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Cairns
Industry Capability & Supply Chain Manager
NORSTA Northeast - located in Cairns - is a wholly owned subsidiary of NORSTA Maritime Pty Ltd, an Australian company. NORSTA operates in North-Eastern Australia and Northern Australia as the Royal Australian Navy’s Regional Maintenance Provider (RMP-NE). Our mission is to provide essential maintenance and sustainment services for naval vessels in the region.
NOTE: As a condition of this role, you must be able to obtain (and hold) Baseline Defence security clearance, which requires Australian Citizenship. A National Police Criminal History Check will also be undertaken.
About the role
Strong supply chains depend on people who understand the commercial realities, recognise capability and build relationships that deliver.
At NORSTA Maritime, you’ll bring that experience to a role with a clear purpose: strengthening the regional and national supplier network that supports the sustainment of Commonwealth vessels, while creating opportunities for Australian industry.
Based in Cairns and reporting to the Commercial Manager, our Industry Capability & Supply Chain Manager will connect procurement strategy, supplier performance and industry development. You’ll work with Commonwealth representatives, operational leaders and industry partners to address supply gaps, improve resilience and build capability for the long term.
Where you'll make your mark
- Shape procurement and supply chain strategies that balance value, risk, compliance and operational requirements.
- Build productive supplier partnerships and identify businesses with the capability to support maritime sustainment.
- Lead Australian Industry Capability initiatives, expanding opportunities for regional SMEs, Indigenous enterprises and veteran participation.
- Help emerging suppliers understand requirements and strengthen their readiness to participate in the Defence supply chain.
- Turn performance data and supply chain insights into practical improvements.
About You
You're an established procurement and supply chain professional who can move confidently between strategic decisions and operational detail. You understand how sourcing, contracts and supplier performance affect delivery — and you know how to bring stakeholders with you.
You bring experience in the maritime industry, Defence subcontracting and Australian Industry Capability delivery. Additional experience in manufacturing or mining will be highly valued, particularly where you have managed technically demanding supply chains, critical suppliers, operational risk and complex commercial relationships.
To succeed in this role, you'll need:
- Demonstrated supply chain or industry capability management experience in Defence, Defence industry or a complex commercial environment.
- A strong maritime background and a record of engaging regional suppliers and industry stakeholders.
- Practical experience in Defence subcontracting, Commonwealth procurement requirements and Australian Industry Capability program delivery.
- We also welcome manufacturing and mining industry experience.
- Sound commercial judgement, negotiation skills and the confidence to engage senior government and industry stakeholders.
Key Skills
- Strategic procurement and supply chain planning.
- Commercial negotiation and supplier relationship management.
- Defence subcontract management and procurement compliance.
- Stakeholder engagement across government, industry and regional suppliers.
- Supply chain risk management, performance reporting and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
A tertiary qualification in supply chain management, logistics, business or a related discipline
How to apply
Submit your current CV, outlining your skills and professional experience, along with a cover letter that includes your contact details.
We will review applications and conduct interviews as applications are received, so we encourage you to apply promptly.
NOTE: Due to NORSTA Maritime's position as a Department of Defence contractor, we require all employees to be Australian citizens and able to hold a minimum Baseline Security Clearance with the ability to obtain access passes to HMAS Cairns and Cairns-based shipyards. A National Criminal History Police Check will also be undertaken.
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Why Work for NORSTA?
Our Sovereign organisation demonstrates an existing commitment to our region, relationships local industry and work force. Coupled with access to our dedicated infrastructure, we are well positioned to accelerate naval sustainment services throughout the region.
Regional Focus
Our long-established presence and investment in the region demonstrate our commitment to supporting the local community and small regional businesses. We bring unique insights into regional maritime infrastructure development, ensuring trusted and dedicated service to the area.
Dedicated Infrastructure
We provide access to high-value, accessible, and established infrastructure. Our facilities are designed to support advanced maritime operations, allowing us to deliver superior sustainment services efficiently and effectively.
Existing Relationships
We have built strong relationships with Defence, industry, education, and training sectors, as well as with local, state, and federal governments. Our connections foster a collaborative enterprise culture, driving success through shared goals and behaviours.
Focus on Skills Development
Our substantial skills development commitment is mirrored in our robust training programs - through the training of more than 200 local apprentices. Our Maritime Enterprise Development division builds on competencies and capacities, all in the quest to assure a skilled and ready workforce well into the future.
