As a Commercial Graduate in Defence, you'll be enabling the delivery some of the most exciting,
complex and challenging projects in Australia. This is your opportunity to drive meaningful and
impactful outcomes that directly support Australia's national security.
From ships, tanks and fighter jets to the infrastructure and services that support Defence personnel, our
commercial specialists are behind it all. As a Commercial Graduate, you'll help source, purchase and
manage the contracts that deliver critical capability to Defence. Whether supporting operations
overseas or strengthening our presence at home, your work will support the Australian Defence Force
(ADF) and ensure mission success.
In a rapidly evolving strategic environment, Defence needs bold, solutions-focused thinkers; and that's
where you come in. As a Commercial Graduate, you'll be part of a high performing team that's
driving transformational change, challenging the status quo, strengthening decision-making, enhancing industry engagement, and delivering value-for-money outcomes for the Australian taxpayer. You'll gain hands-on experience contributing to strategic planning, negotiations, contract management and more, while helping accelerate capability delivery in a rapidly evolving environment. These aren't just tasks, they're opportunities to build your expertise, influence decisions, and make a genuine difference from the very start of your career.
We'll help you build your career in Commercial with formal training, hands-on experience, and
support to grow your skills. You'll connect with inspiring colleagues and leaders while building a
strong professional network across Defence. As part of Defence's Commercial function, you'll be
embedded across Groups and Services, giving you unmatched exposure to diverse and high-impact
opportunities. Whether you're working with Navy, Army, Air Force or enabling Groups, you'll be part
of a dynamic environment where your ideas matter and your growth is supported.
We're looking for graduates who are innovative, critical thinkers; people who thrive in collaboration,
bring fresh ideas, and embody trustworthiness and integrity in everything they do.
What You’ll Gain:
* Experience contributing to strategic planning, negotiations and contract management
* Support from a strong professional network to grow your skills
* Opportunity to be embedded across a diverse range of work areas
All while in a supportive environment designed to grow your career.
Scope of Opportunities:
Defence offers graduates broad exposure across various commercial functions, including:
* Commercial and Acquisition Strategy: Support the design, planning and delivery of strategies for major Defence procurements and long-term capability investments.
* Procurement Processes: Assist with tender development, sourcing activities, market research, supplier engagement and evaluation processes.
* Pricing and Cost Analysis: Contribute to financial assessments, cost modelling and value for money evaluations across complex projects.
* Contract Management: Help manage the performance, risk, compliance and delivery of contracts that support Defence capability.
* Category Management: Support strategic management of key spending categories across the Defence enterprise.
* Purchasing and Supply Delivery: Assist with sourcing essential goods and services that enable ADF operations, training, sustainment and estate management.
* Commercial Governance and Compliance: Balance legislative and policy requirements with Defence’s operational needs, strengthening decision making and accountability.
* Logistics and Supply Chain Support: Work with logistics teams to support Defence supply chains, sustainment activities, and operational readiness.
Eligibility
Applicants for the Business Services and Policy Pathway must:
* Be an Australian Citizen
* Have completed at minimum an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor Degree), or higher equivalent between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2026.
* Be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance.
Salary
All successful candidates will commence the Graduate Program on a salary of $81,868 plus 15.4% superannuation.
Upon successful completion of the program, including satisfying all training requirements, you will have the opportunity to progress to the base of the APS Level 5 classification, setting you up for a rewarding career in Defence. Defence’s generous remuneration package, flexibility and leave benefits contribute to a happy work/life balance.
Location
Roles may be offered in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Duration
The Defence Graduate Program is a 12-month development opportunity designed to launch your career in the Australian Public Service (APS).