Defence Contracts Leader - Commercial Strategy

Thales; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Bonus

Medical Insurance

Hybrid work environment

Veterans Leave

Job summary

Thales Australia is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead the Munitions Contracts Management team, balancing strategic vision with hands-on commercial leadership across a diverse portfolio of contracts, bids and projects.

Based in Canberra with the Melbourne office, you will develop commercial strategies, drive negotiations, manage risk, ensure governance and build strong customer and stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

• A degree in Law, Commerce, Business, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience in commercial, contracts or project environments within Defence, manufacturing, engineering or similarly complex industries.
• Experience leading, mentoring or developing commercial and contracts professionals.
• Strong knowledge of contract management principles, including experience working with ASDEFCON frameworks.
• Well-developed negotiation, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Sound commercial judgement and the ability to balance risk, customer needs and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Contracts Managers, growing capabilities and fostering high performance.
• Provide commercial guidance to Program Managers, Project Managers and business leaders.
• Support Defence programs with sound commercial outcomes throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Lead contract negotiations with customers, suppliers and industry partners.
• Manage contractual risks, claims and commercial issues while collaborating for positive outcomes.
• Partner with Bid and Project teams to develop commercial strategies for new opportunities and ongoing programs.
• Ensure contract governance, compliance and reporting requirements are met.
• Support management of IP, export controls and related obligations.
• Contribute to the Munitions Leadership Team to deliver business objectives and growth.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Education

Law degree

Commerce degree

Business degree

Engineering degree

Tools

ASDEFCON

Job description

Thales Australia is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead the Munitions Contracts Management team, balancing strategic vision with hands-on commercial leadership across a diverse portfolio of contracts, bids and projects.

Based in Canberra with the Melbourne office, you will develop commercial strategies, drive negotiations, manage risk, ensure governance and build strong customer and stakeholder relationships.