Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist (New Program)

3020 NG Australia Pty Ltd.; Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional Development

Purchased annual leave

Novated car leases

Parental leave

Health & Wellbeing program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Australia is seeking a Senior Subcontracts Specialist to shape early program decisions, engage Australian industry, and support governance and commercial strategies for a Defence program.

You will collaborate with Program, Engineering, Contracts and Supply Chain teams, travel as needed, and operate in a hybrid setup across Brisbane, Sydney or Canberra with NV1 clearance requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in defence subcontracting and commercial governance.
• Strong contract negotiation and drafting skills.
• Proven ability to work with suppliers, customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with Australian industry partners and support sourcing activities.
• Lead subcontract negotiations and development from engagement to execution.
• Manage multiple suppliers and stakeholders while balancing program objectives with governance.

Skills

Defence subcontracting

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Position Details

AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE TYPE: AU- Secret (NV1)
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

Job Description

We are Northrop Grumman Australia. 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.

Role Overview

The decisions that shape a program are rarely made when the contract is ready to sign. They're made much earlier. During industry engagement, supplier assessments, governance planning and commercial strategy development. As a Senior Subcontracts Specialist, you'll work alongside Program, Engineering, Contracts, Supply Chain and customer stakeholders as a new Defence program takes shape. You'll help engage Australian industry, support Australian Industry Capability (AIC) outcomes and contribute to the commercial frameworks, supplier strategies and subcontracting activities that will support the program as it grows. You'll work directly with suppliers, support negotiations, contribute to governance activities and help stakeholders navigate complex commercial decisions. Government representatives may be involved in discussions, so confidence, credibility and sound judgement are important. The role involves travel, varying by time of year and workload.

The position can be based in Brisbane, Sydney or Canberra with hybrid work as standard and a 9 day fortnight option.

Key Responsibilities

• Build relationships with Australian industry partners and support sourcing activities that strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability.
• Contribute to subcontracting strategies, governance pathways and commercial approaches that support an emerging Defence program.
• Lead subcontract negotiations and subcontract development activities from supplier engagement through to execution.
• Manage multiple suppliers and stakeholders while balancing program objectives with governance and compliance requirements.
• Support Australian Industry Capability outcomes through industry engagement, supplier development activities and reporting obligations.
• Partner with Program, Engineering, Contracts and Supply Chain teams to support commercial decision-making.
• Represent the business in customer and supplier discussions requiring sound commercial judgement and professionalism.

About You

You're likely coming from a Defence commercial, procurement, sourcing, contracts or subcontracting background where you've had direct involvement in supplier engagement and commercial decision-making. You'll bring experience in areas such as:

• Defence subcontracting, procurement, sourcing or commercial management.
• Contract negotiation and drafting.
• Working directly with suppliers, customers and internal stakeholders.
• Supporting programs with complex governance requirements.
• Managing multiple priorities and supplier relationships.
• Australian Industry Capability (AIC) activities and stakeholder engagement.

Just as importantly, you're a strong relationship builder. You're comfortable engaging suppliers, customers and program stakeholders, working through complex issues and helping drive outcomes forward through collaboration and sound judgement. Defence industry experience is essential. Australian Government NV1 security clearance required, or ability to obtain and maintain.

What We Offer

We have built our benefits to help you define your possible.

• 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

Employment Compliance

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.

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.

Additional Information

With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.