General Manager - Commercial

Brunel; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for an experienced Commercial General Manager in Australia to guide the commercial direction of submarine sustainment programs. This role involves developing commercial strategies, managing key relationships, and modernising frameworks. Candidates should have a strong background in Defence, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to drive change within complex stakeholder environments. The position offers an opportunity to shape the future of Defence capabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in Defence, shipbuilding, naval sustainment, or major projects.
• Strong capability to influence and support operational outcomes.
• Delivery-focused with the ability to modernise commercial practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the Multi-Class Sustainment Commercial Strategy.
• Modernise frameworks and improve governance across Defence stakeholders.
• Support major contract negotiations for multi-class sustainment.

Skills

Commercial judgement

Stakeholder management

Relationship building

Negotiation skills

Job description

Brunel is partnering with a leading organisation in Australia’s submarine enterprise to recruit a Commercial General Manager for Multi-Class Sustainment. This is a key executive leadership role shaping the commercial direction of long‑term submarine programs central to national capability.

The role will lead the commercial strategy, major negotiations, commercial frameworks and stakeholder relationships across multi‑class submarine sustainment. It will suit a commercial leader who understands complex Defence environments and can work closely with operational leaders, government partners and programme stakeholders.

The position requires someone who is delivery‑focused with the ability to modernise commercial practice, rebuild critical relationships and create a more contemporary commercial culture within a maturing submarine sustainment environment.

The Role

You will lead the development and execution of the Multi‑Class Sustainment Commercial Strategy and reshape how commercial supports submarine programmes. This includes modernising frameworks, improving governance, strengthening decision‑making, and enabling more effective collaboration across Defence stakeholders.

You will play an active role in major contract negotiations, including the next phase of multi‑class sustainment agreements. The role will also have influence over estimating, bids and ongoing commercial uplift across Collins, LOTE and Virginia‑class pathways.

The environment is evolving, with growing engagement across the national submarine enterprise. The successful candidate will help set the commercial foundation required to support long‑term Defence programmes.

About You

We are seeking a senior commercial leader with experience in Defence, shipbuilding, submarines, naval sustainment, engineering, major projects or similar complex environments. You will bring strong commercial judgement, mature stakeholder capability and the confidence to influence across the Defence ecosystem.

You will be relationship‑driven rather than legalistic, with the ability to shift commercial culture, support operational outcomes and guide decision‑making in a complex, multi‑stakeholder programme environment.

Key Focus Areas

• Lead the Multi‑Class Sustainment Commercial Strategy
• Modernise commercial frameworks and uplift governance
• Strengthen relationships across Defence and the submarine enterprise
• Support major negotiations for multi‑class sustainment contracts
• Provide commercial leadership across estimating and bids
• Influence operational leaders and enable programme delivery
• Help build a contemporary, collaborative commercial function

How to Apply

If you are an experienced commercial leader ready to play a key role in Australia’s submarine and Defence capability, we would welcome a confidential discussion.

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• How many years’ experience do you have as a Commercial General Manager?

Please apply via SEEK or contact Tim Chapman at Brunel on 0409 712 680.