EL 1 - Contract Manager

Australian Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 124,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BDCP

Job summary

Australian Department of Defence – Canberra ACT seeks an EL 1 Contract Manager to lead commercial and contractual management of the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA). The role drives governance, contract changes, and financial oversight, ensuring delivery against milestones while engaging key government and industry stakeholders.

The role offers strategic advisory responsibilities with a focus on risk management and compliance, supporting sovereign maritime capability outcomes across

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Commonwealth procurement, contracting frameworks, legislation and policy.
• Experience managing complex contractual arrangements and delivering commercial outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills—able to prepare clear, high‑quality advice, briefs and reports.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across Government and industry.
• Sound judgement with analytical skills to manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant, outcome‑focused results.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial and contractual management of the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) to meet governance and delivery outcomes.
• Provide strategic advice on contractual matters and manage contract changes and work packages.
• Oversee contract financial management, reporting, milestone payments, and governance requirements.
• Engage with Defence and industry stakeholders to support informed decision‑making and successful program delivery.

Skills

Procurement & contracting

Contract management

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Policy & compliance

Job description

Australian Department of Defence – Canberra ACT

5d ago , from Australian Department of Defence

• $124,393 - $140,315 + 10% BDCP + up to 15.4% Superannuation
• Canberra - ACT, Henderson - WA

The Role

The EL 1 Contract Manager is responsible for leading the commercial and contractual management of Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) activities, ensuring contractual obligations, governance requirements and delivery outcomes are achieved in a compliant, effective and auditable manner. The role provides strategic advice on contractual matters, manages contract changes and work packages, and works closely with Defence and industry stakeholders to support informed decision-making and successful program delivery.

The position also oversees contract financial management, reporting and assurance activities, including milestone payments, contract deliverables and governance requirements. Through strong stakeholder engagement, sound commercial judgement and a focus on risk management and compliance, the Contract Manager contributes to the successful delivery of sovereign maritime capability outcomes.

The position is available in either Canberra, ACT or Henderson, WA. A merit pool may be established to fill future similar vacancies at either of the locations.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

The SSA Branch, within the Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment (CNSS) Division is responsible for the implementation and management of the SSA and the enterprise relationship with Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia (ADA). ADA is the Strategic Shipbuilder for Defence in Western Australia.

The SSA was executed late August 2025. The Agreement is a Government priority, underpinning the National Defence Strategy, it is also a key focus of the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan. The SSA enables a fundamental shift in Defence maritime acquisition and uses a long-term, programmatic framework. The Agreement streamlines procurement processes through pre‑agreed terms and conditions, reducing the time between contract award and the cutting of steel to accelerate capability delivery to the Australian Defence Force.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Strong knowledge of Commonwealth procurement, contracting frameworks, legislation and policy.
• Experience managing complex contractual arrangements and delivering commercial outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, high-quality advice, briefs and reports.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build productive relationships across Government and industry.
• Sound judgement, strong analytical skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant and outcome-focused results.