About the Opportunity
We are seeking a highly experienced and safety‑focused Heavy Haulage Manager to lead the coordination and execution of complex heavy transport operations across Austal Defence Australia (ADA).
In this role, you will oversee the movement of oversized, overweight, and high‑value components across the shipyard, including modules, engines, steel structures, and vessels. You will ensure all movements are planned, engineered, compliant, and executed safely while aligning with production schedules.
This is a critical operational leadership role, requiring strong coordination across teams, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure seamless shipyard logistics and operational continuity across multiple sites.
About Austal
Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor, and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators, with operations spanning Australia, the USA, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA), Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia—supporting sovereign capability, driving innovation, and creating long‑term opportunities for Australian industry and workforce.
Learn more at austal.com/ssa
This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.
What’s Involved
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Lead and coordinate all heavy haulage movements across the shipyard, including SPMT, multi‑axle trailers, and crane operations
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Manage contractors and specialist service providers, ensuring performance and safety compliance
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Plan and align heavy lift and transport activities with production schedules
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Ensure compliance with WHS/OHS, regulatory, and environmental requirements
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Act as the central point of contact for all heavy haulage requests and operations
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Maintain asset management and inventory records for haulage equipment
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Oversee permits, documentation, load management, and regulatory compliance for all movements
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Support emergency response activities and site safety systems
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Provide reporting, planning updates, and operational communication to stakeholders
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Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across haulage operations
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Build strong relationships with internal teams, contractors, and regulatory bodies
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Support sustainability initiatives including efficiency improvements and waste reduction
You’ll Need
Essential
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Extensive experience (10+ years) in heavy industry such as shipbuilding, mining, oil & gas, or large-scale construction
- Proven leadership experience managing heavy haulage or logistics operations
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Strong knowledge of heavy transport equipment (SPMTs, trailers, cranes) and load planning
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Experience coordinating complex, high‑risk movements in industrial environments
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Strong understanding of WHS/OHS requirements and safety-critical operations
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Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
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Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced operational environment
Desirable
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Experience within defence, maritime, or highly regulated industries
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Knowledge of OSOM (over size/over mass) transport, route planning, and pilot coordination
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Experience in asset management systems or digital transformation initiatives
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High-risk work licences (EWP, forklift, rigging, etc.)
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Experience with permits and high-risk work activities (confined space, working at heights)
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Security clearance or ability to obtain one
Why Join Us?
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Competitive compensation and benefits package
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Opportunity to support critical shipbuilding operations of national importance
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Career growth within a leading defence organisation
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A collaborative, safety-first, and high-performing work environment
At Austal, we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace for all. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, identities, and abilities. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.
