Procurement Lead - Capability Partner

ASC Pty Ltd; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unique and challenging work with a de​

Flexibility over how, when and where你你

Up to 10 days additional leave every年

Generous parental leave

Subsidised childcare

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Professional development opportunities

A diverse and supportive environment

Discounts and exclusive offers

Job summary

ASC is Australia’s submarine company, delivering life‑extension and sustainment for the Collins Class. This senior procurement leadership role supports SSN and NCD programs, shaping requirements and securing strategic capability partnerships with a focus on value, governance and long‑term sustainment.

You’ll lead end‑to‑end procurement processes, including planning, market engagement, RFPs, negotiations, contract execution and ongoing management, working with international partners and internal

Qualifications

• This role requires extensive experience in strategic sourcing and contract management within complex environments.
• Proven ability to lead high‑value commercial negotiations and manage risk.
• Strong understanding of contractual terms and governance requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills across organisational levels.
• Knowledge of financial analysis, budgeting, and business case development is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years in supply chain, procurement or comparable roles in defence or related sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing activities to identify and select suppliers.
• Develop sourcing strategies and prepare procurement documents for market engagement.
• Evaluate supplier submissions and support negotiations and contract awards.
• Lead commercial negotiations for contracts and variations.
• Maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and manage expectations.
• Provide contract management and governance to ensure milestone delivery.
• Manage contract performance, variations, and supplier issues to drive outcomes.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Sourcing strategy

Commercial negotiations

Governance

Risk management

Project management

Excel / MS Office

CIPS eligibility (desirable)

Education

Senior/professional experience in defence or complex industry

Tools

Procurement tools

RFP management tools

Job description

ASC is Australia’s submarine company. We built the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines, sustain them, and are now delivering their Life of Type Extension to increase the boats’ service lives. We have also been selected by the Australian Government to sustain and jointly build the nation’s nuclear-powered submarines - the largest and most complex industrial undertaking in Australia’s history.

Our work is interesting and meaningful, contributing directly to Australia’s national security. We offer rewarding roles that provide the opportunity to grow your career, and the flexibility to balance life and work. A career at ASC is like no other, delivering a deeper purpose we can all be proud of.

About the Opportunity

As Procurement Lead, Capability Partners, you will play a critical role in supporting ASC's SSN and NCD programs by identifying and securing strategic capability partnerships that ensure the long‑term sustainment of SSN submarine platforms. Working closely with senior internal stakeholders, you will help define both current and emerging capability gaps and support in the development of clear Statements of Work for engagement with the market.

This is a highly strategic procurement role that extends beyond traditional sourcing activities. You will lead end‑to‑end procurement processes, including procurement planning, market engagement, non‑disclosure agreements, RFP development and management, evaluation, commercial negotiations, contract execution, and ongoing contract management. Suppliers will typically include international platform builders, sustainment providers, OEMs, specialist advisory organisations, and professional service firms.

Operating within a complex, evolving and often politically sensitive environment, you will partner closely with business stakeholders to shape requirements, influence outcomes, and deliver high‑value engagements that align with organisational objectives and Commonwealth expectations. Success in this role requires exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while delivering outcomes in a dynamic and high‑profile setting.

This is a full‑time opportunity based at our Osborne site in South Australia or our Henderson site in Western Australia.

Please note: This role is based in Adelaide, South Australia. For the right candidate, relocation support can be considered to assist with a move from interstate.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing activities, including competitive and sole‑source procurement processes, to identify and select the most suitable suppliers.
• Partner with business stakeholders to define requirements, develop sourcing strategies, and prepare procurement documentation that supports successful market engagement.
• Evaluate supplier submissions and recommendations to support the selection of preferred suppliers for negotiation and contract award.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies and plans for new contracts and significant contract variations, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and governance requirements.
• Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers, working closely with subject matter experts and project representatives to deliver value‑for‑money, risk‑mitigated outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, providing regular updates, managing expectations, and escalating issues where required to support timely decision‑making.
• Provide effective contract management and governance, ensuring suppliers deliver services, milestones, and contractual obligations in accordance with agreed terms.
• Manage contract performance, variations, change requests, and supplier issues to support successful project outcomes and foster productive long‑term supplier relationships.

About you

• Extensive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, contract management, and procurement best practice within complex organisational environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high‑value and complex commercial negotiations, delivering value‑for‑money outcomes while effectively managing risk.
• Strong understanding of contractual terms and conditions, with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and legal risks.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes across all levels of an organisation.
• Well‑developed commercial acumen, supported by knowledge of financial analysis, budgeting, business case development, and enterprise risk management principles.
• Proven project management capability, with the ability to lead sourcing and procurement initiatives to agreed timelines, budgets, and business objectives.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and reporting tools used to support procurement and commercial activities.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in a Supply Chain, Procurement, or Commercial role within defence, manufacturing, resources, or similarly complex industries. Eligibility for Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) membership and a demonstrated track record of delivering measurable business value through strategic sourcing initiatives will be highly regarded.

This role requires a current National Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance. Your eligibility for this role is dependent on you obtaining and maintaining such clearance.

To check your eligibility please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website.

• Unique and challenging work with a deeper purpose.
• Flexibility over how, when and where you work for the best work/life balance.
• Up to 10 days additional leave every year so you can rest and recharge.
• Generous parental leave so you can give your family the focus it deserves.
• Subsidised childcare to ease the financial pressure on your family.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives so you can perform at your best at work.
• Professional development opportunities to advance your career.
• A diverse and supportive environment where you can thrive.
• Discounts and exclusive offers from leading Australian brands to help you save.

About ASC

Established in 1985, ASC’s 2,500-plus staff offer a depth of submarine design, project management, supply chain, construction and engineering experience and expertise that is unparalleled in Australia’s defence industry. The company’s work on Australia’s nuclear‑powered submarine build and the Collins Class Life of Type Extension takes place in Osborne, South Australia, with sustainment shared across Osborne and Henderson, Western Australia. ASC also plays a leading role in training Royal Australian Navy submariners.

Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may commence immediately.