Director - Command Safety

As the Director Command Safety your primary function is the implementation of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), inclusive of Youth Safety and Protection, and policy oversight within the Australian Army Cadets (AAC). Your highest priority is ensuring the organisation operates within the Defence Youth Safety Framework, which is a direct consequence of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Key Responsibilities Provision of safety related strategic advice to senior management and stakeholders, both internal and external to the AAC and Defence. Responsible for the management and execution of WHS and Defence Youth Safety Framework outcomes, including the development of AAC, Army and Defence Work Health and Youth Safety and Protection Policy. Provide technical safety oversight for all National and Regional cadet activities. Coordinate with National/State/Territory Government bodies and institutions, Defence Safety agencies, Reserve Cadet Support Division, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Cadet organisations, in order to ensure relevant, up to date and common safety practices are maintained across the AAC and wider Defence. Contribute to Army and Defence strategic planning and policy development, implement initiatives and provide reporting to National/State/Territory and Defence organisations. Undertake, coordinate or review investigations into safety incidents that occur within the command, which can include working with Comcare, State and Territory, Defence safety organisations, legal teams and emergency services. Manage conflicting priorities and deadlines, leading a diverse team in a high‑tempo, rapidly changing work environment. Act as the senior APS Officer within the AAC, mentoring and providing advice regarding all matters concerning APS management. About our Team The Australian Army Cadets is an Army youth development organisation, consisting of military, APS, adult volunteers and cadet youth. The organisation has 21,000 personnel, including 19,000 cadet youth, and is geographically dispersed across the Nation under a National and nine Regional Headquarters. The core element of the AAC is our adult volunteers, who are our front line staff directly responsible for the safe delivery of the Army cadet program in accordance with direction from Headquarters AAC, and within the Defence Youth Safety Framework. The Command Safety Branch consists of the EL 2 Command Safety Director, an EL 1 Safety Manager and an Army Reserve Safety and Compliance Officer. The Branch provides technical advice to the nine Regional Formation Safety Advisers, to ensure that the Army Cadet Program is delivered in accordance with mandated Workplace Health & Safety, and Youth Safe Protection legislation and policy. The Branch also has oversight of AAC policy development, which is led by an APS 6 Policy Officer. Our Ideal Candidate Our ideal candidate must have practical working knowledge and experience of Commonwealth, Defence, Army WHS Regulations and Policies, Youth Safety and Protection requirements and working with youth in a youth development program. This is to ensure that the AAC program meets all safety and working with youth legal responsibilities. Additionally, the candidate must have a demonstrated ability to deliver youth safety and protection outcomes in a geographically and culturally diverse, predominantly volunteer‑based youth development organisation. Provide the Senior Executive (HQ AAC, Army and Defence) with options. Write business submissions, reports, briefs and ministerials. Influence change. Develop and maintain working relationships, all within a highly geographically and demographically dispersed youth development organisation. Adapt to change. Analyse critical safety related information. Meet deadlines and achieve results. The candidate must be a strong team leader, committed to the ongoing development and professionalisation of all AAC staff and cadet youth, and have a sound understanding of the Australian Army Cadet youth development program. Our position offers the right applicant exposure to executive strategic planning and implementation, engagement with Senior Leaders and the opportunity to build on their career. Application Closing Date: Sunday 7 December 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr