Commercial Manager

swaggie; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working options

Paid parental and partner leave

Defence reservist support

Structured training, mentoring, and to

Job summary

Empirical Solutions is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to provide procurement and contract management leadership across complex acquisition and sustainment programs. The role ensures contractual compliance, manages risk, and enables successful delivery outcomes through sound commercial strategy, negotiation, and governance within Commonwealth frameworks.

The ideal candidate will bring Defence or government experience and a strong understanding of procurement rules.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in procurement, contracting, and commercial management within Defence, government, or complex technical environments
• Strong understanding of Commonwealth procurement legislation and policy, including the PGPA Act, CPRs, and related frameworks
• Demonstrated experience managing ASDEFCON or equivalent contract suites
• Proven ability to lead negotiations, manage stakeholder relationships, and deliver outcomes under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and operate independently while contributing to a high-performing team

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of contracts for goods, services, and software — including ASDEFCON and equivalent frameworks
• Lead complex procurement activities and develop acquisition strategies, tender documentation, and evaluation reports
• Oversee contract changes, performance reviews, and negotiation of contract amendments
• Develop and implement contract management plans, approvals, and risk mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with governance, procurement, and probity requirements under Commonwealth frameworks
• Prepare submissions, internal briefs, and executive reports to support informed decision-making
• Lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders, coordinating representation at key contract meetings and workshops
• Mentor and develop commercial staff, contributing to capability uplift and continuous improvement
• Identify and manage commercial and contractual risks, providing timely and accurate advice to leadership teams
• Support audit, assurance, and compliance reviews as required

Skills

Procurement

Contract management

Risk management

Governance

Negotiation

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Education

Procurement/Contract Management/Business/Law degree

Tools

ASDEFCON

Job description

Join Empirical Solutions – Deliver Commercial Excellence That Enables Capability

Empirical Solutions is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to provide procurement and contract management leadership across complex acquisition and sustainment programs.

This position plays a key role in ensuring contractual compliance, managing risk, and enabling successful delivery outcomes through sound commercial strategy, negotiation, and governance. The ideal candidate will bring extensive Defence or government experience and a strong understanding of Commonwealth procurement frameworks.

What You’ll Be Doing

• As a Commercial Manager, you will:


• Manage the full lifecycle of contracts for goods, services, and software — including ASDEFCON and equivalent frameworks


• Lead complex procurement activities and develop acquisition strategies, tender documentation, and evaluation reports


• Oversee contract changes, performance reviews, and negotiation of contract amendments


• Develop and implement contract management plans, approvals, and risk mitigation strategies


• Ensure compliance with governance, procurement, and probity requirements under Commonwealth frameworks


• Prepare submissions, internal briefs, and executive reports to support informed decision-making


• Lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders, coordinating representation at key contract meetings and workshops


• Mentor and develop commercial staff, contributing to capability uplift and continuous improvement


• Identify and manage commercial and contractual risks, providing timely and accurate advice to leadership teams


• Support audit, assurance, and compliance reviews as required

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from professionals who bring:

• Significant experience in procurement, contracting, and commercial management within Defence, government, or complex technical environments


• Strong understanding of Commonwealth procurement legislation and policy, including the PGPA Act, Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs), and related frameworks


• Demonstrated experience managing ASDEFCON or equivalent contract suites


• Proven ability to lead negotiations, manage stakeholder relationships, and deliver outcomes under pressure


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Ability to manage competing priorities and operate independently while contributing to a high-performing team

Qualifications & Certifications

• Tertiary qualification in Procurement, Contract Management, Business, Commerce, or Law


• Formal procurement or contracting certification (e.g. MCIPS, AIPMM, or equivalent) desirable


• Current or eligible security clearance (NV1 or equivalent)

Why Empirical Solutions?

Empirical Solutions is a veteran-owned Australian company delivering engineering, project management, and consulting excellence to strengthen national capability. We operate at the intersection of technical precision, strategic vision, and service-minded delivery.

We offer our team:

• Flexible/hybrid working options


• Paid parental and partner leave


• Defence reservist support


• Structured training, mentoring, and career development pathways