Contract Management Officer (Procurement and Contracting)

As an APS 6 Contract Management Officer, you will manage the commercial and contractual aspects of procurement, acquisition, sustainment and support activities across the Air Warfare Systems Program Office (AWSPO). You will contribute to the full contract lifecycle, including procurement planning, contract establishment, contract administration, performance management, contract variation and contract closure.

Working closely with Product Managers, Project Managers, technical specialists, finance, legal and industry partners, you will ensure compliance with contractual obligations, legislative requirements and Defence procurement policy. You will monitor contract performance, milestones and risks, undertake commercial and financial analysis, and support budgeting, forecasting and invoice validation activities.

The role also involves providing professional commercial advice, supporting procurement and sourcing activities, managing contract changes, and maintaining effective governance, records management and reporting arrangements. Strong stakeholder engagement and sound commercial judgement are essential to delivering Defence capability outcomes and value for money.

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

Located at RAAF Base Williamtown, the Air Warfare Systems Program Office (AWSPO) delivers and sustains critical Air Force capabilities, including Special Operations Air Warfare (SOAW), supporting Air Combat Group and broader Defence outcomes.

Based in the Port Stephens region of NSW, AWSPO offers an exceptional lifestyle with access to beaches, lakes and outdoor recreation, while nearby Newcastle provides vibrant dining, cultural and entertainment options.

Our people are our greatest asset. AWSPO offers a flexible, supportive and inclusive environment that values collaboration and professional development, enabling you to contribute meaningfully while growing your career. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, competitive remuneration and 15.4% superannuation.

Our Ideal Candidate

AWSPO is seeking a motivated and capable contract management professional who can work autonomously, manage competing priorities and apply sound commercial judgement.

Demonstrated commitment to professional development and a positive approach to learning is essential, with the ability to build contract management capability through both on-the-job experience and structured development. You will bring strong problem-solving skills, curiosity in analysing financial data,



and the initiative to work effectively under limited direction. Well-developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with effective time management and the ability to meet deadlines. Familiarity with procurement and contract management frameworks will be highly regarded.

This position will be required to access US export controlled material and therefore applicants will be requested to disclose any dual citizenship with another country during the recruitment process. Dual citizens may be subject to further assessment and appointment to this position will be conditional upon approval to access US controlled export material in accordance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) regulations.

Security Clearance

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

The key duties of the position include:

The Role

As an APS 6 Contract Management Officer, you will manage the commercial and contractual aspects of procurement, acquisition, sustainment and support activities across the Air Warfare Systems Program Office (AWSPO). You will contribute to the full contract lifecycle, including procurement planning, contract establishment, contract administration, performance management, contract variation and contract closure.

Working closely with Product Managers, Project Managers, technical specialists, finance, legal and industry partners, you will ensure compliance with contractual obligations, legislative requirements and Defence procurement policy. You will monitor contract performance, milestones and risks, undertake commercial and financial analysis, and support budgeting, forecasting and invoice validation activities.

The role also involves providing professional commercial advice, supporting procurement and sourcing activities, managing contract changes, and maintaining effective governance, records management and reporting arrangements. Strong stakeholder engagement and sound commercial judgement are essential to delivering Defence capability outcomes and value for money.

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 is critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

Located at RAAF Base Williamtown, the Air Warfare Systems Program Office (AWSPO)



delivers and sustains critical Air Force capabilities, including Special Operations Air Warfare (SOAW), supporting Air Combat Group and broader Defence outcomes.

Based in the Port Stephens region of NSW, AWSPO offers an exceptional lifestyle with access to beaches, lakes and outdoor recreation, while nearby Newcastle provides vibrant dining, cultural and entertainment options.

Our people are our greatest asset. AWSPO offers a flexible, supportive and inclusive environment that values collaboration and professional development, enabling you to contribute meaningfully while growing your career. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, competitive remuneration and 15.4% superannuation.

Our Ideal Candidate

AWSPO is seeking a motivated and capable contract management professional who can work autonomously, manage competing priorities and apply sound commercial judgement.

Demonstrated commitment to professional development and a positive approach to learning is essential, with the ability to build contract management capability through both on-the-job experience and structured development. You will bring solid problem-solving skills, curiosity in analysing financial data, and the initiative to work effectively under limited direction. Well-developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with effective time management and the ability to meet deadlines. Familiarity with procurement and contract management frameworks will be highly regarded.

This position will be required to access US export controlled material and therefore applicants will be requested to disclose any dual citizenship with another country during the recruitment process. Dual citizens may be subject to further assessment and appointment to this position will be conditional upon approval to access US controlled export material in accordance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) regulations.

Eligibility

Security Clearance

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

Getting to know the Department of Defence

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 jobs-careers

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📌 Contract Management Officer (Procurement and Contracting) (Port Stephens)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Port Stephens