Contracting Manager

Chandler Macleod; Canberra; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of a Federal Government agency for a Contracting Manager to lead end-to-end procurement and contracting activities in a high-sensitivity environment. Based in Canberra, you will provide strategic commercial advice and ensure value-for-money outcomes while navigating policy, legislation, and governance.

You will manage tendering, contract establishment, and contract management, with oversight of negotiations and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex procurements and commercial negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of the Commonwealth Procurement Framework.
• Attention to detail, sound judgement and analytical ability.
• Clear written and verbal communication with stakeholders.
• Resilient, agile, and outcomes-focused under pressure.
• Leadership capability in team or functional roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement and contracting activities from strategy to execution.
• Provide commercial advice aligned to policy and legislation.
• Oversee contract management and performance improvements.
• Lead stakeholder engagement, negotiations and evaluations.
• Contribute to governance, continuous improvement, and capability uplift.

Skills

Procurement management

Contract negotiations

Commercial advisory

Stakeholder management

Legislation knowledge

Leadership

Job description

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our client for an exceptional opportunity within a high-profile Federal Government agency supporting Australia’s most significant long-term capability program.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Contracting Manager to lead complex procurement and contracting activities, provide strategic commercial advice, and help shape outcomes in a fast-paced, high-sensitivity environment.

About the Role

Working within a Commercial function, you will lead end-to-end procurement and contracting activities including planning, tendering, contract establishment, and contract management. You’ll also provide oversight and assurance to ensure outcomes are compliant, defensible, and value-for-money.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex procurement and contracting activities from strategy through to execution
• Provide high-quality commercial advice aligned to legislation, policy, and best practice
• Support contract management activities (performance, changes, deliverables, underperformance remediation)
• Lead stakeholder engagement, negotiations, and commercial evaluations
• Contribute to commercial governance, continuous improvement, and capability uplift

About You

• Demonstrated experience leading complex procurements and commercial negotiations
• Strong understanding of the Commonwealth Procurement Framework (or similar)
• High attention to detail, sound judgement, and strong analytical capability
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with strong stakeholder management
• Resilient, agile, and outcomes-focused with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Leadership capability (team leadership and/or functional leadership)

Locations

Adelaide SA, Canberra ACT, Fishermans Bend VIC, Rockingham WA

Security clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) security clearance.

Chandler Macleod is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and supported. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of all ages and genders. For more information, please refer to the Chandler Macleod Diversity & Inclusion page.