Associate Director, Security & Public Safety

At Optus, our purpose is to deliver real choice by championing our customers. Protecting their safety, privacy, and trust is central to that purpose. Within our Networks Regulatory function, the Security & Public Safety team plays a critical role in supporting law enforcement, national security, and emergency service agencies—while ensuring Optus meets its legal, regulatory, and ethical obligations.

We’re seeking an Associate Director, Security & Public Safety to lead this essential function with integrity, empathy, and confidence. This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in complex, high‑stakes environments and understands the responsibility that comes with public safety and regulatory trust.

What you’ll do

Reporting to the Director, Security & Public Safety, and partnering closely with senior leaders across Optus, you’ll have accountability for the people and operational leadership of Optus’ Law Enforcement Liaison Unit (LELU).

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading, coaching, and supporting a specialised team operating in a 24/7, high‑volume, time‑critical environment
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with law enforcement, national security, emergency service agencies, and regulators
• Ensuring lawful, accurate, and timely responses to authorised requests for customer information, in line with legislation and SLAs
• Providing expert advice to senior leaders on regulatory, operational, and public safety matters
• Driving quality assurance, governance, and continuous improvement across sensitive operational processes
• Contributing to Networks Regulatory strategy, culture, and engagement as a senior leader
• Supporting regulatory policy advocacy and representing Optus in external forums, working groups, and, when required, court proceedings
• Managing after‑hours escalations as part of an on‑call leadership roster

This role is based on‑site. Due to the nature of the work, working from home is not available.

What you’ll bring

You’re a calm, credible, and values‑driven leader who can navigate sensitive situations and inspire confidence in others.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience leading teams in high‑pressure, regulated, or operational environments
• Strong people‑leadership capability, with the ability to motivate, develop, and support teams handling sensitive work
• Demonstrated stakeholder management skills, including engagement with senior executives, regulators, and government or law enforcement agencies
• The ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and translate it into clear operational guidance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing briefs, reports, and providing senior‑level advice
• Sound judgement, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality and security protocols
• The ability to remain calm, adaptable, and decisive under pressure

Experience with telecommunications regulation, law enforcement requests, warrants, or court processes is highly regarded, but not mandatory if you bring strong transferable experience and the capacity to rapidly upskill.

Eligibility requirements

Due to the regulatory and security‑sensitive nature of this role:

• This position is only open to Australian citizens
• A minimum of 10 years’ Australian residency is required
• You must be eligible and willing to obtain an Australian Government security clearance (NV2 or higher)

The good stuff

At Optus, we recognise the importance of supporting leaders who carry significant responsibility.

• Competitive executive remuneration and employee benefits
• Comprehensive wellbeing support, including confidential counselling services
• Inclusive parental leave and flexible leave options to support life outside work
• Learning and development opportunities to support leadership growth
• A purpose‑driven culture grounded in trust, accountability, and respect

Our commitment to inclusion

At Optus, we’re strengthened by the diversity of our people and perspectives. We’re committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all candidates, including people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

If you require adjustments or accessibility support during the recruitment process, please contact AccessibleRecruitment@optus.com.au or call 1800 309 170. Let us know your preferred method of contact, and we’ll support you.

If you’re an experienced leader motivated by public safety, regulatory integrity, and responsible decision‑making, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at Optus.