This is a unique chance for an experienced APS6 Contracting Officer to support the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), contributing to a nationally significant defence initiative that will shape Australia’s security, workforce, industrial capability and supply chains for decades to come.
You will join a fast-paced, high-profile environment where your procurement and contracting expertise will directly support complex, strategically significant outcomes across the nuclear-powered submarine program.
About the Role
Working within the Australian Submarine Agency environment, the APS6 Contracting Officer is accountable (under broad direction and with a high degree of autonomy) for providing specialist procurement and contracting advice and end-to-end support across procurement planning, market approaches, contract establishment and contract management.
The acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is an historic and transformative endeavour for Australia. This whole-of-nation effort will strengthen Australia’s national security and deliver lasting economic and industrial benefits for generations to come.
In this role, you will manage complex procurement and contract management activities while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies and the Commonwealth procurement framework. You will provide practical, risk-informed commercial advice and develop solutions to complex procurement challenges.
About the Team
The Commercial Branch delivers end-to-end procurement, contracting and commercial support across the Australian Submarine Agency, enabling the successful delivery of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program.
You will join a professional and collaborative team that values innovation, integrity and continuous improvement, and works closely with stakeholders across the Agency to deliver compliant, value-for-money, strategically aligned procurement outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for supporting and delivering procurement and contracting outcomes, including:
- Providing specialist procurement and contracting advice to support complex, strategically significant outcomes
- Supporting procurement planning and commercial strategy development
- Drafting approaches to market, supporting evaluations, and contributing to negotiations through to contract execution
- Managing contract formation and ongoing contract management activities
- Reviewing contract change proposals and commercial deliverables, and advising on performance outcomes
- Identifying, assessing and advising on commercial risks and contractual matters
- Providing practical, policy-aligned advice across procurement legislation, frameworks and best practice
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, and engaging with legal and finance advisers as required
- Supporting capability uplift and continuous improvement across procurement/commercial practices
You will demonstrate:
- Experience managing complex procurements end-to-end (strategy, approach to market, evaluation, negotiation, contract execution)
- Experience providing commercial support across contract management (performance, change, remediation)
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and sound judgement
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to tailor advice for different audiences
- Ability to work strategically in a sensitive, fast-paced environment with competing priorities
- Proven ability to build and sustain effective stakeholder relationships
- Adaptability, resilience and flexibility in a changing environment
- Sound understanding of the Commonwealth Procurement Framework
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) security clearance.
Location / Work Arrangement
- Locations may include: Canberra ACT, Melbourne VIC, Port Adelaide SA, Rockingham WA
- On-site work arrangements apply, with flexibility considered in line with operational and business requirements
If you are an experienced procurement and contracting professional seeking to contribute to a once-in-a-lifetime national program, we encourage you to apply today.
At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse individuals, people living with a disability, and the LGBTIQA+ community. You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at: https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.
