- Canberra, Adelaide
- Applications close 5 October
- The salary range for this role is $152,420 - $164,106

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

- Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
- Investing in science and technology
- Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a solid connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) is leading the responsible management and safe storage and disposal of Australia’s radioactive waste. A key element of ARWA’s program is the delivery of disposal pathways for Australia’s radioactive waste which will provide purpose-built, highly engineered solutions to manage radioactive waste from sources such as nuclear medicine production.

At ARWA, our dynamic, multidisciplinary team has a unique opportunity to drive the future of Australia’s expertise in safe and secure radioactive waste management, to protect people and the environment for generations to come. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures. These differences bring challenges and opportunities, and they will ultimately enhance the delivery of our complex technical work. Our people have the experience and skills to put ARWA at the forefront of the global nuclear waste management field as we deliver world class facilities for Australia.

The chance

The Commercial Manager is responsible for representing the Agency’s position during contract negotiations or in discussing and reaching agreement with stakeholders on contractual and performance matters during the agreement term and for ensuring contract assurance and compliance throughout the contract lifecycle. The incumbent will ensure the implementation of the Agency’s Commercial Management and Legal strategy, responsibilities, and services to achieve strategic objectives and meet our obligations under the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and other relevant legislation.

The Commercial Manager will build effective working relationships with the Executive and all business areas and work across the organisation to identify and implement innovation and business improvement opportunities related to procurement and contract management.

Our ideal candidate

Essential minimum requirements:

- Extensive experience in procurement and contract management, providing advice to a range of key stakeholders.
- Significant experience in undertaking strategic contract management functions including developing and implementing strategies,



business cases, policies, and procedures.
- Significant experience in dealing with commercial issues affecting Government.
- High level understanding of contract dispute resolution processes.
- Experience in seeking and interpreting legal advice.
- Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including experience in facilitating forums and focus groups, and demonstrated ability to provide sound advice and prepare written reports and briefings for Senior Executives.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills that foster trust and cooperation, and a proven ability to work effectively and with integrity within a politically sensitive environment.
- Ability to work in a fluid environment, remaining flexible, agile and adaptable supporting colleagues at short notice.

Desirable Characteristics:

- Sound understanding of Government processes.
- Experience working in the delivery of nuclear and radioactive waste management and disposal programs and projects.
- Membership to the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS).

Qualification/s:

- Tertiary qualification in Commerce, Business Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Law, and/or equivalent skills, knowledge and experience.

What you will do

Drive Program Delivery Through Commercial Activities

- Manage, lead and be accountable for supporting procurement planning, tendering and contract formation, and contract management activities while ensuring compliance with legislation, procurement policies, processes and procedures.
- Develop and implement commercial strategies and legal strategies aligned with the Agency’s goals and objectives, including identifying commercial opportunities and challenges.
- Manage, lead and provide high level advice, assistance and services during the procurement lifecycle on contracting activities including coordination of legal and financial services.
- Identify opportunities to enhance program delivery through innovative commercial approaches.

Lead and Manage Contract Management and Procurement Team

- Build the team’s capability by facilitating a collaborative working environment and focusing on individual capability needs through providing performance feedback, facilitating career development opportunities, and mentoring team members.
- Lead a team that provides the Agency with assurance that stakeholders are meeting their contractual obligations and play a leading role in implementing systems and processes to gain best value in the delivery of contracted services.
- Ensure collaboration between team and across the Agency and the Department.

Oversee the Agency's Contract Management and Procurement Function

- Develop strategic and commercially sensitive commercial related documentation including templates, schedules, correspondence, reports, submissions, plans and strategies,



risk and performance reviews, and other contract management documentation.
- Design and implement risk-based approaches for procurement that are compliant with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and support the Agency’s to achieve its outcomes.
- Lead complex change management practices that relate to business-critical contracts and supplier arrangements.
- Oversee the implementation and performance of contracts, including monitoring progress, managing risks, and resolving disputes.

Manage Key Stakeholder Relationships

- Managing relationships with key agency stakeholders, other agencies, vendors and service providers, including undertaking complex contract negotiations and dispute resolution.
- Provide high level strategic advice to ARWA Executive and other key stakeholders to accurately inform decision-making.
- Lead the establishment and ongoing management of effective networks with those key stakeholders and suppliers to assist and inform future strategic procurement directions.
- Influence the perceptions and expectations of key stakeholders to facilitate the continued development of the commercial profession.

Eligibility

Be medically fit to undertake the duties of the job.

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is Canberra or Adelaide based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Application information

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.

Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 750 words and should align to the key duties listed above.

You may use AI tools to support your application. However, all content must be accurate, authentic, and reflect your own capability in line with APS merit principles. For further guidance, please refer to the APSC’s Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.

Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).

Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact ***********@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1*** if you require assistance with your application.

Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.

Contact Information

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Jodie Lindsay via email on *************@industry.gov.au

📌 Manager - Commercial, Executive Level 2, Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Department Of Industry, Science, Energy And Resources
📍 Canberra