Operations Subcontractor Area Coordinator
Job Location: Osborne Naval Shipyard, South Australia – We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
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.
Role Description:
We have a new opportunity for an Operations Subcontractor Area Coordinator to join our Maritime Sustainment line of business based at Osborne Naval Shipyard- SA, reporting to the Operations Subcontract Manager.
We embrace flexible work arrangements at BAE Systems Australia, such as working a 9-day fortnight.
You will be responsible for safely coordinating and delivering subcontracted work in line with commercial contracts, working closely with both shipyard teams and external subcontractor partners. You will lead the integration of subcontractors into the production environment and ensure all activities meet safety, quality, cost, and schedule requirements across shipbuilding, upgrades and maintenance programs.
Core Duties:
- Understand the knowledge of subcontracted scope of work methodologies and procedures and where applicable experienced and certified in the discipline.
- Support the Operations Subcontractor Lead in the development of estimates, plans, processes, reports, and program reviews.
- Coordinate the operations subcontractor mobilisation for shipyard integration and production readiness within the shipyard. Plan and organise prerequisite onboarding, infrastructure, facility, equipment, and services to enable the subcontractor mobilisation to meet schedule requirements.
- Coordinate the day-to-day execution of the contract continuing to succeed in WHS&E, schedule, cost and quality to contract and program charter.
- Coordinate all subcontractor request registers and tracking IT tools in prioritising demands and visual checks to enable release and closure of request.
- Organise and lead daily onboard & workshop meetings with the subcontractor supervisors. Items to observe, inspect and discuss for example but not limited to, WHSE, quality, progress, trade support, incompatible work, hold up, cleanliness, care & protection.
- Work closely with the operations team and subcontractors during the production phases to ensure seamless integration and coordination with the overall production, quality, and test & activation workforce.
- Ensure all production work is coordinated safely and efficiently, to achieve the required schedule and quality requirements.
- Integrate with operations Snr Area Coordinators, Area Coordinators, subcontractor Supervisors at trade and ship management meetings including the Ship Plan of the Day (SPOD) and Ship Plan of the Week (SPOW).
- Provide support to the Operations Subcontractor Lead for subcontractor onboard progress and resourcing levels. Ensure resource demands are continually forecast to avoid variations to contract caused by shortfall or excess resource.
- Onboard representative and reporting into Operations Subcontractor Lead for reviewing contractor claims.
- Monitor the relevant subcontract work scope, personnel, equipment, and site requirements are valid and managed for conformance to undertake the scope of work. For example, and not limited to: training, inductions, licenses, certification, standards etc.
- Organise and undertake onboard worksite and off ship workshops WHSE walk through inspections of subcontractor work sites.
- Identify, participate, and input into local and business level continuous improvement opportunities (technical, schedule and cost) and consult with relevant accountable disciplines for implementation.
- Provide where applicable subject matter expert (SME) inspections during prefabrication, installation, and compartment completion phases of work.
- Together with Subcontractor Operations Lead, represent subcontractor scope of work for compartment completion inspect/rectification and handover to compartment completion team in readiness for handover to customer.
Essential Skills:
- NACE Level 1 or 2 certified
- Relevant experience in shipbuilding or blast and paint environments
- A proactive can-do mindset with flexibility to adjust to shifting priorities
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.
