Commercial Support Manager

Australian Department of Defence; Port Stephens; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BDCP

Job summary

The Australian Department of Defence – Williamtown NSW is seeking a Commercial Support Manager to lead complex contract management activities and deliver strategic commercial advice across ASCISPO capability programs.

You will contribute to commercial governance, assurance, procurement and contract management functions while ensuring compliance with Defence policy and contractual obligations, with BDCP eligibility as an additional remuneration pathway.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex contracts and delivering commercial outcomes.
• Strong understanding of procurement and governance principles.
• Ability to provide strategic commercial advice to executives and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to identify risks and opportunities and develop mitigation strategies.
• Experience mentoring staff in contract management capability.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial advice and support to contract managers and project personnel.
• Maintain commercial governance frameworks, policies, templates and guidance.
• Monitor and report on contractual obligations and performance.
• Identify commercial risks and contract changes and develop mitigation strategies.
• Mentor staff and contribute to building commercial capability within ASCISPO.

Skills

Contract management

Commercial governance

Procurement

Strategic advisory

Risk management

Job description

Australian Department of Defence – Williamtown NSW

The Commercial Support Manager is responsible for leading complex contract management activities and providing commercial advice and support across the capability lifecycle. Working under broad direction within an integrated workforce, the successful applicant will contribute to ASCISPO's commercial governance, assurance, procurement and contract management functions, while ensuring compliance with legislative frameworks, Defence policy and contractual obligations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing commercial advice and support to contract managers, project personnel and stakeholders across ASCISPO capability programs.
• Managing and maintaining commercial governance frameworks, including procurement and contracting policies, processes, templates and guidance.
• Monitoring and reporting on contractual obligations, deliverables and key commercial activities to support compliance and performance outcomes.
• Identifying commercial risks and contract change requirements and developing mitigation strategies in accordance with Defence policy and contractual frameworks.
• Supporting the development of commercial capability within ASCISPO through mentoring, guidance and knowledge sharing activities.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

Airborne Surveillance Control and Intelligence Systems Program Office (ASCISPO) plays a critical role in shaping the future of Australia’s airborne surveillance capability. Working with leading industry partners and international military services, we deliver engineering, maintenance, logistics, and training support for the Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail fleet—and we’re driving the acquisition of its next-generation replacement.

Part of Defence’s capability delivery agency, our integrated team includes Australian Public Servants, Australian Defence Force personnel and industry experts, and is primarily based at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW—with a small presence in the USA.

At ASCISPO, we pride ourselves on our workplace culture. We:

• Build trust through partnerships that deliver real capability outcomes.
• Empower bold decision-making through informed risk assessment.
• Champion flexibility and creativity to deliver timely solutions.
• Prioritise balance and well-being so our people thrive.
• Invest in growth and learning, and celebrate diversity Join the team that is Trusted to Deliver.

Our Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex contracts and delivering commercial outcomes in large, complex, or highly regulated environments, including the management of strategic suppliers and high-value agreements.
• A strong understanding of procurement, contracting and commercial governance principles, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy, contractual frameworks and government requirements.
• The ability to provide strategic commercial advice to senior executives, identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities, and contribute to organisational objectives through effective contract and supplier management.
• The ability to analyse complex issues, manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within tight timeframes.
• Experience mentoring and supporting staff to develop commercial acumen and contract management capability.

Appointment to this position will be conditional upon approval to access US controlled export material in accordance with the United States Arms Export Control Act.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 15 November 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference CASG/06126/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=406CC539-6F14-423D-8E75-ED66E0929764