Defence Contracting Officer (APS6) – Submarine Program

Chandler Macleod; Canberra; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Chandler Macleod is recruiting for an experienced APS6 Contracting Officer to support Australia’s submarine program from Canberra. This pivotal role provides end-to-end procurement advice within the Australian Submarine Agency, ensuring compliant, value-for-money outcomes.

You will work in a fast-paced environment, offering specialist commercial guidance, contract management, and risk-informed solutions across procurement planning, market approaches and negotiations. NV1 clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex procurements end-to-end.
• Experience providing contract management support (performance, change).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to tailor advice.
• Ability to work strategically in fast-paced, sensitive environments.
• Proven ability to build and sustain stakeholder relationships.
• Sound understanding of the Commonwealth Procurement Framework.

Responsibilities

• Providing specialist procurement and contracting advice to support complex, strategically significant outcomes.
• Supporting procurement planning and commercial strategy development.
• Drafting approaches to market, supporting evaluations, and contributing to negotiations through to contract execution.
• Managing contract formation and ongoing contract management activities.
• Reviewing contract change proposals and commercial deliverables, and advising on performance outcomes.
• Identifying, assessing and advising on commercial risks and contractual matters.
• Providing practical, policy-aligned advice across procurement legislation, frameworks and best practice.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, and engaging with legal and finance advisers as required.
• Supporting capability uplift and continuous improvement across procurement/commercial practices.

Skills

Procurement end-to-end experience

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Adaptability

Job description

Chandler Macleod is recruiting for an experienced APS6 Contracting Officer to support Australia’s submarine program from Canberra. This pivotal role provides end-to-end procurement advice within the Australian Submarine Agency, ensuring compliant, value-for-money outcomes.

You will work in a fast-paced environment, offering specialist commercial guidance, contract management, and risk-informed solutions across procurement planning, market approaches and negotiations. NV1 clearance is required.