- Shape and lead WHSE strategy across nuclear and conventional submarine programs
- Influence at the highest levels - regulators, board, government & global partners
- Drive cultural and operational change in one of Australia's most complex industries
About the Client
ASC stands at the heart of Australia’s sovereign defence capability. As a pivotal player in the nation’s submarine enterprise, ASC is advancing the future of our naval defence - across both nuclear and conventional domains. In partnership with the Commonwealth, global allies, and leading-edge suppliers, ASC is delivering critical programs that will shape the safety, security and strength of the nation for generations to come. Davidson are proud to partner with ASC in the search for a proven leader to take on one of the most strategically significant safety roles in Australia’s defence landscape: General Manager WHSE.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Director, Nuclear, Safety & Assurance, and working in close alignment with ASC’s executive and technical leaders, the General Manager WSHE will drive a new era of safety leadership across the organisation. This is not a role for the status quo, it’s a mission-critical appointment that requires transformational leadership to evolve ASC’s WHSE systems, frameworks and culture in a high-risk, high-accountability environment.
You will:
- Shape and execute a modern WHS&E strategy across ASC’s enterprise - including submarine sustainment and the historic introduction of nuclear-powered submarines.
- Lead and inspire a capable WHS&E team, with five direct reports and oversight of over 30 professionals across governance, assurance, safety engineering and environment.
- Integrate global and local regulations into fit-for-purpose systems that meet ASC’s evolving technical and regulatory obligations.
- Serve as a key influencer with regulators, government agencies, customer groups, industry partners and the ASC Board.
- Build a safety-first culture from the shop floor to the boardroom - within a unionised, high-stakes, and technically complex environment.
Why this role matters
This isn’t just another safety job. It’s a rare opportunity to lead a full-scale transformation of safety culture and performance in an organisation central to Australia’s strategic defence future. Safety is a cornerstone of ASC’s success, and your leadership will determine how confidently and competently the organisation meets the challenge of delivering world-class submarine capability to the Royal Australian Navy. ASC is in a recovery phase on safety, and the person in this role will play an instrumental part in reestablishing trust, capability and assurance across every level of the enterprise.
What We’re Looking For
You are a seasoned WHS&E leader with:
- Tertiary qualifications in WHSE, Environment, or a related discipline.
- At least 10 years’ leadership experience in high-risk industries such as defence, construction, aviation, oil & gas or mining.
- Demonstrated success engaging with regulators, boards and executives.
- Proven ability to build, lead and embed best-practice frameworks for safety and environmental performance.
- A hands-on approach to turning around underperforming safety environments.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills
Professional certifications, union engagement experience and familiarity with ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 will be highly regarded.
Location and Impact
This position can be based in Adelaide, SA or Perth , WA —both rapidly growing defence hubs. With ASC’s multi-billion-dollar programs shaping the region’s economy and Australia’s sovereign capability, your impact will be national in scope and generational in legacy.
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://bit.ly/3ZlKTFB
ASC and Davidson are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance are required.
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Sam Wallace at 0437 313 130 or Ash Stewart at 0408 856 689.
