The Role
The APS 6 Contract Management Officer operates under broad direction to deliver complex contract management activities within an integrated workforce. The role requires strong understanding of legislative frameworks, government decision making processes and Defence policies, ensuring all work is compliant and aligned with organisational priorities. With significant stakeholder engagement, the APS 6 works independently, exercising sound judgement, autonomy and accountability to achieve outcomes.
Key responsibilities include providing detailed contract management expertise, technical and professional advice, and partnering with finance to manage Outline Agreements and Purchase Orders. The role also contributes to strategic planning and program and project management. The role also serves as Deputy Lead for the HCF culture program, the APS6 plays a critical role in shaping team culture, supporting the EL 1 lead to coordinate priorities, drive cultural initiatives, deliver internal training, and champion behaviours that embed and enhance the positive cultural improvements underway across HCF.
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 Hunter Class Frigate (HCF) is one of the world’s most advanced warships, and the project is Australia’s largest shipbuilding project. The HCF program provides the foundation for Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and is bringing together global expertise from the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia to solve complex design and construction challenges.
The HCF program has introduced new approaches to Defence project and engineering management. Whilst built on traditional systems engineering and contract management approaches, Defence and the shipbuilding industry are evolving to meet the demands associated with growing and sustaining a skilled, sovereign workforce.
As a member of Team Hunter, you will be contributing to a high-impact, national capability, while fostering innovation and collaboration, and demonstrating decisive leadership. As an Australian Public Servant in Defence, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous conditions, and a competitive remuneration package, including 15.4% superannuation, as outlined in the Defence Enterprise Agreement.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate is an experienced contract management professional who provides sound commercial advice, supports policy and procurement activities, drafts strategic documentation, and confidently represents the team in frontline stakeholder engagement.
They will lead a small team and thrive in a dynamic, diverse environment requiring a number of key skills including:
* Engaging and negotiating with stakeholders, including project teams and subject matter experts, and responding to complex enquiries and contract issues.
* Delivering high-quality procurement and contract documentation such as correspondence, reports, plans, strategies, performance reviews and contract variations.
* Interpreting legislation, procurement policy and commercial risk to inform accurate, timely advice.
* Monitoring contract performance, managing risks and taking proactive action to ensure successful outcomes.
* Contributing to the HCF culture program by supporting key initiatives, including organising events such as the Health and Wellbeing Expo, assisting with internal training, and championing behaviours that strengthen and sustain positive cultural improvements.
Application Closing Date: Thursday 16 April 2026
For further information please review the job information pack, reference NSSG/01790/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=A5F529ED-24BA-DD38-2205-ECC4206C5A45