Defence Contracts Specialist Location: Melbourne Duration: 6 months Clearance: NV1 Cleared About the Role: Our client is seeking a high-calibre Defence Contracts Specialist to lead the commercial and contract strategy on a major Defence engagement. This position will take ownership of all aspects of contracting, including drafting, negotiation, compliance, and risk management, ensuring alignment with Defence standards and contractual obligations. Key Responsibilities: Lead contract drafting, review, and negotiation for suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring conformance with Defence contracting templates and clauses. Establish a contracts governance framework, including registers, milestone tracking, and change control. Ensure full compliance with regulations across security, IP, performance, audit, and risk. Engage directly with stakeholders, as well as internal teams, to clarify obligations and resolve issues. Enhance or implement contract management processes, policies, and templates tailored to Defence requirements. Monitor contract performance, prepare regular reports, and manage contract close-out processes. Required Experience and Skills: Extensive experience in Defence contracting. Strong commercial and legal acumen in contract risk, negotiation, and performance management. Proven capability in governance, compliance, and change control processes. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, both internal and external. Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. ERP SAP experience preferred but not essential. Must hold or be eligible for NV1 security clearance.