Contract Manager

The Role

The Landing Craft Branch Program Management Office is looking for an experienced and motivated EL 1 Contract Manager to plan, lead and manage complex contract management activities across the Landing Craft Branch program.

As the EL 1 Contract Manager, you will exercise initiative, sound decision-making and judgement to provide expert policy advice, have in-depth knowledge of the contract management function and be responsible for the development, implementation, compliance and review of policies and procedures relevant to their work within that function. You will engage in complex to very complex problem solving and issues management and may coordinate and perform detailed or sensitive projects that affect strategic, political or operational outcomes for Defence.

This role may have people management responsibilities and you will be required to exercise your people management skills and knowledge to lead a small, high performing team. You will develop and implement work plans, set performance indicators, and review individual, team and business performance, focusing on identifying opportunities for building team capability and continuous improvement. You will set work that align with the strategic objectives and communicate expected outcomes.

You will demonstrate well developed communication skills by actively engaging with and managing key stakeholder relationships and will be required to identify relevant stakeholders’ expectations and concerns to develop and communicate methodologies and practices to achieve outcomes. You will be accountable to contribute towards ongoing self-improvement and professional development of your work area.

About our Team

Landing Craft Branch is accountable for acquisitions under the LAND8710 Program, including LAND8710-1 Landing Craft – Medium (LC-M), LAND8710-1B Amphibious Vehicle – Logistics (AV-L) and LAND8710-2 Landing Craft – Heavy (LC-H). 

The Program Management Office (PMO) embedded within the branch is responsible for oversite and support across the LAND8710 program. The PMO is made up of professionals from various disciplines and comprises highly skilled and motivated Australian Public Service, ADF and contracted personnel.

Our Ideal Candidate

As the EL 1 Contract Manager your duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Accountable for managing allocated resources, setting work area priorities, managing workflows, developing strategies and evaluating business outcomes.
• Accountable for managing and leading a team, including providing clear and consistent communication, setting clear performance and behavioural standards, managing performance, delegating responsibility and guiding and developing people.
• Accountable for accurate completion of work within agreed timeframes and quality requirements, share own expertise with others and guide and mentor less experienced employees.
• Accountable for leading and undertaking procurement planning, tendering and contract formation and contract management activities while ensuring compliance with legislation, procurement policies, processes and procedures.
• Manage and provide clear direction, assistance and services relating to procurement policy issues and commercial, legal, financial investigation, technical and other requirements as applicable in order to support contract management outcomes.
• Implement procurement related documentation including templates, schedules, correspondence, reports, submissions, plans and strategies, risk and performance reviews, contract change proposals and other contract management documentation.
• Possessing the ability to quickly acquire, a deep understanding of the Defence Capability System (DCS) and Defence Commercial Framework; and
• Commitment to the APS Values and APS Code of Conduct.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers