Commercial Officer

NORSTA Maritime; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

NORSTA Maritime in Cairns is seeking a motivated Commercial Officer to join our Commercial team. This role offers hands-on exposure to contract administration, commercial operations and Defence maritime projects.

You may be a recent graduate or have some early administration experience; curiosity, attention to detail and a willingness to learn are valued traits. Join a rapidly growing provider supporting Royal Australian Navy vessel sustainment in Far North Queensland, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Experience in administration or business support roles.
• Good written communication and document preparation skills.
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Maintain contract records, registers and controlled documents.
• Track contractual obligations, deliverables and deadlines.
• Support contract changes and variations.
• Prepare correspondence, reports and other commercial documentation.
• Follow up actions and help stakeholders meet required timeframes.
• Assist with identifying and escalating commercial risks and issues.
• Support procurement, governance and compliance activities.
• Contribute ideas to improve processes and efficiency.
• Undertake Security Officer training and provide occasional support in this area.

Skills

Administration experience

Written communication

Prioritisation & time management

Stakeholder engagement

Proactive & detail‑oriented

Education

Business/commerce/contract management-related degree or diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Ready to turn your business skills and commercial curiosity into a career?

Join NORSTA Maritime and gain hands-on experience in contract administration, commercial operations and Australia’s Defence maritime industry.

Launch YOUR Brilliant Career

Ready to turn your business skills and commercial curiosity into a career?

Join NORSTA Maritime and gain hands-on experience in contract administration, commercial operations and Australia’s Defence maritime industry.

WHO WE ARE

NORSTA Maritime supports the maintenance and sustainment of Royal Australian Navy vessels operating across Far North Queensland and surrounding waters.

As the Regional Maintenance Provider for the Regional Maintenance Centre North-East, we bring together the planning, commercial coordination, technical expertise and quality assurance needed to keep important maritime maintenance projects moving.

NORSTA is growing rapidly as demand for our services increases and additional vessel platforms come into our program. For someone beginning their commercial career, this creates an opportunity to learn within an expanding business, work alongside experienced professionals and gain valuable exposure to the Defence and maritime industries.

ABOUT THE COMMERCIAL OFFICER ROLE

Are you organised, commercially curious and ready to build a career in an industry that matters?

NORSTA is looking for a motivated Commercial Officer to join our Commercial team in Cairns. This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging professional who wants to develop practical experience in contract administration, commercial operations and the Defence maritime sector.

You might be a recent business graduate, nearing completion of your studies, hold a relevant diploma, or have gained some early experience in administration, procurement, project support or commercial services. More important than having years of experience is your willingness to learn, attention to detail and determination to get things done properly.

Working alongside experienced commercial professionals, you will gain exposure to complex contracts, Defence requirements and the commercial activities supporting the delivery of maritime sustainment services.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

You will help keep NORSTA’s commercial and contractual activities organised, accurate and moving forward. Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining contract records, registers and controlled documents
• Tracking contractual obligations, deliverables and deadlines
• Supporting contract changes and variations
• Preparing correspondence, reports and other commercial documentation
• Following up actions and helping stakeholders meet required timeframes
• Assisting with the identification and escalation of commercial risks and issues
• Supporting procurement, governance and compliance activities
• Contributing ideas that improve processes and business efficiency
• Undertaking Security Officer training and providing occasional support in this area

ABOUT YOU

You are likely to be someone who takes pride in being organised, notices the details others miss and enjoys learning how a business works.

You will bring:

• Some experience in administration, business support, procurement, project coordination or a similar environment
• Strong written communication and document-preparation skills
• Confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Good judgement and discretion when handling sensitive information
• A professional and helpful approach to working with different stakeholders
• Initiative, reliability and the confidence to ask questions when something is unclear
• A genuine interest in developing a career in commercial or contract management

A qualification, or current study, in business, commerce, procurement, supply chain, contract management or a related field would be highly regarded. Familiarity with Commonwealth contracting, AUSDEFCON, Defence or another regulated industry would be an advantage, but it is not essential. We are prepared to support and develop the right person develop this knowledge.

WHY JOIN US?

This is more than an administrative position. It is an opportunity to learn how major commercial and contractual arrangements operate within Australia’s Defence maritime environment.

You will:

• Learn from experienced commercial and industry professionals
• Develop practical skills in contracts, procurement, governance and reporting
• Gain exposure to the Defence and maritime sectors
• Work across a variety of commercial activities and stakeholder groups
• Build a strong foundation for future roles in commercial management, contracts, procurement or project delivery
• Contribute to work that supports an important Australian maritime capabilities

As an equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women and Defence Force Veterans. We recognise the unique contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to our organization, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that honors and celebrates their cultures, histories, and knowledge.