Strategic Outsourcing Lead – Quality

Job Description

At BAE Systems Australia

• Be part of the largest and most complex industrial undertaking in Australia’s history – SSN AUKUS
• Do interesting work that MATTERS
• GROW your career
• Be YOU

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 groundbreaking technology, including SSN AUKUS. We have been selected by the Australian Government to jointly build the nation’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Every role in our SSN AUKUS team is helping to deliver essential sovereign capability for Australia.

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.

About the Opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Strategic Outsourcing Lead – Quality to join the SSN AUKUS Program, based in our Flinders Street or Osborne Offices, reporting to the Head of Quality on a permanent full-time basis.

This is a newly created, externally facing role focused on supplier and supply chain integration, driven by a strategic outsourcing model aligned with evolving manufacturing and supply chain requirements, while ensuring full regulatory compliance. Operating within the Operations Strategic Outsourcing Team, this role is responsible for delivering the supplier product assurance program. Extensive professional development also on offer including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), nuclear and enterprise systems.

Enjoy flexible work options, including hybrid work and a 9-day fortnight. Note, some domestic/international travel and after-hours meetings with UK stakeholders required.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supplier and subcontractor approvals and associated system completion
• Process and product surveillance, including pre-delivery inspections
• Allocation of correct Quality Assurance codes to POs within the ERM system (direct and indirect products)
• Development of technical requirements documentation with Manufacturing Engineering for outsourced build and assurance requirements
• Stage inspections of manufactured product
• Witnessing Factory Acceptance Tests (as required)
• Review and approval of Supplier Quality Management Plans and Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs)
• Completion of Predelivery Verification Inspections (PVI)
• Approval of Final Inspection Certificates authorising supplier shipment to BAES
• Production of supplier product assurance performance metrics
• Management of supplier non-conformances and corrective actions
• Development and maintenance of Supplier Product Quality assurance processes within the BMS
• Capture and implementation of lessons learned from the Marine Strategic Outsourcing Team

About You

• Qualifications in Engineering and/or Quality/Auditing (preferred)
• Relevant leadership experience and training highly regarded
• Strong Quality Assurance background in defence or complex regulated manufacturing environments (ISO 9001)
• Experience in supplier quality, including supplier approval, ITP development, and quality governance across complex supply chains
• Proven ability to lead investigations, root cause analysis, and drive corrective and preventative actions
• Experience building or maturing quality systems in early-phase or high-growth program environments
• Ability to operate in complex, regulated defence environments with competing priorities and evolving requirements
• Strong stakeholder engagement across engineering, production, supply chain, and external defence partners

We believe in hiring for potential, we know that some candidates hesitate if they don’t tick all the boxes. If this role interests you, but you don’t meet all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

Application REQUIREMENTS & CLEARANCES:

To apply, please send through an updated CV. 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. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

About US

Join a workplace that genuinely cares about your wellbeing. We value diversity and know that an inclusive culture helps everyone thrive. As Australia’s largest defence company in a growing industry, you’ll be part of a global team with endless career opportunities, whether your path is traditional or takes unexpected turns.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and Awarded the Benchmarcx ‘Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026′. As a member of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

To learn more about our competitive employee benefits, flexibility, other employment opportunities and what to expect from our recruitment process please visit: www.baesystemscareers.com.au.