Contract Manager - RMC East (RMP)

Department of Defence; Sydney; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BDCP remuneration benefit

Job summary

The Department of Defence seeks an EL 1 Contract Manager to lead complex contract management activities for Regional Maintenance Centre East and Navy sustainment, based at Garden Island, NSW. The role covers contract administration, supplier performance, procurement, risk management and governance.

You will provide strategic commercial advice to senior leaders, manage high‑value contracts, and engage with industry and Defence stakeholders to ensure value-for-money and compliance with Defence

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, contract management and commercial governance.
• Ability to engage stakeholders and manage competing priorities.
• Experience managing high-value or high-risk contracts and negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex contract management activities to support regional maintenance and Navy sustainment.
• Provide strategic commercial advice to senior leaders and oversee governance.
• Engage with industry and Defence stakeholders to ensure value-for-money and compliance.

Job description

Role Overview

The EL 1 Contract Manager is accountable for leading complex contract management activities that support Regional Maintenance Centre East (RMC-E) and Navy sustainment outcomes. The role provides leadership across contract administration, supplier performance, commercial governance, procurement activities, risk management and stakeholder engagement while ensuring compliance with Commonwealth and Defence procurement frameworks.

The position is a critical contract management function supporting maintenance delivery and Commonwealth oversight of Regional Maintenance Provider contracts. Working within an integrated workforce, the successful candidate will manage significant and complex commercial arrangements, provide strategic advice to senior leaders, lead contract governance activities, and maintain productive relationships with industry, Navy and Defence stakeholders. The current vacancy is located at Garden Island, NSW.

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

Regional Maintenance Centre East is one of the largest maintenance delivery organisations within the Maritime Sustainment Division. RMC-E is responsible for delivering maintenance and sustainment outcomes for Navy platforms through close collaboration with industry, Regional Maintenance Providers, engineering authorities, Commonwealth representatives and Navy stakeholders.

Maintenance Branch provides an integrated and consistent approach to maintenance delivery while supporting the development of an Enduring Sovereign Sustainment Capability. The Contract Manager operates within the RMC-East commercial function and plays a critical role in ensuring contract performance, commercial assurance and value-for-money outcomes are achieved.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a highly motivated leader with experience in procurement, contract management, commercial governance or related disciplines. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities within a complex environment.

Experience managing high-value or high-risk contracts, interpreting commercial information, leading contract negotiations and providing strategic advice is highly desirable. Experience working within large complex organisations, Commonwealth procurement environments or maritime sustainment organisations will be well regarded.

Eligibility

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers