Contract Officer

Australian Department of Defence; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Building Defence Capability Payment ( 

Job summary

Australian Department of Defence – Richmond VIC is seeking an experienced Contract Officer to contribute to a broad range of commercial activities, including contract administration, procurement support and governance. The role involves coordinating amendments, monitoring performance, providing policy-compliant commercial advice and managing IP/export obligations.

Based in Richmond, the position offers on-site work with the Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP) and opportunities to engage

Qualifications

• Demonstrated contract management experience in a defence or government environment.
• Knowledge of procurement policy and governance and assurance processes.
• Ability to interpret legislation and provide risk-informed advice.

Responsibilities

• Manage contract administration activities across lifecycle and amendments.
• Monitor contractor performance against obligations and governance.
• Provide advice on contract interpretation, policy compliance and commercial risk.
• Manage intellectual property, data and export control obligations.
• Prepare commercial submissions, reports and contract management documentation.
• Engage with Defence stakeholders, legal advisers and industry partners.
• Support governance reviews, audits and value-for-money assurance.
• Build productive relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Contract management

Procurement

Commercial & risk management

Job description

Australian Department of Defence – Richmond VIC

The Air Lift Systems Program Office (ALSPO) is seeking an experienced and capable Contract Officer. The role contributes to the delivery of a broad range of commercial activities, including contract administration, procurement support, contract amendments, export controls, technical data and intellectual property management, governance and assurance activities, and engagement with industry partners.

You will be responsible for:

• Manage contract administration activities, including the development and assessment of contract change proposals, drafting deeds and amendments, coordinating approval documentation and maintaining contract records throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Monitoring contractor performance and compliance against contractual obligations, deliverables and governance requirements.
• Providing advice and assistance on contract interpretation, procurement policy, legislative compliance and commercial risk management.
• Managing intellectual property, technical data and export control obligations associated with Defence contracts.
• Preparing commercial correspondence, submissions, reports, strategies, risk assessments and contract management documentation.
• Engage and collaborate with Defence stakeholders, industry partners, legal advisers and subject matter experts to resolve complex contractual issues and achieve capability outcomes.
• Supporting contract governance activities, reviews, audits and assurance processes to ensure value for money and compliance.
• Build and sustain productive working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

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

ALSPO provides sustainment services for the C-130J Hercules and C-27J Spartan aircraft, ensuring mission readiness for the Air Force.

With a proud Air Force legacy, ALSPO is staffed by ADF, APS and contracted personnel. Our inclusive service delivery model reflects Defence Values and fosters a resilient, adaptive and culturally capable team. Every member contributes with purpose to Defence and the nation.

This position is based at RAAF Richmond and supports flexible work arrangements. However, due to operational requirements, remote working is not suitable. The role requires a consistent on-site presence in Western Sydney to ensure effective service delivery and stakeholder engagement.

As an APS employee, you will have access to leading wellbeing initiatives and enjoy base amenities including a gym, pool, cinema, courts and childcare.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a capable and motivated professional with demonstrated experience in contract management, procurement and commercial or related business functions within a complex operating environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess information, exercise sound judgement and provide well-reasoned advice.
• Evidence of building and sustaining productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality work within agreed timeframes in a dynamic environment.
• Highly effective communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate and professional written correspondence, reports, briefing materials and submissions.
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy and procedures to support sound decision-making and business outcomes.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 25 October 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference CASG/05801/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=DE646C56-E20A-511B-5C02-ED623A6A182A