Director Research Contracts And Agreements

• The EL 2 Director is accountable for leading a Directorate responsible for the provision of contracting advice and implementation of Research Contracts and related agreements for the Defence Organisation. 
• The Director is responsible for maintaining an effective and efficient contract drafting and implementation framework that is in line with departmental and Commonwealth procurement policies and regulations. 
• It is expected that the Director will leverage their experience in managing contracting/procurement teams to continually improve and refine the processes of the Directorate as required.
• This role has a primary focus on contract drafting, negotiation and implementation, with a secondary focus on providing contract management advice to stakeholders. 
• Requires a deep understanding of the early stages of the procurement process. Specifically, the Director will apply their knowledge and experience in project planning, contract drafting and negotiation to lead a team of commercial professionals and provide support as required.
• Experience in building and managing teams is critical for this role, it will provide the opportunity to consolidate previous leadership experience to further develop a team in a challenging and rewarding environment networked across multiple parts of Defence. 
• Stakeholder management is central to the role, with a high volume of interaction and engagement with senior representatives from internal and external entities.
• Under broad direction, the successful candidate will report to the Executive Director of Partnerships Branch.

About our Team

The Defence Research Contracts & Agreements Directorate (RCAT) supports research procurements by implementing Contracts and Agreements that support Defence’s Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) objectives. The team provides commercial and contracting services to all areas of the Defence Organisation.

RCAT is a part of DSTG’s Science Partnerships Branch and is made up of commercial professionals with considerable experience in both traditional Defence procurement and contracting domains, as well as research-specific enterprises.

RCAT provides complex commercial advice and support to Defence officials seeking to contract external partners for IS&T activities. It works closely with specialist areas within Defence (including procurement, partnering, security, commercialisation and legal) to ensure the advice is robust and complies with Defence and Commonwealth policies and regulations that are applicable to contracting for IS&T.

Our Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have proven ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners at all levels within a science and technology research environment.

The successful candidate will be able to earn the trust of a range of internal and external stakeholders by demonstrating passion, commitment and an understanding of the complexities and operating challenges of stakeholders, with a particular focus on commercial aspects.

Your competency in the following areas is distinctly advantageous:

• The role requires an innovative and self-motivated person with exceptional influencing, communication representational and relationship management skills and the initiative to make a difference.
• Experience in leading and managing highly qualified and experienced people in a commercial domain.
• Extensive knowledge of research and collaboration frameworks, legislative frameworks and an understanding of government decision-making processes and policies of relevance to Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy.
• An awareness of collaboration challenges between industry, universities and government agencies.
• Experience in negotiating a wide range of collaboration and Research Contracts and related agreements across organisational boundaries.
• The demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with key senior stakeholders in Defence Science, Government and the Australian innovation system.
• A good understanding of procurement, ideally applied in a large and/or government organisation.
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline(s).

Application Closing Date: Thursday 13 June, 2024

The primary role of Defence is to defend Australia against armed attack.

Australia's defence policy is founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct defence of Australia, but with a capacity to do more where there are shared interests with partners and allies.

Strategic Direction

The Defence White Paper was released on 25 February 2016 together with an Integrated Investment Program and Defence Industry Policy Statement.

Defence White Papers are the Government's most important guidance about Australia's long-term defence capability. They provide an opportunity for the Government and community to understand the the opportunities and challenges for Australia's future defence and security needs.

The White Paper provides a strategy aligned with capability and resources to deliver a future force that is more capable, agile and potent and ready to respond to future challenges.

Source: This is an extract from the company's own website.

Role

The primary role of Defence is to defend Australia against armed attack.

Australia's defence policy is founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct defence of Australia, but with a capacity to do more where there are shared interests with partners and allies.

Strategic Direction

The Defence White Paper was released on 25 February 2016 together with an Integrated Investment Program and Defence Industry Policy Statement.

Defence White Papers are the Government's most important guidance about Australia's long-term defence capability. They provide an opportunity for the Government and community to understand the the opportunities and challenges for Australia's future defence and security needs.

The White Paper provides a strategy aligned with capability and resources to deliver a future force that is more capable, agile and potent and ready to respond to future challenges.

Source: This is an extract from the company's own website.

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