* Global leader in satellite communications at a pivotal stage of growth
* Senior leadership role offers a clear pathway to executive management
About Our Client
AST Networks is a globally recognised provider of advanced satellite and telecommunications solutions, with a well-established presence across the government, defence, marine, mining, and energy sectors. Headquartered in the UK, AST delivers robust, mission-critical connectivity to organisations operating in some of the world's most remote and demanding environments.
The business offers a suite of managed network services, innovative satellite communications technologies, and end-to-end infrastructure solutions tailored for clients requiring reliable, high-performance connectivity. With decades of engineering heritage and a growing international footprint, AST is entering a pivotal phase of expansion and transformation in the Australian market.
Job Description
The appointment of a Director of Technical Services is a cornerstone of this evolution - a senior role designed to lead technical strategy, oversee solution delivery, and help shape the company's long-term position in the region. With increased demand for flexible, secure, and high-performance connectivity solutions, AST is strengthening its presence in Australia to better serve clients across the mining, energy, defence, and infrastructure sectors.
This role is also designed with succession planning in mind. The right individual will have the potential to step into broader regional leadership responsibilities over time, contributing to the commercial strategy, organisational growth, and operational governance of AST in Australia.
Role Scope & Responsibilities:
The Director of Technical Services will be responsible for leading all technical aspects of AST's operations in Australia - from architecture and engineering through to implementation and strategic advisory. This is a multifaceted leadership role requiring both technical depth and business maturity. Key areas of responsibility include:
* Technical Leadership:
* Oversee the design, integration, optimisation, and continuous improvement of AST's satellite and terrestrial network solutions. Ensure systems meet client needs and global performance standards.
* Client & Project Delivery:
* Provide technical oversight and assurance on key client projects across mining, energy, and defence sectors. Translate complex technical requirements into scalable, value-driven solutions.
* Team Development & Knowledge Sharing:
* Work closely with local engineering and support teams to embed best practices, mentor technical talent, and ensure alignment with AST's global standards and innovation agenda.
* Product & Solution Strategy:
* Collaborate with AST's global product, engineering, and commercial teams to localise and tailor solutions for the Australian market. Provide market feedback to influence global product development.
* Governance & Board Reporting:
* Report directly to the AST Group Board and executive leadership. Offer strategic input into the regional business plan, risk profile, infrastructure investment, and technical performance metrics.
* Commercial Support & Business Integration:
* Partner with the sales, commercial, and operational teams to support pre-sales engineering, pricing models, proposal development, and service design that reflect technical viability and customer value.
* Strategic Growth & Succession:
* Serve as a senior regional leader with potential to evolve into a General Manager role. Contribute to broader strategy development, P&L management, and executive leadership in the medium term.
The Successful Applicant
This role is suited to a senior technical leader with deep domain expertise and a strong commercial mindset. AST is seeking someone who can operate strategically, execute pragmatically, and collaborate effectively across functional and geographic boundaries.
Technical Capabilities:
* Significant experience in communications engineering, network infrastructure, and/or satellite communications.
* Proven capability in designing and managing resilient, high-availability systems in mission-critical environments.
* Strong knowledge of software-defined networking (SDN), telecommunications protocols, and remote network management.
* Exposure to high-security or defence-grade communications solutions is highly desirable.
* Comfortable leading end-to-end solution design - from technical architecture to post-deployment optimisation.
Leadership Style:
* Inclusive and collaborative, with a hands-on approach to leadership and problem-solving.
* Skilled at building credibility with technical teams, commercial stakeholders, and clients alike.
* Demonstrates humility, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
* Brings a mentoring mindset and is passionate about capability-building within a technical organisation.
Commercial & Strategic Attributes:
* Ability to balance deep technical expertise with sound commercial judgment.
* Action-oriented and resourceful - thrives in dynamic, entrepreneurial environments.
* Adept at navigating ambiguity, identifying improvement opportunities, and delivering structured, strategic outcomes.
* Understands the nuances of operating in remote, high-compliance, and logistically complex client environments.
What's on Offer
This is a rare opportunity to join a high-impact, globally connected business at a time of regional transformation. The Director of Technical Services role is positioned for long-term growth, with a clear trajectory towards General Management and regional executive leadership.
AST offers a collaborative, forward-thinking culture where innovation is encouraged and initiative is rewarded. The successful candidate will have a seat at the leadership table and the mandate to shape the future of AST's technical and commercial strategy in Australia.
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