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Contract Manager - Defence Apply Now angle-right

Downer Defence Systems provides a broad range of professional and managed services, asset sustainment and estate upkeep services to the Australian Defence Force, the New Zealand Defence Force and other government agencies.

Downer Defence Systems, combining the footprint and capability of Downer and Spotless, is one of the only integrated services companies that has a whole of Defence Capability Life Cycle offering and mindset. Our Sovereign Industry Capability delivers to the needs of Defence, National Security organisations, the major Primes and other government agencies.

As an ADM Top 10 Defence Contractor, we are a proven and trusted long-term partner, committed to diversity and inclusiveness and to growing Australia's Defence industry with the participation of Small to Medium Enterprises.

Position summary:

The Contract Manager is responsible for performing and achieving complex procurement and contracting work in an integrated workforce. As a subject matter expert, they will have an in-depth knowledge of the contract management function, provide expert policy advice to senior management, manage and evaluate project and engineering solutions which allow for the successful delivery of the Defence material capability life cycle. This role is based in Sydney (Fleet base, East).

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic, specialist and professional procurement and contracting advice, allowing for the achievement of project outcomes.
• Recommend strategic directions for area of responsibility and consider wider agency implications when making decisions.
• Coordinate, perform and monitor projects that impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes.
• Develop, implement and undertake compliance reviews of policies and procedures.
• Undertake risk management activities for area of responsibility.
• Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders to identify opportunities, achieve outcomes and facilitate cooperation.
• Identify opportunities for building team capability and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to apply judgement when managing highly complex and/or sensitive issues.
• Develop and implement work plans, establish performance indicators and review individual, team and business performance.

Key selection criteria

• Demonstrated experience in monitoring project performance against agreed deliverables.
• Experience in developing stakeholder relationships, communicating with influence and negotiating effectively.
• The ability to lead and develop a high performing team.
• Ability to apply judgement when managing highly complex and/or sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of schedules, risk, budget and resources.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of briefings, submissions and reports.
• Sound understanding of procurement and contract management practices.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in Procurement and Contracting or equivalent.
• High level writing skills with the ability to adapt communications to suit the target audience.
• Experience in the development and management of high performing teams.
• Sound communication skills with the demonstrated ability to work with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation skills and judgement.
• Demonstrated decision-making skills and the ability to understand strategic impacts of decisions.

About you:

• An experienced Commercial professional who is looking to develop their career in a prominent professional services business.
• An understanding of the Defence Capability Life Cycle.
• Understanding & practical experience working within a Defence project, quality assurance & business improvement process practices and targeted & effective business solutions and outcomes.
• Experience in building trusted & valued relationships with project team members, customers & partners.
• Must hold an Australian Government security clearance (NV1 level and above).

What we offer:

• A diverse and challenging work environment.
• A growing business where opportunities are great.
• A great team where you are empowered to lead.
• Referral bonuses.
• Leave Purchases.
• Access to monthly Professional Development Sessions (including specialist forums).

Security:

Candidates must be Australian citizens with a minimum NV1 security clearance. Applicants residing outside of Australia or non-citizens will not be considered.