Chief Executive Officer

• Exceptional leadership opportunity within the maritime industry 
• Key national and international representational responsibilities 
• Regulatory operating environment. 

 
About AMSA 
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is Australia’s national maritime safety regulator. We are responsible for the maritime safety of international shipping and domestic commercial vessels, protection of the marine environment from ship-sourced pollution, and search and rescue services, for maritime and aviation, nationally. Our operating environment is demanding and complex, involving diverse national and international stakeholders and operations, with a regulatory context. 
 
The opportunity 
AMSA is seeking a dynamic and contemporary leader to advance our vision of ‘safe and clean seas, saving lives’ as our Chief Executive Officer. 
 
With outstanding leadership and proven CEO or senior executive experience, our next CEO will drive AMSA’s strategic direction. Reporting to the AMSA Board, the CEO is expected to deliver strong business, governance, and operational performance, ensure finance sustainability, and embrace and adopt innovation and new technologies—all within a complex, regulatory operating environment. 
 
Leveraging exceptional stakeholder management, you will represent AMSA nationally and internationally. You will play a crucial role in shaping and upholding Australia’s maritime obligations and leadership across maritime safety, search and rescue, environmental protection and response, seafarer welfare, and workforce diversity and inclusion. 
 
You'll inspire and lead a dedicated team, fostering diversity and inclusivity, and cultivating a culture that embodies our values. 
 
Key responsibilities 
As CEO and a member of the AMSA Board the position has the following key responsibilities: 

• Work with the Board to set the strategic direction and focus of AMSA 
• Be accountable for achieving the outcomes of AMSA’s Corporate Plan through the efficient day-to-day management of AMSA, consistent with all legislative requirements 
• Develop an effective, mutually trustworthy and supportive relationship between the Board and management 
• Maintain an effective and positive relationship with the Minister and the portfolio department and with State/Territory governments 
• Maintain relationships between AMSA and its major stakeholders 
• Ensure that all AMSA’s statutory and fiduciary obligations are identified and met 
• Ensure that AMSA’s functions are performed in an objective impartial and defensible manner, aspiring to best practice, especially in all service delivery functions 
• Represent AMSA at major forums, both international and national, and seek to optimise Australia’s interests in the outcomes 
• Develop and maintain a highly capable, professional and committed senior management team and ensure a viable succession plan is in place for all key AMSA positions 
• Take personal responsibility for AMSA’s management system, especially health and safety outcomes, workplace culture and ethics 
• Exercise statutory powers in a complex legal environment, including the making of subordinate legislation giving effect to international convention obligations and creating best practice safety regulation 
• Implement the regulations under the Maritime Labour Convention in Australia via supporting legislation which applies to all commercial vessels.  

Key representational responsibilities 

• Ex-officio member of the Seafarers’ Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority
• Active leadership role within Australia’s representation at the Council and Assembly meetings of the International Maritime Organisation 
• Australian/AMSA Representative at the Asia Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies Forum 
• AMSA’s representative before Parliamentary Committees 
• AMSA’s representative at all appropriate meetings and events.

The CEO is required to operate under the governance and reporting arrangements, and legislative requirements.  
 
How to apply 
To apply and for a copy of the candidate information pack, please go to www.derwentsearch.com.au and click on ‘search jobs’. Your application should include a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and a resume. For further information, please contact Andrew McEncroe of Derwent Search by email publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or call 0416 018 860. 
 
Applications close: Sunday 24 March 2024.