Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Canberra ACT

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

The opportunity

The Assistant Manager, Commercial will support the department’s delivery outcomes by providing high-quality commercial advice, sound governance, and compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and relevant government and departmental policies. This includes contributing to risk and probity management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement of commercial practices to protect the Commonwealth’s interests and maintain public trust.

The Assistant Manager will contribute to the implementation of the Agency's commercial management and legal strategies that achieve organisational objectives and meet legislative and governance requirements.

The Assistant Manager will develop and maintain effective working relationships with senior leaders, business areas, intra‑government subject matter experts and external stakeholders, working collaboratively across the organisation to identify, recommend and implement commercial practices.

- Significant experience in dealing with commercial issues affecting Government.
- Experience in developing and implementing strategies, business cases, policies, and procedures.
- Experience in seeking and interpreting legal advice.
- High level understanding of contract dispute resolution processes.
- Experience in procurement and contract management, providing advice to a range of key stakeholders.
- 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 setting.
- Ability to work in a fluid workplace, remaining flexible, agile and adaptable supporting colleagues at short notice.
- 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.

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 strong 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 peopleand the environment for generations to come. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures. These differences bring challenges and opportunities, and theywill ultimately enhance the delivery of our complex technical work. Our people have the experience and skills to put ARWA at the forehand of the global nuclear waste management field as we deliver world class facilities for Australia.

The opportunity

The Assistant Manager, Commercial will support the department’s delivery outcomes by providing high-quality commercial advice, sound governance, and compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and relevant government and departmental policies. This includes contributing to risk and probity management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement of commercial practices to protect the Commonwealth’s interests and maintain public trust.

The Assistant Manager will contribute to the implementation of the Agency's commercial management and legal strategies that achieve organisational objectives and meet legislative and governance requirements.

The Assistant Manager will develop and maintain effective working relationships with senior leaders, business areas, intra‑government subject matter experts and external stakeholders, working collaboratively across the organisation to identify, recommend and implement commercial practices.

Our ideal candidate

Essential minimum requirements:

- Significant experience in dealing with commercial issues affecting Government.
- Experience in developing and implementing strategies, business cases, policies, and procedures.
- Experience in seeking and interpreting legal advice.
- High level understanding of contract dispute resolution processes.
- Experience in procurement and contract management, providing advice to a range of key stakeholders.
- 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.
- A valid Australian driver's licence.

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.

The key duties of the position include:

Drive Program Delivery Through Commercial Activities

- Contribute to the development and implementation of commercial and legal strategies aligned with the Agency's objectives, identifying opportunities and potential risks.
- Contribute to risk and probity management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement of commercial practices to protect the Commonwealth’s interests and maintain public trust.
- Provide specialist advice, , including coordinating legal, financial and technical inputs where required.
- Monitor, analyse and report on key performance indicators relating to commercial outcomes.
- Establish and maintain transparent and defensible, identifying probity issues and risks and recommending improvements to minimise future issues.
- Translate business requirements and operational priorities into effective commercial activities.

Manage Key Stakeholder Relationships

- Develop and maintain productive relationships with internal stakeholders, government agencies, suppliers and service providers to support commercial strategy and legal strategy outcomes.
- Provide strategic and operational advice to senior leaders and stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
- Build and maintain networks with key stakeholders and suppliers to inform commercial activities.
- Negotiate and influence stakeholders to achieve positive commercial outcomes and resolve issues effectively.
- Promote a positive organisational culture through collaboration, professionalism and transparency.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, applicants must:

- Undertake a pre‑employment security assessment and subsequent security clearance. All staff are required to have a minimum baseline security clearance however some roles will require a higher‑level security clearance. If you are offered a role and do not have a current security clearance, we will work with you to arrange for this to be undertaken.
- 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 Baseline 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 based in Canberra/Adelaide, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Getting to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements.Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work. Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia’s First Peoples. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability. The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process. We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the job’s contact officer. Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Assistant Manager - Commercial (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources
📍 Canberra