Manager - Commercial

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Supportive leadership

Job summary

The Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead procurement planning, tendering and contract management activities across the Agency. You will shape commercial and legal strategies, ensuring compliance with policy and delivering best value in complex government programs.

You will work with executives and cross‑functional teams to drive improvements, manage stakeholder relationships and oversee risk and performance in procurement lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in procurement and contract management across government.
• Experience in strategic contract management, including policies, business cases and procedures.
• Experience dealing with commercial issues affecting Government.
• Understanding of contract dispute resolution processes.
• Experience seeking and interpreting legal advice.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including briefings for executives.
• Good interpersonal skills, collaboration, and integrity in sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement planning, tendering and contract formation activities with compliance.
• Develop and implement commercial and legal strategies aligned with agency goals.
• Provide high-level advice during procurement lifecycle and coordinate legal/financial services.
• Identify opportunities to improve program delivery through innovative commercial approaches.
• Manage and mentor the procurement/contract management team across projects.

Skills

Procurement & contract management

Strategic contract management

Government commercial issues

Dispute resolution

Legal advice

Written & verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

Commerce/Business/Procurement/Law degree

Job description

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Canberra ACT

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions


• Investing in science and technology


• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions


• Investing in science and technology


• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) is leading the responsible management and safe storage and disposal of Australia’s radioactive waste. A key element of ARWA’s program is the delivery of disposal pathways for Australia’s radioactive waste which will provide purpose-built, highly engineered solutions to manage radioactive waste from sources such as nuclear medicine production.

At ARWA, our dynamic, multidisciplinary team has a unique opportunity to drive the future of Australia’s expertise in safe and secure radioactive waste management, to protect people and the environment for generations to come. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures. These differences bring challenges and opportunities, and they will ultimately enhance the delivery of our complex technical work. Our people have the experience and skills to put ARWA at the forefront of the global nuclear waste management field as we deliver world class facilities for Australia.

The opportunity

The Commercial Manager is responsible for representing the Agency’s position during contract negotiations or in discussing and reaching agreement with stakeholders on contractual and performance matters during the agreement term and for ensuring contract assurance and compliance throughout the contract lifecycle. The incumbent will ensure the implementation of the Agency’s Commercial Management and Legal strategy, responsibilities, and services to achieve strategic objectives and meet our obligations under the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and other relevant legislation.

The Commercial Manager will build effective working relationships with the Executive and all business areas and work across the organisation to identify and implement innovation and business improvement opportunities related to procurement and contract management.

Our ideal candidate

Essential minimum requirements:

• Extensive experience in procurement and contract management, providing advice to a range of key stakeholders.


• Significant experience in undertaking strategic contract management functions including developing and implementing strategies, business cases, policies, and procedures.


• Significant experience in dealing with commercial issues affecting Government.


• High level understanding of contract dispute resolution processes.


• Experience in seeking and interpreting legal advice.


• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including experience in facilitating forums and focus groups, and demonstrated ability to provide sound advice and prepare written reports and briefings for Senior Executives.


• Well-developed interpersonal skills that foster trust and cooperation, and a proven ability to work effectively and with integrity within a politically sensitive environment.


• Ability to work in a fluid environment, remaining flexible, agile and adaptable supporting colleagues at short notice.

Desirable Characteristics:

• Sound understanding of Government processes.


• Experience working in the delivery of nuclear and radioactive waste management and disposal programs and projects.


• Membership to the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS).

Qualification/s:

• Tertiary qualification in Commerce, Business Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Law, and/or equivalent skills, knowledge and experience.

The key duties of the position include:

Drive Program Delivery Through Commercial Activities

• Manage, lead and be accountable for supporting procurement planning, tendering and contract formation, and contract management activities while ensuring compliance with legislation, procurement policies, processes and procedures.


• Develop and implement commercial strategies and legal strategies aligned with the Agency’s goals and objectives, including identifying commercial opportunities and challenges.


• Manage, lead and provide high level advice, assistance and services during the procurement lifecycle on contracting activities including coordination of legal and financial services.


• Identify opportunities to enhance program delivery through innovative commercial approaches.

Lead and Manage Contract Management and Procurement Team

• Build the team’s capability by facilitating a collaborative working environment and focusing on individual capability needs through providing performance feedback, facilitating career development opportunities, and mentoring team members.


• Lead a team that provides the Agency with assurance that stakeholders are meeting their contractual obligations and play a leading role in implementing systems and processes to gain best value in the delivery of contracted services.


• Ensure collaboration between team and across the Agency and the Department.

Oversee the Agency's Contract Management and Procurement Function

• Develop strategic and commercially sensitive commercial related documentation including templates, schedules, correspondence, reports, submissions, plans and strategies, risk and performance reviews, and other contract management documentation.


• Design and implement risk-based approaches for procurement that are compliant with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and support the Agency’s to achieve its outcomes.


• Lead complex change management practices that relate to business-critical contracts and supplier arrangements.


• Oversee the implementation and performance of contracts, including monitoring progress, managing risks, and resolving disputes.

Manage Key Stakeholder Relationships

• Managing relationships with key agency stakeholders, other agencies, vendors and service providers, including undertaking complex contract negotiations and dispute resolution.


• Provide high level strategic advice to ARWA Executive and other key stakeholders to accurately inform decision-making.


• Lead the establishment and ongoing management of effective networks with those key stakeholders and suppliers to assist and inform future strategic procurement directions.


• Influence the perceptions and expectations of key stakeholders to facilitate the continued development of the commercial profession.

Eligibility

Be medically fit to undertake the duties of the job.

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is Canberra or Adelaide based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Getting to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements.Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work. Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia’s First Peoples. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability. The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process. We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the job’s contact officer. Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you.