Commercial Manager

Thales; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

Veterans Leave

Fitness Passport Discount

Employee discounts

Modernised Paid Parental Leave

Novated Lease options

Parental/Family support initiatives

Personal & professional training and发展

Wellbeing & Support Partner

Job summary

Thales Australia seeks an experienced Commercial Manager to lead our Munitions Contracts Management team and collaborate with business leaders to secure strong commercial outcomes across contracts, bids and programs.

This role balances strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, driving risk management, contract governance and stakeholder engagement. Based in Canberra or Melbourne, it offers hybrid work arrangements and a pathway to contribute to Defence programs.

Qualifications

• Degree in Law, Commerce, Business, Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in commercial, contracts or project environments within Defence, manufacturing, engineering or similarly complex industries.
• Experience leading, mentoring or developing commercial and contracts professionals.
• Strong knowledge of contract management principles, including ASDEFCON frameworks.
• Well-developed negotiation, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Sound commercial judgement balancing risk, customer needs and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing a team of Contracts Managers, supporting their growth and creating a collaborative, high-performing environment.
• Providing commercial guidance and practical advice to Program Managers, Project Managers and business leaders.
• Supporting the delivery of key Defence programs by ensuring sound commercial outcomes throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Leading contract negotiations with customers, suppliers and industry partners.
• Managing contractual risks, claims and commercial issues while working collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes.
• Partnering with Bid and Project teams to develop commercial strategies for new opportunities and ongoing programs.
• Ensuring contract governance, compliance and reporting requirements are met.
• Supporting the management of intellectual property, export controls and other contractual obligations.
• Contributing as a member of the Munitions Leadership Team to help deliver business objectives and future growth opportunities.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Contract management

Leadership/mentoring

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law, Commerce, Business, Engineering or related discipline

Tools

ASDEFCON frameworks

Job description

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

At Thales, we’re proud to deliver critical Defence capability that helps keep Australia safe. Within our Munitions business, you’ll join a team supporting some of Australia’s most important Defence programs, while helping shape future opportunities across Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO), advanced manufacturing and international markets.

We’re looking for an experienced Commercial Manager to lead our Munitions Contracts Management team and partner closely with leaders across the business to achieve strong commercial outcomes.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing strategy with hands‑on commercial leadership.

You’ll work across a diverse portfolio of contracts, bids and projects, helping teams navigate complexity, manage risk and build strong customer and stakeholder relationships.

Working from the Nation’s Capital, Canberra, on Ngunnawal land or from our Melbourne Office in the World Trade Centre on Wurundjeri land, your role purpose will be –

• Leading and developing a team of Contracts Managers, supporting their growth and creating a collaborative, high‑performing environment.

• Providing commercial guidance and practical advice to Program Managers, Project Managers and business leaders.

• Supporting the delivery of key Defence programs by ensuring sound commercial outcomes throughout the contract lifecycle.

• Leading contract negotiations with customers, suppliers and industry partners.

• Managing contractual risks, claims and commercial issues while working collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes.

• Partnering with Bid and Project teams to develop commercial strategies for new opportunities and ongoing programs.

• Ensuring contract governance, compliance and reporting requirements are met.

• Supporting the management of intellectual property, export controls and other contractual obligations.

• Contributing as a member of the Munitions Leadership Team to help deliver business objectives and future growth opportunities.

On day one in this role, we’ll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:

• A degree in Law, Commerce, Business, Engineering or a related discipline.

• Experience in commercial, contracts or project environments within Defence, manufacturing, engineering or similarly complex industries.

• Experience leading, mentoring or developing commercial and contracts professionals.

• Strong knowledge of contract management principles, including experience working with ASDEFCON frameworks.

• Well‑developed negotiation, stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building skills.

• Sound commercial judgement and the ability to balance risk, customer needs and business objectives.

• A collaborative approach and a genuine desire to support teams and provide broader business success.

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Recognised leader in reservist employee support

• Veterans Leave

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

• Access to a network of the best people (A Noble Prize winner on our staff list!)

• And much more!

Good to Know

A NV 1 Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.
Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/.

In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role.

The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.
Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre‑employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right –no matter your background or personal circumstances –please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.