Manager AMSA Response Centre (ARC)

Canberra Only

Ongoing

(SES Band One Equivalent)

• Lead a nationally significant 24/7 operational centre that plays a vital role in saving lives and protecting Australia’s marine environment.
• Shape the future capability of the AMSA Response Centre by guiding a skilled team and driving the adoption of new and emerging technologies.
• Work closely with senior leaders across AMSA to build integrated response capability and influence organisation wide preparedness and coordination.

About AMSA - Work with Purpose

Safe Seas. Clean Seas. Saving Lives.

At Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), every role contributes to our mission to protect lives, support safe maritime operations, and safeguard Australia’s marine environment.  

We are Australia’s national agency responsible for maritime safety, protection of the marine environment, and maritime and aviation search and rescue. We regulate vessel safety and seafarer qualifications, provide the infrastructure for safe navigation in Australian waters, and coordinate national search and rescue services. These outcomes are enabled by strong corporate, digital and specialist capabilities that support our operational work nationwide. 

With around 500 employees across Australia, AMSA operates in a complex, highly regulated environment and offers meaningful careers with national reach and long-term impact. Learn more at amsa.gov.au. 

About the Role 

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is seeking an exceptional senior leader to manage the AMSA Response Centre. Reporting to the Executive Director Response, this role leads a critical national capability that delivers AMSA’s mission of safe and clean seas and saving lives. Operating year round on a 24/7 basis, the AMSA Response Centre is the first point of contact for Search and Rescue, Maritime Assistance and pollution incidents across Australia’s area of responsibility. The Manager oversees the safe, efficient and effective operation of this vital centre and ensures the broader integration of ARC functions across AMSA.

In this role you will: 

• provide strong leadership to a team of experienced shift workers, guiding a high-performance culture that values professionalism, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• manage all emergency response coordination functions within the AMSA Response Centre in line with national and international requirements, overseeing the triage of maritime casualty and pollution reports, and ensuring the systems, equipment, plans and training that underpin AMSA’s response capability are contemporary and effective.
• manage budgets and performance targets, support organisational strategy, and contribute to public information through AMSA Communications.
• maintain strong relationships with domestic and international response partners, represent AMSA in key forums and prepare high quality briefings and reports.

What We’re Looking For 

You will bring: 

• Significant demonstrated executive experience leading and delivering cultural reform in a dynamic operating environment.  
• Extensive experience in emergency management, Search and Rescue, or similar field, with associated qualifications. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate diverse teams of technical / operational professionals, within a dynamic and often high-pressured operating environment. 
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to work collaboratively and build effective partnerships. 
• Strong planning, project management and budget management experience and skills. 
• Proven advocacy, and representational skills, able to deliver messages to diverse audiences. 
• Experience in the management of a 24-hour operations centre and knowledge of modern communications and geographic information systems (GIS) is highly desirable. 
• Behaviours aligned with One AMSA values and ways of working  

For further details, please refer to the position description. 

What We Offer at AMSA 

At AMSA, we support our people to do their best work through: 

• Competitive remuneration and salary packaging options 
• 15.4% employer superannuation contribution 
• Generous leave entitlements with 20 days annual leave plus paid Christmas shutdown 
• Paid parental leave with 18 weeks for primary and 11 weeks for secondary carer (increasing to 14 weeks from 1 March 2026) 
• Wellbeing focus with health reimbursements, flu vaccinations and an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family 
• Flexible work including work from home arrangements (position dependant) 
• Career development including training, study assistance, paid professional memberships
• Opportunity to connect, collaborate, and make a difference through AMSA’s staff-led networks 

One AMSA: Shaping Our Future Together 

One AMSA is our commitment to creating a workplace that is safe, respectful and inclusive – where every employee feels valued, supported and empowered to contribute.  It shapes how we work together and ensures collaboration, trust, and shared purpose across AMSA. 

How to Apply 

Submit your application via the Apply Now button on the right side by 11.55pm AEST 22 February 2026

You will need to provide: 

• A resume (maximum 3 pages) 
• A short cover letter (up to 600 words) outlining your suitability based on the key responsibilities and capabilities required for the role. 

For further information about the role, contact Carolyn Nixon, Director HR on 0457 478 613 or Carolyn.nixon@amsa.gov.au 

For questions about the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@amsa.gov.au

AMSA does not engage staff under the Public Service Act 1999. AMSA engages employees under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 and our remuneration arrangements are specific to AMSA.