Navy. Headquartered in Osborne, Adelaide, ASC built the Collins Class submarines and continues to maintain and upgrade this critical capability. ASC also has a significant presence in Western Australia, with operations in Henderson (Perth) supporting submarine sustainment and the growing Submarine Rotational Force – West, positioning the region as an important hub of Australia’s future nuclear-powered capability.

Your new role

This is a newly created, strategic role that will be pivotal in preparing and developing the Henderson site to support ASC’s future submarine programs. As ASC continues to expand its capabilities under AUKUS and the Submarine Rotational Force – West, focussing on rotational deployment of nuclear-powered submarines, this position will play a critical role in shaping project delivery frameworks, uplifting capability, and ensuring the site is ready to meet the demands of next-generation defence programs.

Key responsibilities:
This position has four major components: ensuring capability uplift and readiness for complex, large-scale defence delivery.
  • Deliver assigned projects within agreed scope, schedule, cost, and quality parameters.
  • Coordinate cross-functional resources and ensure alignment with project requirements.
  • Provide accurate and timely reporting to the Head of Program Delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and technical standards, including corrective action where required.
Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Demonstrate strong safety leadership through actions and behaviours.
  • Lead and deliver complex, large-scale projects across scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk.
  • Manage and develop Project Managers, including coaching and performance management.
  • Ensure successful project delivery from planning through to execution and close-out.
  • Monitor performance, identify variances, and implement corrective actions.
  • Engage effectively with a clients, stakeholders, and contractors.
  • Prepare and present reports to senior management.
  • Oversee financial management as Control Account Manager (CAM).
  • Drive continuous improvement and promote ASC’s PRIDE values.

What you'll need to succeed

  • Willing and able to relocate to Perth
  • Australian Citizenship is essential, with the ability to obtain and maintain high-level security clearance (including background and police checks).
  • Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in project management, engineering, or complex asset environments
  • 10+ years’ experience delivering projects in complex environments as a Project Manager or equivalent
  • Defence sector experience is highly regarded, alongside backgrounds in industrial projects, client-side roles, or consultancy/engineering.
  • Strong knowledge of project delivery methodologies (scheduling, EVM, risk, quality, stakeholder management)
  • Ability to meet strict eligibility requirements for Defence security clearance, including access to sensitive technologies

What you'll get in return

  • You will break ground on a high-profile, nationally significant defence projects.
  • Long-term career development within a critical and growing sector under AUKUS.
  • Exposure to complex, large-scale programs with leading industry professionals.
  • A supportive environment that values safety, performance, and continuous improvement.
  • The chance to be part of a team contributing directly to Australia’s national security.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.



LHS 297508

Summary

Job Type
Permanent
Industry
Construction
Location
WA - Perth
Specialism
Construction
Pay
Depending on the experience
Ref:
3002986

Talk to a consultant

Talk to Jonathan Repiso, the specialist consultant managing this position, located in Adelaide
Level 17, 11-19 Grenfell St

Telephone: +61 8 7221 4170

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