Contract Management Officer

Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Defence is seeking an APS 6 Contracting Management Officer to lead complex contracting work within a collaborative team. You will advise on procurement planning, tendering, contract formation and performance, ensuring compliance with legislation and policy frameworks.

You will engage with stakeholders, manage workflows, coach team members, and contribute to strategic planning and program management.

Qualifications

• Provide contracting guidance across the procurement lifecycle.
• Draft complex contracting documentation and reports.
• Advise on commercial risk and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve contracting issues.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for procurement planning, tender and contract formation.
• Coordinate involvement of legal and financial services.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.
• Develop mitigation strategies for procurement and contract risks.

Skills

Procurement planning

Tender management

Contract management

Policy advice

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Team coaching

Education

Relevant degree in procurement/public administration/law

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The Role

As the APS 6 Contract Management Officer, you will be accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex contracting work within an integrated workforce. You will currently have or the ability to quickly attain, knowledge of and compliance with legislative frameworks, government decision-making and Defence’s mission and policy requirements. You will work independently with the opportunity for reasonable autonomy and accountability for the achievement of outcomes of your work. You will exercise both initiative and judgement in the interpretation of policy and in the application of practices and procedures. You will provide detailed contracting technical, professional and policy advice in relation to complex work and contribute to strategic planning, program and project management and policy development. You will be accountable to set work priorities and manage workflows, and be capable of building team capability through coaching, feedback and developing the quality of work undertaken by others within a work unit. As the APS6 Contracting Officer, you will have a considerable level of stakeholder engagement and will liaise with stakeholders in relation to complex issues. You will be required to identify, anticipate and respond to stakeholder needs and expectations to achieve work unit and Defence outcomes. You will be accountable to contribute towards ongoing self-improvement and professional development.

About our Team

Landing Craft Branch is accountable for acquisitions under the LAND8710 Program, including LAND8710-1 Landing Craft – Medium (LC-M), LAND8710-1B Amphibious Vehicle – Logistics (AV-L) and LAND8710-2 Landing Craft – Heavy (LC-H). The Program Management Office (PMO) embedded within the branch is responsible for oversite and support across the LAND8710 program. The PMO is made up of professionals from various disciplines and comprises highly skilled and motivated Australian Public Service, ADF and contracted personnel.

Our Ideal Candidate

As the APS 6 Contracting Management Officer, your duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Accountable for providing advice and support to procurement planning, tender and contract formation, and contract management activities while ensuring compliance with legislation, procurement policies, processes and procedures.
• Provide guidance, advice and services during the procurement lifecycle on contracting activities including coordination of legal and financial services.
• Draft and review contracting correspondence including complex, commercially sensitive reports, submissions, contract change proposals and other documents as required.
• Understand and provide advice on commercial risk, legal principles and contractual performance requirements.
• Work collaboratively with supervisor, stakeholders and subject matter experts to resolve complex contracting problems.
• Build, sustain and encourage productive relationships with team members and actively participate in team work and group activities.
• Analyse risks and develop mitigation strategies for the risks associated with procurement and contracting activities, contract performance, and compliance with legislative and policy frameworks.
• Apply the Commonwealth Procurement Framework to complex commercial issues and recommend solutions to meet business objectives.
• A deep understanding of the Defence Capability System (DCS) and Defence Commercial Framework.
• Commitment to the APS Values and APS Code of Conduct.