The Role The EL 2 Contract Management Director is accountable to perform and achieve very complex strategic contract management activities within an integrated workforce. They will require extensive knowledge of and compliance with legislative frameworks, government decision-making and Defence’s mission and policies requirements.

Exercising a significant degree of independence the position influences and develops strategies, priorities and operational practices in support of Maritime Sustainment Division objectives. They will provide strategic contract management advice to senior management and stakeholders, whilst leading highly complex work programs with strategic or operational significance.

The EL 2 Contract Management Director requires deep expertise in contract management and relationship management, contracting systems and management procedures, with the ability to translate operational knowledge into strategic outcomes. The EL 2 Contract Management Director provides specialist, professional and technical advice across multiple function areas and maintains high-level relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

Maritime Sustainment Division (MSD) operates within the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group delivering in-service support to Navy and Army along with delivering recent capability to Government.



MSD has undergone a transformational change to establish the Maritime Sustainment Model and ensure the organisation is able to respond to emerging demands and strategic priorities.

Procurement and Contract Management (PCM) is part of the Maritime Sustainment Strategy and Operations Branch within MSD. The PCM team supports all major procurement activities undertaken within MSD for the sustainment of maritime capability for Navy and other key stakeholders, as well as supporting complex contract management issues. The PCM team also manages a range of contracts in its own right, which will be the leadership focus for the Contract Management Director.

Defence is committed to recruiting the right people, in the right jobs, at the right time - whether it is creating, acquiring or delivering Defence capability. Our greatest asset is our people.

Our Ideal Candidate

As an EL 2 Contracting Director, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong suite of capabilities, with the following competencies viewed as essential for success in the role:

- Leadership and Supervision – manage and lead a team, including providing clear and consistent communication, setting clear performance and behavioural standards, managing performance, delegating responsibility and guiding and developing people.
- Commercial Delivery – Lead commercial activities throughout the procurement lifecycle,



including designing and implementing innovative solutions, leading contract negotiations on complex commercial issues, and providing strategic direction on complex contract management issues.
- Persuasion and Influence – Communicate with impact within the PCM and MSD teams, more broadly across Defence, and with external stakeholders including Defence Industry. Negotiate effectively, and manage conflict constructively.
- Strategic Thinking – Apply a strategic mindset, develop and implement strategies, and consider long-term objectives and broader organisational outcomes.
- Planning and Organisation – Oversee all aspects of very complex commercial activities including finance, commercial, security, risk, schedule, human resources and industry relationships.

We are seeking high performing candidates who thrive on new challenges and enjoy working in a fast-paced, complex and delivery-focused environment. We promote an inclusive culture that echoes Defence values – service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence; and are committed to ensuring our people feel appreciated, participate fully, and have access to tailored professionalised pathways. We are flexible and agile in our approach to work, encourage our staff to have a healthy work life balance, and offer access to training and development opportunities and mentoring and coaching services.

Your application should address the above competencies. If you bring these strengths and possess a strong personal drive to support and enhance Australia’s maritime capability, we welcome your application

Security Clearance:

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

📌 Contract Management Director (Australia)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Australia