Chief Security, Sovereignty and Government Affairs Officer

NEXTDC

Melbourne, AUhybridPosted Jul 24, 2026
Posting intelligenceActively listed

About the role

Company Description

At NEXTDC we are building the heart of Australia & Asia’s high tech future. We design, build and operate world class, next generation data centres, using cutting edge, environmentally efficient infrastructure to service the specific requirements of local and international customers.

NEXTDC is an exciting ASX 100 listed technology company, only 16 years young and operating 18 data centres across 8 major cities in Australia and Malaysia, with multiple international sites in development to support our customer’s digital infrastructure.

At NEXTDC our success depends on the talents of our people, and we foster a culture of continued learning and development. Our culture is built on collaboration and innovation, we are passionate about what we do, and we are committed to our mission to be the leading customer centric data centre services company.

Where Cloud lives and AI thrives

Job Description

We're seeking a senior executive to join the Executive Leadership Team, working directly with the CEO on security, sovereignty, resilience and government engagement.

You will lead NEXTDC's physical security operations and critical infrastructure protection programs, own our sovereign security credentials, and represent the company with government, Defence, intelligence and regulatory stakeholders. You'll also oversee our obligations under the Hosting Certification Framework, SOCI and the Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program.

You'll build and maintain trusted executive relationships across Defence, ASD, ACSC, ASIO, Home Affairs, law enforcement and government agencies, and represent NEXTDC in policy discussions on digital infrastructure, AI, critical infrastructure resilience and sovereign capability.

As our executive sponsor for security assurance, you'll cover hyperscale, government, Defence, national security and regulated industry customers, translating security and sovereignty into commercial differentiation.

This is a physical security, sovereignty and government affairs role, separate from our Cyber Security function, which sits within the CTO organisation and is not part of this position.

We're happy for this role to be based in Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra.

Qualifications

To be successful, you will have deep credibility from senior physical security leadership within Defence, intelligence, national security, Home Affairs agencies or within critical infrastructure environments, with a demonstrated track record of protecting mission critical facilities and assets.

You're equally comfortable engaging ministers, regulators and intelligence leaders as you are leading operational security teams. You bring established relationships across government and national security agencies, a strong understanding of Australia's security and critical infrastructure frameworks, and a track record of leading large scale security, assurance or government engagement programs.

An Australian Government NV2 clearance is essential, with the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Privileged Access where required.

Additional Information

Seize this exciting opportunity to join one of Australia's fastest growing companies and play a key contributing role in the future of AI and the digital economy

Join an inclusive, diverse and values-driven working culture supporting hybrid work practices

Enjoy awesome employee benefits (gifted share options, NEXTDC days, volunteer days, professional development, holistic wellbeing and mental health programs and more)

Great opportunities to progress within our company (grow as we grow)

Our mission is to continue building a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents the communities in which we operate.

Make NEXTDC your next move.

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