Commercial Support Officer

Downer Professional Services; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare discounts

Career development programs

Flexible work options

Veteran support initiatives

Job summary

A leading defense consulting firm is seeking a Commercial Officer in Canberra to engage in critical Space projects. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in Defence project management and procurement practices. Key responsibilities include supporting project closure activities, conducting contract management tasks, and engaging with stakeholders. This role requires a strong work ethic, a commitment to quality, and an active Negative Vetting 1 Security clearance. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for this meaningful opportunity.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in Defence project management and capability sustainment.
• Proven proficiency in Commonwealth/Defence procurement and contracting.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of Defence Capability Life Cycle, CASG processes, and transition considerations.
• Experience with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and international MoU activities is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the EL-level Project Manager with project closure activities.
• Assist in transition-to-sustainment planning and delivery.
• Conduct procurement and contract management tasks.
• Coordinate FMS cases and MoU activities with international partners and monitor progress.
• Monitor schedules, risks and issues, escalate as needed, support governance and reporting functions.

Skills

Defence project management

Stakeholder engagement

Procurement and contracting

Understanding Defence frameworks

Foreign Military Sales experience

Security clearance

Job description

Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia’s future.

Downer Professional Services comprises of three business units our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer, which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defence and National Security.

We currently have an opportunity for a Commercial Officer in Canberra to work on Space projects.

What You’ll Do

This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities including:

• Support the EL-level Project Manager with Defence‑aligned project closure activities, ensuring compliance with ASDEFCON, CLC and mandated governance frameworks.
• Assist in transition-to-sustainment planning and delivery, including coordination with SPO teams and preparation of transition documentation.
• Conduct procurement and contract management tasks across acquisition and sustainment phases, including contract variations and development of procurement artefacts.
• Contribute to management of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases and MoU activities through coordination with international partners, information exchange and monitoring case progress.
• Monitor project and sustainment schedules, risks and issues, escalating as required and supporting broader governance, reporting and administrative functions.

What You’ll Bring

• Demonstrated experience in Defence project management and capability sustainment, including working within Defence frameworks, governance structures and reporting requirements.
• Proven proficiency in Commonwealth/Defence procurement and contracting, including developing procurement documentation, supporting evaluations, negotiating contracts and administering agreements.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience liaising across Defence teams, industry partners and international program offices.
• Solid understanding of the Defence Capability Life Cycle, CASG processes, and the transition considerations between acquisition and sustainment.
• Experience supporting Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and international MoU activities (highly desirable).

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain a minimum Negative Vetting 1 or higher Security clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement.

More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Why Downer Professional Services

At Downer Professional Services, we’re not just a workplace - we’re a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country’s only sovereign prime, we’re committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia’s interests.

What is means to belong at Downer Professional Services

• Meaningful work: Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future.
• Professional development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice.
• Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Perks@Downer.
• Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post-service.

More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.