Principal Change Lead

Principal Change Lead

Job Location: Osborne Naval Shipyard (SA)

We work in a thriving sector – one that puts us at the forefront of exciting and meaningful work. Every day we push boundaries to produce some of the world’s most innovative and ground breaking technology. Individually we all contribute to our success. Collectively we make the impossible possible.

Recognised for delivering projects of global and national significance that help keep Australia safe, it is our shared passion that shapes our culture, and our people that make it a great place to work.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you. We embrace flexible work arrangements at BAE Systems Australia, such as working a 9-day fortnight and hybrid working.

Role Description

We are seeking experienced Principal Change Lead to play a pivotal role in driving change and adoption across large-scale, complex initiatives within the Hunter Program. Partnering closely with senior leaders and key stakeholders, you will develop and deliver impactful change strategies that enable successful adoption, align with strategic objectives, and realise sustainable business outcomes

We embrace flexible work arrangements at BAE Systems Australia, such as working a 9-day fortnight hybrid working.

Combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, you will lead the development and execution of high-impact change and adoption plans, drive stakeholder engagement, manage organisational change risks, and foster a culture of readiness and adoption. As a trusted advisor and change champion, you will lead the continuous improvement of change frameworks, methodologies, and tools, ensuring scalable, best-practice approaches are applied consistently across the organisation.

Core Duties:

• Lead the development and delivery of change and adoption strategies for large-scale, complex initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives, project outcomes, and stakeholder needs.
• Support the implementation and adoption of new operating disciplines and ways of working across Hunter program.
• Focus less on traditional communications-led change and more on driving adoption of new behaviours, decision-making approaches and cross-functional ways of working designed to improve programme performance and confidence in achieving key delivery milestones
• Drive senior stakeholder engagement, building strong relationships to secure commitment, manage resistance, and foster collaboration throughout the change journey.
• Conduct change impact assessments, identify risks and adoption barriers, and implement targeted mitigation strategies to achieve sustainable outcomes.
• Develop and execute integrated change, communication, and adoption plans, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and successful implementation of change initiatives.
• Partner with SMEs and business leaders to design and deliver training, communications, and support activities that enable organisational readiness and adoption.
• Coach and advise leaders and project teams on change management best practices, helping build resilience, capability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and deliver clear, compelling communications that articulate the vision, benefits, and progress of change initiatives across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Champion and apply the organisation’s Change Framework, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and scalable change management practices across initiatives.

About YOU

• Extensive experience leading large-scale complex organisational change initiatives, with strong expertise in recognised change management methodologies and frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication, including building trusted relationships with senior leaders and delivering impactful communications, presentations, and training programs across all organisational levels.
• Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive change and adoption strategies, ensuring alignment with project objectives, timelines, and stakeholder needs.
• Experienced change practitioner with the ability to operate effectively in complex environments, establish credibility quickly, and support leaders, teams, and vendors through significant organisational change.
• Advanced facilitation and learning capability, including designing and delivering workshops, training programs, and engagement activities that build organisational capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Psychology, Business, Organisational Development, or a related discipline. PROSCI, CCMP, or equivalent change management certifications are highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Defence Security Clearance (NV1) is required.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.