Pricing and Cost Analysis Officer

Department of Defence; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Defence in Australia is seeking an APS 6 Pricing and Cost Analysis Officer to support the Maritime Sustainment Division with sophisticated price and cost analyses for MSD business outcomes.

You will conduct financial investigations, prepare high‑quality pricing documentation, and advise on pricing proposals, tender evaluations and contract negotiations while engaging with stakeholders across Defence to ensure compliant and defensible decisions.

Qualifications

• Experience performing complex price and cost analyses.
• Ability to prepare and present detailed pricing reports.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders across multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex price and cost analysis for MSD.
• Prepare, review and report price and cost investigations.
• Provide pricing and costing advice for procurement and contracts.
• Engage with stakeholders to align outcomes with Defence policy.

Skills

Price and cost analysis

Financial investigation

Stakeholder engagement

Tender evaluations

Policy interpretation

Job description

The APS 6 Pricing and Cost Analysis Officer (PCAO) will work within the Maritime Sustainment Division (MSD) Procurement and Contract Management Function undertaking complex price and cost analysis activities in support of MSD business outcomes.

The PCAO is accountable under broad direction to perform complex price and cost analysis activities, including the preparation, review and reporting of price and cost investigation work within an integrated workforce. They are accountable to ensure they have knowledge of, and comply with, legislative frameworks, government decision-making and Defence’s mission and policy requirements.

The PCAO will work independently with the opportunity for reasonable autonomy and accountability for the achievement of outcomes of their work. They will exercise both initiative and judgement in the interpretation of policy and in the application of practices and procedures. They will provide detailed pricing and cost analysis, technical, professional and policy advice in relation to their area of work.

The PCAO will undertake a considerable level of stakeholder engagement and will liaise with stakeholders in relation to pricing and cost analysis tasks. They will be required to identify, anticipate and respond to stakeholders’ needs and expectations to achieve work unit and Defence outcomes. They will be accountable to contribute towards ongoing self‑improvement and professional development.

About our Team

Maritime Sustainment Division (MSD) operates within the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group delivering in‑service support to Navy and Army along with delivering new capability to Government. MSD is embedding transformational change to implement the Maritime Sustainment Model and ensure the organisation is able to respond to emerging demands and strategic priorities.

The Pricing and Cost Analysis team sits within the Procurement and Contract Management function of the Maritime Sustainment Strategy and Operations (MSSO) Branch of MSD and delivers price and cost analysis support to business units across MSD.

We are seeking high performing candidates who thrive on new challenges and enjoy working in a fast‑paced, complex environment. We promote an inclusive culture that echoes Defence values – service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence; and are committed to ensuring our people feel appreciated, participate fully, and have access to tailored professionalised pathways.

We are flexible and agile in our approach to work, encourage our staff to have a healthy work‑life balance, and offer access to training and development opportunities and mentoring and coaching services.

Our Ideal Candidate

The ideal APS 6 Pricing and Cost Analysis Officer for MSD is a highly capable professional who thrives in a complex, fast‑paced maritime sustainment environment and demonstrates a strong commitment to Defence’s values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence.

You will bring strong price and cost analysis skills, including a proven ability to perform financial investigative tasks and be able to draw objective and transparent conclusions from your analysis. You will be confident in preparing high‑quality price and cost analysis reports and documentation, and apply your knowledge in the delivery of pricing proposals and specialist costing and financial advice, and in your participation of tender evaluations and contract negotiations. You will be able to communicate clearly, engage effectively with stakeholders, and can navigate complex issues with sound judgement and initiative.

The successful applicant will also demonstrate strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, identifying financial and commercial risks, assessing options, and delivering practical, defensible solutions aligned with organisational objectives and procurement policy. Experience in driving continuous improvement, enhancing pricing and cost analysis methodologies, and building MSD capability through knowledge sharing will be highly regarded.

You thrive in a fast‑paced environment, work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, and build productive professional relationships. You demonstrate Defence values, contribute to continuous improvement, and are adaptable, proactive and committed to delivering high‑quality results that support MSD transformation and Defence capability.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

The key duties of the position include:

The Role

The APS 6 Pricing and Cost Analysis Officer (PCAO) will work within the Maritime Sustainment Division (MSD) Procurement and Contract Management Function undertaking complex price and cost analysis activities in support of MSD business outcomes.

The PCAO is accountable under broad direction to perform complex price and cost analysis activities, including the preparation, review and reporting of price and cost investigation work within an integrated workforce. They are accountable to ensure they have knowledge of, and comply with, legislative frameworks, government decision‑making and Defence’s mission and policy requirements.

The PCAO will work independently with the opportunity for reasonable autonomy and accountability for the achievement of outcomes of their work. They will exercise both initiative and judgement in the interpretation of policy and in the application of practices and procedures. They will provide detailed pricing and cost analysis, technical, professional and policy advice in relation to their area of work.

The PCAO will undertake a considerable level of stakeholder engagement and will liaise with stakeholders in relation to pricing and cost analysis tasks. They will be required to identify, anticipate and respond to stakeholders’ needs and expectations to achieve work unit and Defence outcomes. They will be accountable to contribute towards ongoing self‑improvement and professional development.

About our Team

Maritime Sustainment Division (MSD) operates within the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group delivering in‑service support to Navy and Army along with delivering new capability to Government. MSD is embedding transformational change to implement the Maritime Sustainment Model and ensure the organisation is able to respond to emerging demands and strategic priorities.

The Pricing and Cost Analysis team sits within the Procurement and Contract Management function of the Maritime Sustainment Strategy and Operations (MSSO) Branch of MSD and delivers price and cost analysis support to business units across MSD.

We are seeking high performing candidates who thrive on new challenges and enjoy working in a fast‑paced, complex environment. We promote an inclusive culture that echoes Defence values – service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence; and are committed to ensuring our people feel appreciated, participate fully, and have access to tailored professionalised pathways.

We are flexible and agile in our approach to work, encourage our staff to have a healthy work‑life balance, and offer access to training and development opportunities and mentoring and coaching services.

Our Ideal Candidate

The ideal APS 6 Pricing and Cost Analysis Officer for MSD is a highly capable professional who thrives in a complex, fast‑paced maritime sustainment environment and demonstrates a strong commitment to Defence’s values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence.

You will bring strong price and cost analysis skills, including a proven ability to perform financial investigative tasks and be able to draw objective and transparent conclusions from your analysis. You will be confident in preparing high‑quality price and cost analysis reports and documentation, and apply your knowledge in the delivery of pricing proposals and specialist costing and financial advice, and in your participation of tender evaluations and contract negotiations. You will be able to communicate clearly, engage effectively with stakeholders, and can navigate complex issues with sound judgement and initiative.

The successful applicant will also demonstrate strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, identifying financial and commercial risks, assessing options, and delivering practical, defensible solutions aligned with organisational objectives and procurement policy. Experience in driving continuous improvement, enhancing pricing and cost analysis methodologies, and building MSD capability through knowledge sharing will be highly regarded.

You thrive in a fast‑paced environment, work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, and build productive professional relationships. You demonstrate Defence values, contribute to continuous improvement, and are adaptable, proactive and committed to delivering high‑quality results that support MSD transformation and Defence capability.

Eligibility

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work‑life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers