Commercial Manager

thales; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Super

Bonus

Medical Insurance

Hybrid work

Gym discounts

Employee discounts

Paid parental leave

Veterans leave

Novated lease

Family support

Job summary

Thales Australia is seeking a Commercial Manager to provide strategic commercial guidance across sustainment contracts, partnering with Project and Bid teams to land negotiation outcomes that protect delivery and margin. You will own contract governance, manage IP and technology risk, and act as the commercial voice in program reviews, guiding senior stakeholders through complex commercial decisions.

A background in defence contracts and ASDEFCON knowledge is essential, with eligibility for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or similar in Commerce, Engineering, Law, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated track record managing complex defence contracts, backed by deep sustainment or through-life support industry experience
• Must have strong working knowledge of ASDEFCON contract framework and bid negotiation
• Advanced negotiation, analytical and financial acumen, comfortable in operating at pace on high-value, high risk agreements
• Sound commercial judgement across project delivery, contract law and pricing strategy
• Eligible for Defence Security Clearance (Baseline or above).

Responsibilities

• Drive commercial strategy across major sustainment contracts, shaping negotiation positions that protect delivery, margin, and long-term client relationships.
• Lead resolution of complex contractual and commercial disputes, including claims management, to minimise risk exposure and keep programs on track.
• Partner with Bid and Project Managers as the senior commercial authority, shaping solutions, pricing strategy, and risk positioning from opportunity through to delivery.
• Act as the trusted commercial advisor to business stakeholders, translating contractual complexity into clear, decisive guidance for program leadership.
• Own end-to-end contract governance, ensuring compliance and audit-readiness across a portfolio of high-value, long-running agreements.
• Hold Project Managers accountable to milestone and contractual commitments, intervening early where delivery risk threatens contract performance.
• Maintain commercial data integrity and reporting rigour, giving leadership accurate visibility into contract health and KPI performance.

Education

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

Job description

YOUR BENEFITS

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Free Medical Insurance.
• ThalesFlex - Hybrid work environment.
• 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.
• Veterans Leave.
• Novated Lease options.
• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work.

YOUR ROLE

As Commercial Manager, you'll provide strategic commercial guidance across our key sustainment contracts, working hand-in-glove with Project and Bid teams to land negotiation outcomes that protect both delivery and margin.

You'll own contract compliance, manage IP and technology risk, and be the commercial voice in project status reviews, trusted to make the calls that keep complex, long-running programs on track.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive commercial strategy across major sustainment contracts, shaping negotiation positions that protect delivery, margin, and long-term client relationships.
• Lead resolution of complex contractual and commercial disputes, including claims management, to minimise risk exposure and keep programs on track.
• Partner with Bid and Project Managers as the senior commercial authority, shaping solutions, pricing strategy, and risk positioning from opportunity through to delivery.
• Act as the trusted commercial advisor to business stakeholders, translating contractual complexity into clear, decisive guidance for program leadership.
• Own end-to-end contract governance, ensuring compliance and audit-readiness across a portfolio of high-value, long-running agreements.
• Hold Project Managers accountable to milestone and contractual commitments, intervening early where delivery risk threatens contract performance.
• Maintain commercial data integrity and reporting rigour, giving leadership accurate visibility into contract health and KPI performance.

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

• Bachelor's degree or similar in Commerce, Engineering, Law, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated track record managing complex defence contracts, backed by deep sustainment or through-life support industry experience
• Must have strong working knowledge of ASDEFCON contract framework and bid negotiation
• Advanced negotiation, analytical and financial acumen, comfortable in operating at pace on high-value, high risk agreements
• Sound commercial judgement across project delivery, contract law and pricing strategy
• Eligible for Defence Security Clearance (Baseline or above).

Good to Know

A 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.

The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are 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.

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