Strategic Defence Commercial Lead

Thales; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

Veterans Leave

Fitness Passport Discount

Employee discounts

Modernised Paid Parental Leave

Novated Lease options

Parental/Family support initiatives

Personal & professional training and发展

Wellbeing & Support Partner

Job summary

Thales Australia seeks an experienced Commercial Manager to lead our Munitions Contracts Management team and collaborate with business leaders to secure strong commercial outcomes across contracts, bids and programs.

This role balances strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, driving risk management, contract governance and stakeholder engagement. Based in Canberra or Melbourne, it offers hybrid work arrangements and a pathway to contribute to Defence programs.

Qualifications

• Degree in Law, Commerce, Business, Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in commercial, contracts or project environments within Defence, manufacturing, engineering or similarly complex industries.
• Experience leading, mentoring or developing commercial and contracts professionals.
• Strong knowledge of contract management principles, including ASDEFCON frameworks.
• Well-developed negotiation, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Sound commercial judgement balancing risk, customer needs and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing a team of Contracts Managers, supporting their growth and creating a collaborative, high-performing environment.
• Providing commercial guidance and practical advice to Program Managers, Project Managers and business leaders.
• Supporting the delivery of key Defence programs by ensuring sound commercial outcomes throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Leading contract negotiations with customers, suppliers and industry partners.
• Managing contractual risks, claims and commercial issues while working collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes.
• Partnering with Bid and Project teams to develop commercial strategies for new opportunities and ongoing programs.
• Ensuring contract governance, compliance and reporting requirements are met.
• Supporting the management of intellectual property, export controls and other contractual obligations.
• Contributing as a member of the Munitions Leadership Team to help deliver business objectives and future growth opportunities.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Contract management

Leadership/mentoring

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law, Commerce, Business, Engineering or related discipline

Tools

ASDEFCON frameworks

Job description

Thales Australia seeks an experienced Commercial Manager to lead our Munitions Contracts Management team and collaborate with business leaders to secure strong commercial outcomes across contracts, bids and programs.

This role balances strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, driving risk management, contract governance and stakeholder engagement. Based in Canberra or Melbourne, it offers hybrid work arrangements and a pathway to contribute to Defence programs.