Contract Manager

About this role

The Role We are seeking high performing EL1 Contract Managers who thrive on new challenges, to undertake commercial and contract management work within the Maritime Sustainment Division.

An EL1 Contract Manager (CM) is a leader responsible for performing complex contract management work within an integrated Defence workforce. Under broad direction, the CM is accountable for leading contract management activities, managing risk and ensuring compliance to support business outcomes. The CM will exercise a high degree of independence, applying knowledge of legislative frameworks, decision making processes, and Defence policy to provide expert advice, solve complex issues, and manage sensitive matters with a strategic or operational impact. They lead teams, plan and manage resources, develop work plans, and drive continuous improvement in processes.

The role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to understand expectations, influence outcomes, and implement effective contracting methodologies. As a people leader, the CM builds a high performing, cohesive team and contributes to the ongoing professional development and improvement of their work area.

Please note that this is a bulk recruitment round, with the intent to establish a merit pool to enable MSD to recruit to positions as they become available.

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 Maritime Sustainment Division (MSD) operates within the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group delivering in-service support to Navy and Army along with delivering new capability to Government. MSD is embarking on transformational change to establish the Maritime Sustainment Model and ensure the organisation is able to respond to emerging demands and strategic priorities.

The EL1 Contract Managers work in various business units across MSD, including the Divisional Procurement and Contracting Team, System Program Offices and Regional Maintenance Centres, supporting the delivery of maritime sustainment outcomes through effective procurement and contract management.

We promote an inclusive culture that echoes Defence values – service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence; and are committed to ensuring our people feel appreciated, participate fully, and have access to tailored professionalised pathways. We are flexible and agile in our approach to work, encourage our staff to have a healthy work life balance, and offer access to training and development opportunities and mentoring and coaching services.

Our Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a highly capable and experienced commercial professional who brings strong leadership, strategic judgement and contract management expertise to the EL1 Contract Manager role. They can confidently lead a team, set strategic priorities, manage workflows and resources, and ensure high quality, timely outcomes across complex procurement and contracting activities. With an understanding of policies, legislation and commercial principles, they provide advice throughout the procurement lifecycle, including planning, tendering, contract formation and contract performance.

They demonstrate excellent analytical and risk management skills, are able to identify, evaluate and mitigate commercial, legal and operational risks while ensuring robust compliance and value for money outcomes. The ideal candidate can review complex and commercially sensitive correspondence, submissions and contract change proposals, providing clear, high level advice to support informed decision making. They lead the development of innovative contracting strategies, resolve complex issues and disputes, and engage collaboratively with stakeholders and subject matter experts to deliver strategic procurement solutions aligned with broader Defence objectives.

As a leader, they build and sustain productive working relationships, influence outcomes through strong communication and negotiation skills, and model Defence values in all interactions. They invest in developing their people by providing clear expectations, constructive feedback and mentoring, and they share their expertise to uplift capability across the team. The ideal candidate is proactive, adaptable and outcomes focused, committed to delivering effective contract management.