Defence Commercial Manager – Contracts & Risk

Downer; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare discounts

Retail savings

Car purchases

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Downer is seeking a Commercial Manager to join our Defence team in Canberra. You will manage commercial and contractual administration across Defence projects, reporting to the Senior Commercial Manager, and protect Downer’s commercial interests.

You’ll lead contract administration, handle variations and claims, support forecasting and margin management, and provide guidance to operational and junior staff while fostering continuous improvement and governance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in contract administration and commercial management across complex Defence contracts.
• Ability to prepare/ negotiate variations, claims and final accounts with change management and forecasting.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills with excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract administration across Defence projects and programs, including obligations, deliverables and commercial records.
• Manage change control, variations, claims, notices and settlements.
• Support forecasting, valuation, reporting, margin management, and governance forums.
• Prepare and administer subcontract agreements, manage subcontractor performance and variations, and support procurement.

Skills

Contract administration

Commercial management

Change control

Variations & claims

Forecasting & reporting

Margin management

Subcontract administration

Procurement & supplier engagement

Negotiation & analytical thinking

Governance & risk

Education

Tertiary qualifications in law/commerce/finance/quantity surveying/engineering

Tools

None

Job description

Downer is seeking a Commercial Manager to join our Defence team in Canberra. You will manage commercial and contractual administration across Defence projects, reporting to the Senior Commercial Manager, and protect Downer’s commercial interests.

You’ll lead contract administration, handle variations and claims, support forecasting and margin management, and provide guidance to operational and junior staff while fostering continuous improvement and governance.