Commercial Contracting Support Officer

First Nations Jobs; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Downer Professional Services is seeking a Commercial Officer to support a LAND Program based in Canberra. You’ll manage commercial and contract activities, work with Defence stakeholders, suppliers and project teams to drive outcomes within Commonwealth and Defence frameworks.

Applicants should have substantial defence commercial experience, CPR/ASDEFCON knowledge, and the ability to influence across multi-disciplinary teams. Security clearances may be required.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in Commercial Management, Contract Management or Procurement within Defence or similar environments.
• Experience applying CPRs and procurement rules in Defence or Commonwealth settings.
• Experience with ASDEFCON suite and contract documentation.
• Ability to manage risk, prepare reports and supply contract change proposals.

Responsibilities

• Support contract management activities, supplier performance reviews and governance.
• Develop and review procurement and contracting documentation using ASDEFCON.
• Provide commercial advice, risk assessments, reports and recommendations.
• Build relationships with Defence, industry and project stakeholders.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract management

Procurement

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Communication skills

Job description

Support critical Defence acquisitions through commercial strategy, complex procurements and contract management

Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia's future.

Help Deliver Critical Defence Capability

Join Downer Professional Services (DPS) and play a key role in supporting one of Defence's most significant Command, Control and Communications capability programs.

Downer Professional Services comprises of three business units our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer, which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defence and National Security.

We are currently seeking an experienced Commercial Officer to support a LAND Program based in Canberra. Working alongside Defence stakeholders, suppliers and project teams, you will help drive commercial outcomes that support the delivery of critical Army capability.

What You'll Do

As a Commercial Officer, you will play a key role in managing commercial and contract activities that support a LAND Program. Working closely with Defence stakeholders, suppliers and project teams, you'll help ensure contracts are effectively managed, supplier performance is monitored, and procurement activities are delivered in accordance with Commonwealth and Defence frameworks.

This is an opportunity to apply your commercial expertise in a complex Defence environment, supporting procurement, contract performance, risk management and governance activities across a major Army capability program. You'll contribute to strategic decision-making while building strong relationships across Defence and industry to drive successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support contract management activities, supplier performance reviews, contract variations and ongoing commercial governance of a strategic Defence contract.
• Develop and review procurement and contracting documentation using the ASDEFCON suite, ensuring compliance with Commonwealth and Defence procurement frameworks.
• Provide commercial advice, risk assessments, reports and recommendations to support informed decision-making and project outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with Defence, industry and project stakeholders while supporting procurement, performance management and contract compliance activities.

What You’ll Bring

You are a highly organised commercial professional who thrives in complex environments, thinks critically and enjoys solving challenging problems while balancing competing priorities.

Essential Experience

• Substantial experience in Commercial Management, Contract Management or Procurement within Defence, Government or similarly complex environments.
• Demonstrated experience applying Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) and supporting procurement and contract management activities in a Defence or Commonwealth setting.
• Proven experience developing, reviewing and managing procurement and contracting documentation using the ASDEFCON suite.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage risk, provide contract and procurement advice, and develop commercially sensitive reports, submissions and contract change proposals.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence outcomes and work effectively across complex multi-disciplinary teams.
• Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain an AGSVA Security clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain an AGSVA Security clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement.

More than anything, you'll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Why Downer Professional Services

At Downer Professional Services, we’re not just a workplace - we’re a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country’s only sovereign prime, we’re committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia's interests.

What is means to belong at Downer Professional Services

• Meaningful work: Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future.
• Professional development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice.
• Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Perks@Downer.
• Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post-service.

You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.

A member of our staff is ready to help you with any questions you may have.