Contracting Manager

Chandler Macleod Group; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• 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).

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.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Contract negotiations

Commercial advice

Stakeholder management

Governance

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.