The Role
APS 5 Contract Management Officer is accountable for supporting complex contract management work within Submarines Division. You will be accountable for maintaining an understanding of and compliance to relevant legislative frameworks, government decision-making and Defence’s mission and policy requirements.
You will be accountable for organising your workflow and making independent decisions. You will be required to engage and communicate with stakeholders to identify, respond and provide advice on issues to achieve Defence outcomes.
Key Activities:
* Assist with and undertake procurement planning, tendering, contract formation and contract management activities. Always ensuring it is in compliance with legislation, procurement policies, processes and procedures.
* Apply knowledge to deliver procurement related documentation including; templates, correspondence, contract change proposals and other contract management documentation.
* Raising and/or amending purchase orders.
* Reviewing and approving payment of invoices.
* Conducting contract governance and reporting activities.
* Build and sustain productive relationships with supervisors, staff and team members and participate in team work activities.
This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.
About our Team
The Submarines Division sits within Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG) and exists to deliver an enduring, potent and agile submarine capability vital to Australia’s national security. The Commercial team is part of the Submarines Division and ensures all drafting, reviewing, negotiating, executing, and ensuring compliance with contractual agreements are in place for Submarines Division.
The Commercial team work to minimise risks, ensure that contracts align with Department of Defence and Commonwealth policy and provide successful compliance. We manage the relationships between a range of different stakeholders parties involved in the contracts process, senior leaders, other submarines personnel, Defence Material Procurement Branch, Defence legal branch and industry.The Submarine capability we deliver includes the submarines themselves, their support systems and the associated sovereign industrial base.
Our contribution to delivery of submarine capability spans:
* Submarine sustainment – including Collins sustainment, life-of-type extension, and nuclear-powered submarine sustainment.
* Selected capability enhancements, submarine combat systems and spiral development of MK48 heavy weight torpedo.
* Submarine rescue and intervention.
The workforce has a presence in Canberra (ACT), Adelaide (SA), and HMAS Stirling (WA).
Our Ideal Candidate
The Contract Management Officer will be highly motivated self-starting and have experience performing in similar role(s). They will have a background in complex commercial transactions and policy, procurement and contract management.
In particular, the successful candidate will be a clear thinker, an effective communicator and have an ability to resolve competing priorities. They will have effective communication skills, and be able to develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with a wide range of key stakeholders with a strong focus on working as part of a team.
They will:
* Have commercial acumen with a demonstrated understanding of contract fundamentals and supplier relationship management.
* Have experience in procurement and developed administrative skills.
* Able to manage competing priorities in a work environment, often under time pressures.
* Be effective in communicating and managing stakeholders in achieving outcomes.
* Understanding and applying legal principles, legislative and mandatory policy compliance obligations.
* Be a critical thinker, skilled listener and effective communicator.
* Trustworthy, transparent and have the highest level of integrity.
* Be confident and professional when engaging with all stakeholders.
Application Closing Date: Thursday 12 February, 2026
For further information please review the job information pack, reference NSSG/00155/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=C17D4307-6D4B-7244-8274-EC924F8BF74A