Procurement Lead - Capability Partner

Asc-Pty-Ltd; Osborne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Up to 10 days extra leave

Parental leave

Subsidised childcare

Wellbeing initiatives

Professional development

Discounts and exclusive offers

Job summary

ASC, Australia’s submarine company, seeks an experienced Procurement Lead to secure strategic capability partnerships for SSN and NCD programs. You’ll lead end-to-end sourcing, engage senior stakeholders, and deliver high-value contracts in a sensitive environment.

Based in Adelaide or WA, relocation support may be considered. You will require extensive sourcing and contract management experience in defence or similar industries and eligibility for security clearances.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in strategic sourcing, category management and contract management.
• Experience delivering value through procurement best practice in complex environments.
• Ability to engage stakeholders at all organisational levels and influence outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including competitive and sole-source procurement.
• Define requirements with stakeholders and develop sourcing strategies and documentation.
• Evaluate supplier submissions and support selection for negotiation and awards.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies for new contracts and variations.
• Lead commercial negotiations to achieve value-for-money and manage risk.
• Maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and provide timely updates.
• Provide contract governance and monitor performance against terms.
• Manage variations, changes, and supplier issues to deliver outcomes.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Contract management

Procurement best practice

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.

T 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.

Eligibility

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.

Benefits

• 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.