The key duties of the position include:The RoleThe Contract Management Officers will work closely with other team members in the Submarines Division in undertaking contract management, administrative and other support tasks associated with contracts managed by Collins and Combat Submarine program.
Specifically this may include the following:
Assisting with strategy development and planning;
Developing and issuing tenders and requests for quotation;
Managing contract negotiations;
Developing and implementing contract changes;
Raising and/or amending contract change proposals and purchase orders;
Conducting contract performance reviews;
Reviewing and approving payment of invoices; and
Conducting contract governance and reporting activities.
The APS 6 Contract Management Officers may also supervise other APS, ADF and contracted service provider personnel involved in the performance of these and similar tasks. The APS 6 Contract Management Officers will be assigned specific responsibilities that may include any of the projects, platforms, systems and equipment supported by Submarines Division.Key Activities:
Accountable for procurement planning, tendering and contract formation and contract management activities. Always ensuring compliance with legislations, procurement policies, processed and procedures;
Provide guidance, advice and services during the procurement lifecycle on contracting activities including coordination of legal and financial services;
Engaging and negotiating with stakeholders and responding to complex enquiries and contract management issues. Always taking the initiative to identify alternative courses of action when necessary;
Understand and provide advice on commercial risk, legal principles and contractual performance requirements;
Draft and review contracting correspondence including complex, commercially sensitive reports, submissions, contract change proposals and other documents as required;
Monitor and manage contract administration, performance and risks against the contract and contribute appropriate action; and
Build and sustain productive relationships with supervisors, staff and team members and participate in team work activities.
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 Agreement (DEA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer. Please Note: These positions will be required to access US export controlled materiel and therefore applicants will be requested to disclose any dual citizenship with another country during the recruitment process. Dual citizens may be subject to further assessment and appointment to this position will be conditional upon approval to access US controlled export material in accordance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
About our TeamSubmarines Division is a Division within the Department of Defence’s Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group. The Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group is charged with delivering naval shipbuilding and sustainment to the relevant capability managers (primarily Navy), and is also the Capability Manager for Continuous Naval Shipbuilding.
Submarines Division exists to deliver an enduring, potent and agile submarine capability vital to Australia’s national security.
This purpose applies equally to Australia’s submarine themselves, to the Navy that operates them, to the administration that sustains them, and to the sovereign industry base that supports them.
Being enduring, Submarines Division either leads or supports delivery of all aspects of the continuum of Australia’s submarine capability
The workforce has a presence in Canberra (ACT), Adelaide (SA), HMAS Stirling (WA), Washington DC and Newport, RI (USA).The Commercial team is part of the Submarines Division. Submarines Division exists to deliver an enduring, potent and agile submarine capability vital to Australia’s national security.
The team ensures all drafting, reviewing, negotiating, executing, and ensuring compliance with contractual agreements are in place for Submarines Division. The Commercial team work to identify and manage risks appropriately, ensure that contracts align with Department of Defence policy and provide successful compliance.
We manage the relationships between a range of different stakeholders parties involved in the contracts process, including senior leaders, other submarines personnel, Defence Material Procurement Branch, Defence legal branch and industry.
The Submarine capability we deliver includes the submarines themselves, their support systems and the associated sovereign industrial base. Our contribution to delivery of submarine capability spans:
Submarine sustainment – including Collins sustainment, life-of-type extension, and nuclear-powered submarine sustainment;
Selected capability enhancements, submarine combat systems and spiral development of MK48 weight torpedo; and
Submarine rescue and intervention.
Our Ideal CandidateThe Contract Management Officer will be highly motivated self-starting and competent with a successful track record performing in similar role(s). They will:
Have a strong background in complex commercial transactions and policy, procurement and contract management. In particular, the successful candidate will be a clear thinker, an effective communicator and have a strong ability to resolve competing priorities and advising stakeholders accordingly;
Good leadership and effective communication skills, and be able to develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with a wide range of key stakeholders with a strong focus on working as part of a team;
Have solid commercial acumen with a demonstrated understanding of contract fundamentals and supplier relationship management;
Have experience in procurement and well developed administrative skills;
Able to manage competing priorities in a work environment, often under time pressures;
Be effective in communicating and managing stakeholder in achieving outcomes;
Understanding and applying legal principles, legislative and mandatory policy compliance obligations and critical commercial risk and performance requirements;
Be a critical thinker, skilled listener and effective communicator;
Trustworthy, transparent and have the highest level of integrity; and
Be confident and professional when engaging with all stakeholders.
EligibilitySecurity ClearanceApplicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance of 'Negative Vetting 1'.
Getting to know the Department of DefenceThe Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers