Senior Subcontracts Specialist

Northrop Grumman; Ipswich City; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional Development

Purchased annual leave – 2 weeks

Novated car leases (salary packaging)

Generous parental leave – 18 weeks

Volunteer & Reservist Leave

Health & Wellbeing program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Australia is seeking an experienced Contracts professional to lead drafting, negotiation and management of supplier agreements for a major aircraft sustainment program. The role requires navigating complex obligations, balancing commercial outcomes with compliance, and maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Based in Brisbane with hybrid working options across Fortitude Valley, Springfield or Brisbane Airport Precinct, you will own the contract lifecycle and contribute to

Qualifications

• Experience drafting and negotiating contracts/subcontracts.
• Understanding flow-down obligations across supplier networks.
• Experience with Defence contracting frameworks (DEFCON/ASDEFCON) is advantageous.
• Ability to manage supplier relationships and ensure commercial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Own a portfolio of high-value supplier agreements for major aircraft sustainment programs.
• Lead commercial discussions with stakeholders and suppliers to balance risk and value.
• Ensure governance, documentation and reporting remain accurate and timely.
• Support continuous improvement of contracting processes and supplier performance.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Contract management

Stakeholder management

ASDEFCON knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

ASDEFCON framework

Job description

AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE TYPE: AU- Secret (NV1)

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

We are Northrop Grumman Australia (NGA). Our 800 strong team is leveraging unparalleled global resources to deliver sovereign Defence capability aligned to the Government’s priorities across Aeronautics, Mission Critical Systems, Space and Guided Weapons. As we build our business and our capabilities, we are also developing a reputation as a great place to work. Help us define what is possible for our nation and for your career.

The Role:

One of our long-term aircraft sustainment programs is introducing new contractual and reporting requirements across its supplier network. This role will lead the drafting of subcontract changes, determine which obligations need to be flowed down, and negotiate those changes with our established supplier network.

You’ll review incoming requirements, determine what needs to be incorporated into existing subcontract arrangements, draft and amend contract clauses, and negotiate those changes with suppliers. Success will come from balancing commercial outcomes, compliance obligations and long-term supplier relationships.

The work is visible, the contracts are significant, and you’ll be trusted to own the process. You’ll work closely with an experienced manager who values autonomy, provides support when needed, and actively develops people who want to broaden their commercial capability over time.

For someone who enjoys contract drafting, contract negotiation and solving complex commercial problems, this is the part of the role that matters most.

Brisbane based. Hybrid working available across Fortitude Valley, Springfield or Brisbane Airport Precinct.

Australian Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain an NV1 security clearance is mandatory.

Key Responsibilities

• Owning a portfolio of high-value supplier agreements supporting a major aircraft sustainment program.
• Working with stakeholders to manage contractual risk, compliance obligations and supplier commitments.
• Maintaining productive supplier relationships while protecting NGA's commercial interests.
• Supporting supplier performance and resolving issues before they impact delivery.
• Managing contract governance, reporting and documentation requirements.
• Contributing to Australian Industry Capability (AIC) activities as program requirements evolve.

About You

You’ll have built your career in contracts, subcontracts or commercial management, with hands‑on responsibility for drafting, negotiating and managing agreements rather than simply administering them.

Comfortable working through complex contractual issues, you can interpret new requirements, assess the implications and negotiate outcomes that protect commercial interests while maintaining productive supplier relationships.

Your background may come from Defence, aerospace, government contracting or another regulated environment where compliance, risk and delivery obligations all need to be balanced.

You’ll likely have:

• Experience drafting and negotiating contracts, subcontracts, variations or contract amendments.
• An understanding of contractual flow-down obligations and how they are applied across supplier networks.
• Confidence leading commercial discussions with suppliers and stakeholders at varying levels of seniority.
• Experience managing supplier relationships throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to balance compliance requirements with practical outcomes.
• A collaborative approach, coupled with the confidence to challenge positions when needed to protect contractual or commercial interests.
• Experience with Defence contracting frameworks, DEFCON clauses or ASDEFCON documentation would be highly regarded.

Most importantly, you’ll be comfortable working through contract changes that require careful judgement, supplier buy‑in and a steady approach to negotiation.

Please note: Annual International travel is a requirement for this position.

What we Offer

• Professional Development – further education, leadership development, professional industry memberships and unlimited access to a range of online training
• Purchased annual leave – 2 weeks
• Salary packaging including novated car leases
• Generous paid parental leave – 18 Weeks
• Volunteer and enhanced Reservist Leave
• Health & Wellbeing program
• Employee Assistance Program

Everyone Matters

Doing the right thing and sharing success are two values underpinning how we behave at Northrop Grumman. Here, everyone matters including candidates from diverse backgrounds.

We are particularly proud of our commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as demonstrated through our Second Innovate RAP (2024-2026), and our support for Veteran employment, and welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Veterans to apply to join our team.

For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact [e-mail] NB Files cannot be sent to this address.

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, you must be an Australian Citizen. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable, as such your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. You will also need to satisfy police checks and employment screening verification.

We are proud to be WORK180 accredited – check us out here Northrop Grumman Australia | WORK180 Endorsed Employer