* $124,393 - $140,315 +10% BDCP + up to 15.4% Superannuation
* Canberra - ACT
The Role
As an EL 1 Project Manager in the Offshore Patrol and Specialist Ships (OPSS) Branch, you will lead and deliver complex to very complex maritime capability projects that directly support Defence operational outcomes. Working under broad direction, you will collaborate across an integrated APS, ADF and industry workforce, contributing to the acquisition and transition of offshore patrol and specialist ship capabilities.
You will apply strong project and contract management expertise, combined with a sound understanding of Defence capability life cycle frameworks, governance and Commonwealth resource management requirements, to deliver outcomes in line with legislative, contractual and policy obligations. You will exercise professional judgement and leadership to manage risk and provide authoritative advice on matters with potential strategic, financial or operational impact.
In this role you will:
* Plan, lead and manage complex acquisition projects across the OPSS portfolio, ensuring delivery within approved scope, schedule, budget and quality parameters.
* Lead the day to day management of complex contracts, including head contracts and supporting commercial arrangements, ensuring value for money outcomes for Defence.
* Manage contractual relationships with industry partners, acting as an informed and professional interface between Defence and contractors.
* Apply knowledge of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs), Defence procurement policy and contract governance frameworks to ensure compliance, probity and assurance.
* Monitor and manage contract deliverables, milestones, performance metrics and payment schedules, identifying and addressing issues early.
* Identify and manage commercial and contractual risks, including claims, variations and disputes, and provide evidence based recommendations to senior stakeholders.
* Analyse contractor performance and cost drivers to support forecasting, budget management and assurance activities.
* Develop and maintain key project documentation, including project and contract management plans, schedules and risk registers.
* Provide high quality written and verbal advice to senior leaders and governance forums on project progress, contract performance and emerging risks.
* Build effective relationships with senior Defence stakeholders, legal, commercial and finance specialists, industry partners and external agencies.
* Support team capability uplift through mentoring and guidance, promoting best practice in project and contract management.
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 Offshore Patrol and Specialist Ships Branch contribute to continuous Naval Shipbuilding and support key enablers within the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan. The Branch is currently managing the acquisition of the Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels, Young Endeavour Replacement, Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats and a number of other complex minor vessel and littoral procurements.
Based in Canberra, the Branch has a diverse workforce of Australian Public Servants, ADF members and industry partners who work collaboratively to support continuous naval ship building through delivery of minor vessel programs and projects.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate is a high performing project management leader with experience delivering complex acquisition projects in a highly regulated environment. You lead multi-disciplinary teams across APS, ADF and industry, providing clear direction, setting strong expectations and driving performance to achieve Defence capability outcomes.
You have proven capability in managing project schedules, budgets, risks and resources, with a strong focus on contract and commercial management throughout the acquisition lifecycle. You apply sound judgement to manage contractor performance, deliverables and milestones, identify and mitigate commercial risks, and support contract variations and approvals in line with governance and procurement requirements.
You communicate with clarity and influence, build productive stakeholder relationships and provide high quality advice, briefs and reports to senior leaders and committees. You operate with professionalism and accountability, ensuring compliance with legislative, policy and probity obligations while delivering value for money acquisition outcomes for Defence.
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