Contracting Manager

Contracting Manager - (Multiple Positions)

$115,899 - $130,733 (EL 1) + Super + BDCP

Edinburgh - SA; Fishermans Bend - VIC

The Role

This Team provides the commercial and contracting function for support to research, science and technology outcomes required by the Australian Defence Force to protect Australia and its national interests. The EL1 Contracting Officer is accountable under broad direction, for providing contractual and procurement advice from within a commercial contracts team within the Defence Science and Technology Group. Additionally, you will be responsible for implementation of Research Contracts and Agreements with oversight and support by Director and Assistant Director Research Contracts and Agreements. 

This role will provide the opportunity to consolidate previous working knowledge within a commercial environment and will allow the opportunity to demonstrate diplomacy in negotiating with high-level clients. 

The ideal candidate will provide effective contracting and commercial support and stakeholder engagement to Defence. The role is suited to highly organised, pro-active and personable individuals who enjoy working with a high degree of responsibility.

The additional payment is a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP) which enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the rate of salary otherwise payable under the Enterprise Agreement (EA) to some or all of the jobs within a critical occupation(s) or discipline within a workplace. Applicants engaged into a BDCP position must consider the following. BDCPs provide remuneration in addition to the Defence Enterprise Agreement (EA). This arrangement is subject to meeting eligibility criteria and is subject to annual review. Should your performance fall beyond requirements or the eligibility criteria not be met, your eligibility for the BDCP may be reviewed and ceased. It may also be ceased should you change positions or the requirement for the BDCP is no longer necessary, as determined by Defence. Should the BDCP be ceased you will be advised and your BDCP additional payment will cease.

About our Team

Within the Science Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Division of the Defence Science and Technology Group, the Research Contracts and Agreements Team supports Defence through the provision of high-level contracting and commercial support to draft, negotiate and implement Research contracts and agreements in support of the national interest. Working with Defence and Commonwealth procurement policies and procedures, the team works seamlessly as an integrated unit comprised of civilian APS and contractor team members, supporting the entire Australian Defence Organisation to deliver efficient and effective contracting support to science and technology research outcomes.  

This is a unique opportunity to work in a challenging role that contributes to the national interest. The team comprises high-quality and high-performing personnel with diverse backgrounds and experience who embody Defence and Australian Public Service values and work every day with a commercial and procurement mindset. 

We offer flexible working arrangements and a range of formal and informal professional development opportunities.

Our Ideal Candidate

Under broad direction, the successful candidate will be accountable to the Director and Assistant Director Research Contracts and Agreements. The EL 1 Contracting Officer will provide effective contracting and commercial expertise, and support and stakeholder engagement to Defence. 

The role is suited to highly organised, proactive and personable individuals who enjoy working with high-level responsibility in an at times high-tempo environment. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a commercial environment with contractual mechanisms while being open to learning about new processes, which are unique to this organisation. The ideal candidate will be resilient, capable and resourceful while producing superior work outputs in an effective and efficient manner. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working across technological means where face-to-face interaction is not possible. While a working knowledge within Government, universities or other education or technology focused organisations is desirable, full training will be given in a supportive environment. 

Your competency in the following areas is distinctly advantageous:

• Defence/Government Procurement policies and procedures;
• Contract/Agreement drafting;
• Provision of Commercial advice;
• Confident interpersonal skills on phone, online conferencing and email;
• A flexible, diplomatic and personable approach to working with stakeholders across a diverse range of stakeholders across all areas of Defence; and
• Ability to understand, analyse and identify solutions to complex contracts and commercial queries and identify matters that require escalation to senior team members.

Application Closing Date: Monday 22 April, 2024

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DSTG/02667/24 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=6B41471D-E92A-B4A3-0198-DA930B35E187